Best option from Orlando to Washington, D.C.: Flight — both the fastest and the cheapest, about 2h 10min, from €56. Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 6, 2026): Frontier Airlines, JetBlue, FlixBus; main departure point: Orlando Airport.
There are 2 ways to get from Orlando to Washington, D.C.
Select an option below to see the route details and compare prices. Secure booking via our partner 12go.asia.
Companies selling this route on 12Go
Offers listed on 12Go on November 6, 2026 for a departure on November 27, 2026. Timetables and prices change with the date: check them before booking.
| Company | Mode | Departs from | From | Offers |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | Bus | Orlando Bus Station | €118 | 5 |
| Breeze Airways | Flight | Orlando Airport | €56 | 1 |
| Frontier Airlines | Flight | Orlando Airport | €84 | 8 |
| JetBlue | Flight | Orlando Airport | €120 | 6 |
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Practical tips
This route is long enough that the bus eats a full day and a night. If your schedule is tight or you want to arrive fresh, the plane is the realistic choice. Use the bus only when saving money is the priority.
US bus stops are not always in a station and can be on a street corner. Read your e-ticket carefully for the boarding address, and look it up on a map the day before so you do not go to the wrong place.
The Washington area is served by more than one airport, and they are not equally close to downtown. Check which one your flight uses and how it connects to the city before comparing fares, so a cheap ticket does not cost you extra on arrival.
Both flights and long-distance buses get more expensive as departure approaches, especially at weekends and holidays. Booking well ahead gives you more choice of times and protects you from sold-out departures on a long route.
For the bus, arrive well before boarding so you can find the stop and the right coach. For the flight, allow time for airport transfers and security. A buffer protects you from missing the only departure that suits you.
The journey experience
Orlando and Washington, D.C. are roughly 800 miles apart, which is exactly the kind of distance where choosing the wrong mode of transport can cost you a whole day. The quick answer: this is a route where the plane is usually the sensible choice, and the bus is the budget alternative if you have time to spare. The comparison table on this page puts both options side by side so you can decide in seconds.
By air, you leave from a major Florida airport and land in the Washington area, with plenty of daily flights and several airlines to choose from. It is the most comfortable option and leaves you with a full day at your destination. By bus, long-distance coaches run through the night and the following day, with reclining seats, onboard Wi-Fi on many services and a stop or two to stretch your legs. It saves a night of accommodation if you book an overnight departure, but it is tiring.
My advice: unless your budget is extremely tight or you want to see the East Coast along the way, fly. Whichever you pick, always check the exact departure point on your e-ticket, because bus stops in the US can be on a street corner rather than in a station. Book early for the best fares, and you will arrive without surprises.
Frequently asked questions — Orlando → Washington, D.C.
For most travellers, flying is the better choice: the flight takes about 2 hours, while the bus takes roughly 17 to 20 hours. The bus makes sense only if you want the lowest possible budget, enjoy overland travel or want to save a night of accommodation by travelling overnight.
By plane, the journey takes about 2 hours 10 to 2 hours 20 in the air. By bus, expect roughly 17 to 20 hours depending on the service and stops. Remember to add airport transfers and check-in time if you fly, as they add to your total door-to-door time.
Flights start from €56 and typically go up to €185, depending on the date and how early you book. Bus tickets start from €118 and typically reach €134. Prices vary, so booking early and comparing both options on this page helps you find the best deal for your dates.
Flights leave from an airport in the Orlando area and land at an airport serving Washington, D.C. Buses leave from a pick-up point in Orlando and arrive at a stop in Washington. Always check the exact address and terminal on your e-ticket before travelling, as they can differ from the city name.
It depends on the service you choose. Some departures may be direct, while others involve a change, which is more common on long bus journeys. Check the details of each result on this page before booking, and allow a comfortable margin if a connection is involved.
Why visit Washington, D.C.?
- ✓ Stroll the National Mall and see the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument and Capitol at sunset
- ✓ Explore the free Smithsonian museums, from the Air and Space Museum to the National Museum of African American History and Culture
- ✓ Admire the cherry blossoms around the Tidal Basin in spring
- ✓ Wander the historic cobblestone streets of Georgetown and walk along the Potomac waterfront
- ✓ Visit Arlington National Cemetery and watch the solemn Changing of the Guard
When to visit Washington, D.C.?
HUMID SUBTROPICAL CLIMATE
Late March to May, and September to November — mild temperatures, cherry blossoms in spring, vivid foliage in autumn
What to do in Washington, D.C.?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Washington, D.C.?
Plan 3 to 4 days to cover Washington properly. In 2 days you can see the National Mall, the Lincoln Memorial, the Capitol and one or two Smithsonian museums; with 4 days you add Georgetown, Arlington Cemetery and a day trip to Mount Vernon or Old Town Alexandria. Book Capitol and White House tours weeks ahead and use the Metro to save time.
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