Memorial Day weekend is the unofficial start of summer, and it is one of the best times to take a short, low-stress trip. In 2026, Memorial Day falls on Monday, May 25, creating a three-day weekend for many travelers. It’s the best chance to grab a long weekend for your next trip.
For weekend travelers, couples, and students, bus travel keeps the plan simple: no airport lines, no parking hunt, no one stuck driving through holiday traffic. These Memorial Day weekend getaways are route-led, practical, and easy to plan with OurBus.
Memorial Day Weekend Trip Ideas
You can book a ride for all these trips on ourbus.com
| Starting City | Best Bus Getaway | Best For | Approx. Bus Time |
| NYC | Washington, DC | Memorial events, museums, monuments | 4 to 4.5 hours |
| NYC | Atlantic City, NJ | Boardwalk, beach, nightlife | 2.5 to 3 hours |
| NYC | Philadelphia, PA | Food, history, quick escape | Under 2 hours |
| NYC | Boston, MA | Parks, harbor walks, city break | 4 to 4.5 hours |
| NYC | Ithaca, NY | Waterfalls, nature, quiet weekend | 4 to 5 hours |
| DC | New York City | Big-city energy, food, shows | 4 to 4.5 hours |
| DC | Philadelphia | Historic sites, walkable weekend | 3.5 to 4h |
| Philly | Washington, DC | Memorial Day events, monuments | 3 hours 20 mins |
| Boston | New York City | Long weekend classic | 4 hours 10 mins |
Why Take the Bus for Memorial Day Weekend?
Memorial Day weekend is busy. Roads fill up, airports get crowded, and parking in popular cities can be expensive.
Bus travel works well for short and mid-distance trips because:
- You can book online and travel city-to-city.
- You avoid driving and parking.
- You can use travel time to rest, stream, read, or work.
- You can find affordable bus travel on major Northeast routes.
- You can compare schedules and pickup points before booking.
OurBus offers amenities such as free Wi-Fi, charging ports, free water, comfortable seating, real-time tracking, and flexible cancellation or rescheduling on many routes.
1. NYC to Washington, DC
Washington, DC is one of the most meaningful Memorial Day weekend getaways from NYC. The National Memorial Day Parade returns on Monday, May 25, 2026, at 10 a.m. on Constitution Avenue, honoring service members through a large public event in the nation’s capital.
OurBus lists the bus from NYC to DC with direct trips, multiple daily departures, central pickup and drop-off points, and a travel time of around 4 to 4.5 hours.
What to do:
- Watch the National Memorial Day Parade.
- Visit the National Mall.
- Explore Smithsonian museums.
- Walk around Georgetown or the Wharf.
- See the Lincoln Memorial and Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
Why it works: It combines the meaning of the holiday with free or low-cost attractions.
2. NYC to Atlantic City, NJ
Atlantic City is one of the easiest beach-style weekend getaways by bus from NYC. OurBus lists NYC to Atlantic City bus service, with a total travel time of around 2.5 to 3 hours.
This is a good pick if you want a simple summer kickoff without flying south.
What to do:
- Walk the Atlantic City Boardwalk.
- Spend time near the beach.
- Try oceanfront dining.
- Visit Steel Pier.
- Plan a casual nightlife weekend.
Why it works: It feels like a real getaway but does not require a long travel day.
3. NYC to Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia is one of the best cheap weekend trips from NYC because it is close, walkable, and packed with things to do. The bus from NYC to Philadelphia by OurBus takes under two hours, with nearly 20 daily departures and direct service.
What to do:
- Visit Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell.
- Eat at Reading Terminal Market.
- Walk around Old City.
- Explore Rittenhouse Square.
- Visit the Philadelphia Museum of Art area.
Why it works: It is short enough for a one-night stay, but busy enough for a full long weekend.
4. NYC to Boston, MA
Boston is a strong long weekend pick for travelers who want a classic city escape. OurBus lists Bus from NYC to Boston with an average travel time of 4 to 4.5 hours and Back Bay drop-off points near the Prudential and Hynes T stations.
What to do:
- Walk the Freedom Trail.
- Relax in Boston Common.
- Explore Newbury Street.
- Visit the Seaport.
- Take a harbor walk.
- Spend time in Cambridge.
Why it works: Boston gives you history, neighborhoods, food, and waterfront views in one compact trip.
5. NYC to Ithaca, NY
Ithaca is a calmer alternative to the big-city Memorial Day rush. OurBus lists bus from NYC to Ithaca starting around $25, with an average bus travel time of 4 to 5 hours and a downtown Ithaca drop-off.
This is one of the best long weekend bus trips for travelers who want trails, lakes, waterfalls, and a slower pace.
What to do:
- Visit Ithaca Commons.
- Walk Cascadilla Gorge.
- Explore local cafés and bookstores.
- Plan a waterfall hike.
- Enjoy Cayuga Lake views.
Why it works: It offers nature without needing to rent a car for the whole weekend.
6. DC to New York City
For DC travelers, New York City is a classic Memorial Day weekend escape. OurBus lists bus from DC to NYC with multiple daily departures and travel time around 4 to 4.5 hours.
What to do:
- Walk the High Line.
- Explore Central Park.
- Visit a museum.
- Eat your way through different neighborhoods.
- See a Broadway or Off-Broadway show.
- Spend time in Brooklyn or Lower Manhattan.
Why it works: NYC gives you maximum options without needing a car.
7. DC to Philadelphia, PA
Philadelphia is a practical pick for DC travelers who want a city break that is shorter than an NYC trip. The bus from DC to Philadelphia by OurBus usually takes between 3 hours and 20 minutes and 4 hours, depending on traffic and the time of day.
What to do:
- Visit Old City.
- Try Reading Terminal Market.
- Walk along the Schuylkill River Trail.
- Explore Fishtown cafés and restaurants.
- See the Rocky Steps.
Why it works: It is close, compact, and easy to explore without a complicated itinerary.
8. Philly to Washington, DC
If you are starting in Philly, DC is one of the most relevant Memorial Day weekend getaways by bus. The bus from Philly to DC can be booked simply through the website or app, with schedules, pickup points, and seat availability shown online.
What to do:
- Attend Memorial Day commemorations.
- Walk the National Mall.
- Visit the Smithsonian museums.
- See the U.S. Capitol area.
- Explore Union Market or Georgetown.
Why it works: The destination fits the holiday and offers many free attractions.
9. Boston to New York City
For Boston travelers, NYC is one of the most reliable weekend getaways by bus. The bus from Boston to NYC by OurBus has an average travel time of 4 to 4.5 hours and offers central pickup points in Boston.
What to do:
- Walk through Central Park.
- Explore Chelsea and the High Line.
- Visit museums.
- Eat in Chinatown, the West Village, or Brooklyn.
- Catch a show or comedy set.
Why it works: It is a big-city long weekend without the airport process.
FAQ
1. What are the best Memorial Day weekend getaways by bus from NYC?
The best Memorial Day weekend getaways from NYC by bus include Washington, DC; Atlantic City; Philadelphia; Boston; and Ithaca. These routes work well for different travel styles, from museums and monuments to beaches and waterfalls.
2. What are the best bus trips from NYC for Memorial Day weekend?
Top bus trips from NYC include NYC to DC for Memorial Day events, NYC to Atlantic City for the boardwalk, NYC to Philadelphia for food and history, NYC to Boston for a classic city break, and NYC to Ithaca for nature.
3. What are cheap weekend trips by bus from NYC?
Philadelphia and Atlantic City are strong cheap weekend trips from NYC because the travel time is short and you can plan a one- or two-night stay without flights or a rental car.
4. Is Washington, DC a good Memorial Day weekend destination?
Yes. Washington, DC is one of the most meaningful Memorial Day destinations because of its national memorials, museums, and the National Memorial Day Parade on May 25, 2026.
5. When should I book Memorial Day weekend bus tickets?
Book as early as your plans allow. Memorial Day weekend is a high-demand travel period, especially for Friday departures and Monday returns.
No Comments