Traveling by bus from Baltimore, MD to Washington, DC
Costs and planning from Baltimore, MD to Washington, DC
The bus journey from Baltimore to Washington takes approximately 1 h 4 min and costs $ 27.78. There are 20 daily connections from Baltimore, with the first bus departing at 00:00. The final bus of the day leaves for Washington at 21:55.
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The route from Baltimore, MD to Washington, DC
Taking the bus from Baltimore to Washington is a quick and convenient means of traveling between these two cities. Connections can be made in as little as an hour, depending on the service. Different routes stop at specific locations en route, with direct non-stop options available. The 40-mile journey is also covered by numerous providers, including the popular Greyhound service. Other options include Peter Pan and FlixBus.
Buses depart from across Baltimore, with the Downtown Greyhound Station being the most convenient site. This hub is used by both Greyhound and other bus services. It’s located on Haines Street just off Russell Street, with quick connections to Inner Harbor by CityLink. You should arrive at this Downtown depot 20 minutes before your bus departs. This will give you time to find your stop and board your bus. As with other Greyhound services, you’re allocated checked and carry-on luggage.
Crossing through Maryland
Your bus departs from Baltimore’s Downtown and joins the Baltimore–Washington Parkway. Built in the 1950s, the road had been planned as far back as the 18th century. Military engineer Pierre Charles L'Enfant had conceived of a direct route to connect both Washington and Baltimore. The route crosses the Patapsco River, skirting the BWI Airport as it heads southwest through Maryland.
While taking in highway views, you’ll traverse the important Patuxent Research Refuge. This wildlife refuge dates back to 1936 when it was opened to protect the wetland habitats of the Patuxent rivers. It’s home to bald eagles and migrating birds. You'll pass historic Laurel, home to the charming 18th-century Montpelier House. The next stretch on the journey, Greenbelt, is now an area of historic importance. Built by FDR in the 1930s, it served as a "model town" for garden communities.
Into the US capital
As you reach the DC border, you’ll pass Bladensburg. This old colonial town boasts many surviving 18th-century houses, including a market house from 1765. Your bus crosses into DC via the Anacostia River. Here, the Baltimore–Washington Parkway joins Route 50, an important highway that stretches all the way to California. You’ll pass the United States National Arboretum to your left, a fine park that's home to the Capitol's original columns.
Most buses terminate at Washington Union Station, the city’s prized transport hub. It’s centrally located close to the National Mall and Lower Senate Park. As one of the country's prettiest stations, it's an attraction in its own right. Explore the station's grand halls and sculptural Attic before heading into Washington, DC. You'll find local public transport nearby, including the convenient Washington Metro.
Welcome to Washington, DC, the monumental US capital
The USA's capital city bursts to life with monumental cultural and political attractions. The country’s best museums, icons of the constitution, and prized artworks are all housed within its confines. Yet there’s more to the city too. Discover world-class restaurants and pleasant leafy parks within the greater Washington area.
Historical museums and monuments
It’s hard not to be awe-struck by Washington’s impressive museums. Many of these are clustered around the city’s monolithic National Mall. The most recognizable are all part of the world-renowned Smithsonian Institution. Here, you’ll discover big-hitters like the National Air & Space Museum and the National Museum of Natural History. Even better, all 19 Smithsonian museums are completely free to enter. Once you’ve enjoyed your fill of these, you’ll discover some 70+ museums throughout Washington too.
Remaining at the National Mall, the US’ most iconic monuments are open to view and visit. Among the most famous is the Lincoln Memorial, sitting within its neoclassical temple. Just opposite, you’ll find the monolithic Washington Memorial, glistening against reflective pools. You can climb to the top of this dominating 555-ft tall obelisk – just remember to book. More memorials and national landmarks are found nearby, from somber reminders of wartime sacrifice to poignant commemorations of heroes. Must-visits include the Vietnam Veterans Memorial and Martin Luther King Jr Memorial.
Politics in action
Washington is teeming with politicos and working institutions. Perhaps the most popular attraction is the White House. Grand and imposing with a sculpture-rich garden, it’s also a working residence. Book a tour to marvel at Thomas Jefferson’s dining room and enjoy insider stories from guides. You’ll have to plan your trip in advance. If you can’t catch a tour, head to the visitors center instead. Another significant center of politics is Capitol Hill, home to the glistening Capitol building, which is open for visits.
For a more up-close look at political history, head to the National Archives. This important center of research houses real copies of foundational documents. View the Declaration of Independence, Bill of Rights, and US Constitution. The archives even contain copies of Britain’s 1297 Magna Carta in an exhibition of the development of rights. Other important sites open to the public include the Supreme Court and Library of Congress.
A vibrant, versatile dining scene
Washington’s restaurant scene will amaze. You’ll find everything from Ethiopian diners serving kita bread to Vietnamese noodle bars offering pho. Michelin also has a firm presence in the city, so there’s no shortage of fine dining. However, Washington’s biggest asset is its farm-to-table offerings. Locally-sourced farmers markets and stalls are all the rage. For the best, head to Dupont Circle or Union Market to eat your way through the world. Other highlights include the well-named Founding Farmers.
As you might expect from a political capital, Washington has plenty of famous eating spots. One of the most iconic is Ben’s Chili Bowl, a humble 1950s diner that has served presidents and congressmen. Other famed institutions include Martin’s Tavern, frequented by Bush and Truman. Then there’s Gadsby’s Tavern, a bar favored by Jefferson, Washington, and Adams.
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