Fastest way from Washington, D.C. to Newark (New Jersey): Flight, about 1h 12min – 1h 34min (from €125). Cheapest: Bus, from €35 (about 3h 50min – 4h 25min). Main companies selling this route on 12Go (checked on November 6, 2026): FlixBus, Greyhound; main departure point: Washington Union Station.
There are 2 ways to get from Washington, D.C. to Newark (New Jersey)
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 | Washington Union Station | €35 | 7 |
| Greyhound | Bus | Washington Union Station | €35 | 5 |
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Practical tips
In Washington, some buses board at a street stop rather than inside a station. Read your e-ticket carefully and look up the address on a map before the day of travel, so you never end up at the wrong corner.
For most budget travellers the bus is the most practical option. Opt for a flight only if you have a tight schedule and can absorb the airport transfers, security and baggage rules on both ends.
The New York area has several airports. If you fly, check that your ticket says Newark (EWR) and not JFK or LaGuardia, since they are far apart and reaching Newark from them takes extra effort.
Bus and flight fares tend to rise as the date approaches, especially on Fridays, Sundays and holidays. Booking ahead secures a lower price and a guaranteed seat on the departure you want.
If you plan to catch a flight or another bus after arriving, leave a generous buffer. Road traffic around the Northeast corridor can cause delays, so avoid booking the last possible departure of the day.
The journey experience
Getting from Washington, D.C. to Newark is one of those East Coast hops where the answer depends on what you value: the lowest fare, or the fewest hours lost. Both options are laid out side by side in the table on this page, so you can see at a glance which one suits your plan.
The bus is the classic budget choice. It is a straightforward city-to-city ride along the Northeast corridor, with reclining seats, luggage space under the bus and usually Wi-Fi and power outlets on board. It suits travellers who want to keep costs low and don't mind sitting on the road. The plane is a real alternative if you are short on time, but remember that airport transfers, security checks and baggage rules add to the total journey. Some flight itineraries involve a connection, which is why the range of durations is so wide.
Our advice: for most independent travellers without a car, the bus is the simplest and cheapest way to reach Newark. Always check the exact boarding point on your e-ticket, because bus stops in Washington can be on a street rather than inside a station. Book early for the best fares, arrive at the stop a little ahead of time, and you will have no surprises. Your e-ticket is confirmed instantly after booking.
Frequently asked questions — Washington, D.C. → Newark (New Jersey)
For most travellers the bus is the better choice: it is the cheapest option, runs city to city and avoids airport hassle. A flight can make sense if you are short on time, but check the full journey including airport transfers and possible connections before deciding.
By bus, the journey takes roughly 3 h 50 to 4 h 25. By plane, durations range from about 1 h 10 to 1 h 35, as flights are direct. Airport transfers and check-in time are not included in flight times.
Bus tickets start from €35, and typically go up to €37. Flights start from €125, with typical fares up to €265. Prices vary with the date and how early you book, so reserving ahead usually gets you the best fare.
The departure point depends on the operator you book, and in Washington it can be a street stop rather than a station. Your e-ticket shows the exact boarding location and arrival point in the Newark area, so check it before travelling.
Your booking confirmation shows whether your chosen departure is direct or involves a change. Compare the options in the table on this page and pick a direct departure if you want to avoid the risk of a missed connection.
Why visit Newark (New Jersey)?
- ✓ Catch a Devils game at Prudential Center, steps from Newark Penn Station
- ✓ Explore the Ironbound district for authentic Portuguese and Spanish seafood and grilled meats
- ✓ Visit the Newark Museum of Art and its planetarium, plus its sculpture garden
- ✓ Stroll Branch Brook Park, home to the largest collection of cherry blossoms in the US
- ✓ Attend a concert or show at the New Jersey Performing Arts Center (NJPAC)
When to visit Newark (New Jersey)?
HUMID CONTINENTAL CLIMATE
April to June, or September to October — mild temperatures, cherry blossoms in April, and fewer humid summer days
What to do in Newark (New Jersey)?
Local experiences, must-see sights and activities selected for you
How long to visit Newark (New Jersey)?
Newark works best as a 1 to 2 day stop. With one day, see the Newark Museum of Art, Branch Brook Park (cherry blossoms in April) and the Ironbound district for Portuguese and Brazilian food. With two days, add the Prudential Center, the NJPAC and a trip into Manhattan, only 20 minutes away by PATH or NJ Transit. Stay near Penn Station Newark to move around easily without a car.
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