Getting to DC Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Wallet)

Whether you’re coming from Philly, Detroit, Atlanta, or anywhere, you deserve a way to get to Washington that doesn’t require a car, a trust fund, or a miracle. We’ve collected some of the most realistic ways to get here—especially for those organizing in groups or traveling on a tight budget.

This isn’t Expedia. It’s a plain-language list of what actually works.

1. Low-Cost Buses: Dirt Cheap, Surprisingly Reliable

For under $50 (often much less), you can ride from many East Coast and Midwest cities straight to DC. They’re not glamorous, but they’re not scams either.

  • Megabus – Comfortable enough, very cheap if you book early. megabus.com

  • FlixBus – Often cheaper than Greyhound, but more inconsistent. flixbus.com

  • OurBus – Smaller routes, clean buses, often with WiFi. ourbus.com

  • Greyhound – Still kicking. Check prices; they fluctuate. greyhound.com

Some terminals can feel a little chaotic—just plan to arrive 20–30 minutes early and keep your bag close.

2. Community partners

FLARE USA has a discord set up for both rideshares and lodging that may be a stellar resource to find friends and partners for activism work. You can find it here: https://discord.gg/aCDMS7PKwD

3. Amtrak: If You Can Swing It

Amtrak’s Northeast Regional line connects DC to New York, Boston, and Richmond. You’ll pay more than the bus, but sometimes there are deals. If you’re eligible for a senior, student, or group discount, it can close the gap.

amtrak.com

Trains arrive at Union Station, right in the heart of the city. From there, you can walk, Metro, or catch a rideshare anywhere.

4. Charter a Bus: Not as Expensive as It Sounds

If you’re traveling with 25+ people, you can charter a whole bus. Yes, it takes work—but we’ve seen organizers do it for less than $25 a head round-trip.

We’re building a list of companies who’ve helped advocacy groups before. If you’re interested in organizing a group trip, get in touch—we’ll send you tips, sample emails, and the names of the companies we trust.


5. Flying In: If You’re Coming From Farther Out

If you’re coming from California, Texas, the Dakotas, or anywhere a bus ride would take two days and ruin your back, flying might be your only option.

The good news: DC has three major airports, and all of them are reachable by transit or cheap rideshare.

  • DCA (Reagan National) – Closest to downtown. On the Metro. Easy.

  • BWI (Baltimore) – Often cheapest for cross-country flights. Take the MARC train or shuttle + Metro.

  • IAD (Dulles) – Lots of international options. A bit farther out but now has a Metro line.

Tip: Use flight search tools like Google Flights or Skyscanner and filter by nearby airports. Flying into Baltimore or even Philly and catching a bus the rest of the way can be cheaper than a direct DC flight.

6. Emergency Help Getting Here

If you’re serious about showing up but cost is stopping you, we may be able to help. We’re building a small network of travel sponsors—individuals and groups willing to cover a ticket here or there for the right person.

This is for people with no other option, not a backup plan. But if that’s you, send us a message with your city, travel date, and situation. No promises, but we’ll do what we can.

Need help figuring it out?

You don’t have to do this alone. If you’re overwhelmed or unsure which route is best, someone from our team can talk you through it—step by step, no judgment.

Just ask.