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Trains from Washington DC to Wilmington

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Washington DC - Wilmington Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are 41 daily trains from Washington DC to Wilmington. Traveling by train from Washington DC to Wilmington usually takes around 5 hours and 39 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in one hour and 10 minutes.

Distance99 mi (159 km)
Fastest train1h 10m
Lowest price$23.15
Trains per day25
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines7

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Washington to Wilmington

(Based on 14 ratings and reviews)

4.7

4.0

Lewis

June 1, 2022- Visiting friends

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Plenty of room as the car wasn’t crowded and no further delays after starting a bit late.

Plenty of room as the car wasn’t crowded and no further delays after starting a bit late.

5.0

Luz

April 12, 2022- Vacation

Amtrak Acela

Pros: Very affordable using wanderu. Tips: Don’t forget get mask!

Pros: Very affordable using wanderu. Tips: Don’t forget get mask!

4.0

Sladan

December 23, 2021- Solo travel

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Announce gate sooner in DC Union Station

Announce gate sooner in DC Union Station

5.0

Diane

August 22, 2021- Vacation

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Easy no driving the best part , comfy seats I got a really good deal on the price , would absolutely take the train again

Easy no driving the best part , comfy seats I got a really good deal on the price , would absolutely take the train again

5.0

Travis

March 15, 2021- Solo travel

Amtrak Vermonter

Pros: Quiet and not busy. Cons: Track number on board was not displayed and almost didnt make it. Tips: Be early.

Pros: Quiet and not busy. Cons: Track number on board was not displayed and almost didnt make it. Tips: Be early.

Train service from Washington DC to Wilmington

See more details

What is the price of a train ticket from Washington DC to Wilmington?

In the last month, $100.89 was the average price of a train ticket from Washington to Wilmington. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 29 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $30.60 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

$154$103$51JulJul

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Washington DC to Wilmington will vary between C$84 and C$152. Planning a train trip to Wilmington within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Washington over the next 7 days is C$84. Make sure to book your trip as soon as possible as train fares tend to go up as you get closer to your travel date.

Monthly average prices

$129$103$77$51$26ASONDJFMAMJJ

If you are trying to decide when to travel from Washington DC to Wilmington by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for January. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just C$67 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Washington DC to Wilmington in June, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to C$105 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you have a high chance of scoring a ticket at a lower price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$129$103$77$51$263020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Wilmington from Washington will be about C$30.60 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Washington DC to Wilmington?

There are 7 train lines with service from Washington to Wilmington. Amtrak is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 18 trains each day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak1814h 55m$170.23
Amtrak Acela71h 17m$140.24
Amtrak Carolinian11h 21m$112.79
Amtrak Crescent11h 31m$358.09
Amtrak Northeast Regional141h 41m$57.29
Amtrak Palmetto11h 30m$128.24
Amtrak Vermonter11h 31m$58.03
  • Amtrak

    Amtrak

    Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 18 Amtrak trains from Washington to Wilmington every day, as well as 12 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $23.

  • Amtrak Acela

    Amtrak Acela

    The Acela is Amtrak’s flagship high-speed rail service. Connecting 15 cities along the Northeast Corridor of the United States, the Acela is Amtrak’s fastest running passenger train, developing a speed of up to 82.2 mph. Acela trains are equipped with free high-speed internet, power outlets and extra comfortable seats. In addition, all Acela passengers have access to the line’s signature Corridor Café where they can unwind and enjoy a freshly prepared meal with a glass of wine. There are 7 Acela trips from Washington to Wilmington every day, including the weekend. As it is Amtrak’s most premiumly priced service, the average Acela train ticket for this route costs around .

  • Amtrak Carolinian

    Amtrak Carolinian

    The Amtrak Carolinian is a passenger train service which connects New York City and Washington, DC to some of the most charming destinations in North Carolina. The Carolinian runs an average of 1 trips per day between Washington and Wilmington, all of which include seats with extra legroom, free WiFi, power outlets, and snacks available in the Café car. The average Amtrak Carolinian ticket price for this route is , and the trip usually lasts around 1 hours and 21 minutes.

  • Amtrak Crescent

    Amtrak Crescent

    The Crescent is Amtrak’s passenger train service that runs from New York to New Orleans by way of Atlanta. As an overnight service, the Crescent offers a variety of amenities and accommodation options. There’s also a café car where you can enjoy freshly prepared meals and a variety of soft and alcoholic beverages. Like all Amtrak trains, the Crescent offers free WiFi, power outlets and extra legroom. Train trips from Washington to Wilmington take about 1 hours and 31 minutes and the cost of a one-way train ticket on the Crescent starts from $118.

  • Amtrak Northeast Regional

    Amtrak Northeast Regional

    The Northeast Regional is Amtrak’s passenger rail service that runs between Boston, MA and Virginia Beach, VA, connecting over 50 cities in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. While the line’s downtown-to-downtown train service makes traveling between the biggest cities in the Northeast convenient and hassle-free, the train’s amenities make the journey comfortable and relaxing as well. Amtrak passengers can enjoy large seats with extra legroom and power outlets, as well as free WiFi and clean bathrooms. With 14 daily train trips from Washington to Wilmington, the Northeast Regional is the busiest and most popular among all Amtrak routes.

  • Amtrak Palmetto

    Amtrak Palmetto

    The Palmetto is an Amtrak train service that runs a total of 829 miles from New York City to Savannah, GA, connecting 20 cities from the Northeast to the Southeast along the way. Traveling from Washington to Wilmington is comfortable and relaxing on the Palmetto, thanks to the train’s free WiFi, power outlets, and seating with extra legroom. You can pick from 1 daily departures along this route, with train ticket pricing at an average of on the Palmetto.

  • Amtrak Vermonter

    Amtrak Vermonter

    The Vermonter is an Amtrak passenger train that connects St. Albans, VT to Washington, D.C. by way of New York City. The journey is renowned for the beautiful scenic views that it presents as it passes through the Green Mountains and the Berkshires. Aboard the Vermonter, passengers can enjoy free WiFi, power outlets at every seat and extra legroom. You can also grab a bite to eat or enjoy a refreshing beverage from the train’s café. There are 1 Vermonter trains traveling from Washington to Wilmington every day, with prices starting from $23.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to travel by train from Washington to Wilmington during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

In addition, federal law requires all train passengers to wear a face covering for the entire duration of the trip. Please make sure you are wearing a face mask or you may not be allowed to board the train.

Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.

Can you take a train all the way from Washington DC to Wilmington?

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Washington DC to Wilmington. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

How long is the train journey from Washington DC to Wilmington?

The distance between Washington DC and Wilmington is approximately 99 miles, or 159 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 39 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 10 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.

When are trains the most crowded?

Trains from Washington DC to Wilmington are the most crowded on Monday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

When are the first and last trains of the day?

The earliest train departs Washington DC at 12:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Is there a direct train from Washington DC to Wilmington?

There are 41 scheduled trains on most days. 25 of these are direct connections to Wilmington. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Wilmington to Washington DC.

City Information

Washington DC

Washington, DC is the capital of the United States, and as such, it offers many points of interest of governmental and historical value. DC is home to several iconic landmarks, including the White House where the U.S. president resides, the Capitol building that houses the meeting chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the National Mall, where you can stop by the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the World War II Memorial. One of the reasons Washington, DC is among the best destinations to visit with your family is because it is home to so many world-famous museums, including the Smithsonians – 16 museums scattered across the District, most of which are open every day of the week, and even better, every single one is free.

D.C. is not just about politics and museums, though. The city’s active nightlife fittingly ranks it among the biggest party hubs in the country. Head to the vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood to check out some of the finest restaurants that the nation’s capital has to offer, and follow that up with a drink (or two) at one of the many bars in the area.

Nested between Virginia and Maryland, Washington, D.C. is a key transportation hub with three nearby airports and several bus and train stations.

Wilmington

Wilmington is a major city in Delaware, established at the site of the first Swedish settlement in North America. The charming city, at the confluence of the Brandywine River and Christina River, offers easy connections to the lush countryside of Brandywine Valley. Thanks to the venerable du Pont family, who established the DuPont Company in Wilmington in 1802, the city is filled with grand estates and magnificent gardens for visitors to enjoy. The Hagley Museum & Library is the ultimate example. The expansive complex includes the first home of the du Pont family, powder yards from the company's initial gunpowder mill, and a Renaissance-style garden complete with terraces.

To dive deeper into the city's history, check out the Fort Christina State Park, the site of Wilmington's original Swedish settlement over 400 years ago. Other popular attractions include the Delaware Art Museum and Brandywine Zoo.

Wilmington is easy to access from most of the mid-Atlantic region and is located between Philadelphia and Washington. In 2011, the city's Amtrak train station was renamed the Joseph R. Biden, Jr., Railroad Station in honor of rail enthusiast Joe Biden, who often commuted via Amtrak from Wilmington to Washington during his time as a Senator. Buses from Wilmington also connect to cities like New York, Baltimore, and Philadelphia. Since the regional Wilmington Airport does not offer civilian flights, travelers can easily take a bus to the airport in Philadelphia for any air travel out of the area.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Washington DC?

Washington, DC - Union Station - DCAUST-0

Main departure station: Union Station

Opened more than 100 years ago in 1907, Union Station is the largest transportation hub in Washington, D.C. with almost 5 million travelers passing through it every year. As the official headquarters of Amtrak, Union Station is the main train station in the U.S. capital. It is also a major hub for intercity bus travel, serving as the main bus station in D.C. for a number of carriers, including Greyhound, BoltBus, Peter Pan Bus Lines and OurBus. Union Station offers easy transit connections to places all over D.C. with dedicated stops for the city’s metro, bus and streetcar services, as well as commuter rail for travelers to and from the surrounding areas. Additionally, with a full blown shopping mall on the premises, Union Station is also among the most popular shopping destinations in the nation's capital.

All train stations in Washington DC:

  • Union Station

  • 11 W Baltimore Ave

  • 1100 Liberty Ave

  • Union Station

  • Potomac St & Shenandoah St

  • 307 South Stonestreet Ave

  • 200 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway

  • MLK Plaza - 415 Emerald Ave

  • 229 East Martin St

  • Union Station

  • Union Station - 400 S Houston St

  • 350 S Illinois St

  • 485 West Van Vleek Street

  • North Water St & West Peach St

  • 820 East Main St

Where is the train station in Wilmington?

Main arrival station: Amtrak/SEPTA Station

Wilmington has one train station.

Train stations in Wilmington:

  • Amtrak/SEPTA Station

Related reading

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