Cheap train tickets from Washington DC to Waterloo

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Washington DC to Waterloo. Travelling by train from Washington DC to Waterloo usually takes 19 hours and 12 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Floridian train can make the trip in 14 hours and 39 minutes.

Distance
456 mi (734 km)
Fastest train
14h 39m
Lowest price
$117.36
Trains per day
2
Most frequent service
Amtrak
Train lines
2

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Washington DC to Waterloo Train Schedule

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Washington DC to Waterloo (Based on 1 rating and review)

5.0

5.0

Connie

March 16, 2024 - Vacation

Amtrak Capitol Limited
Pros: They were very helpful and informative. Cons: Nothing I can think of at the moment
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What is the price of a train ticket from Washington DC to Waterloo?

In the last month, train tickets from Washington DC to Waterloo cost about $208 when booked at the cheapest time. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 1 day prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $387.93 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to Waterloo by travel date

$300$200$100NovDec

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Washington DC to Waterloo will cost between $173 and $299. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to Waterloo by month

$425$340$255$170$85JFMAMJJASOND

Ticket prices for the train from Washington DC to Waterloo often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in September when the average ticket price is only $232. If you're thinking of travelling from Washington DC to Waterloo during May, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $421 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in May, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$600$480$360$240$120

By booking your train trip from Washington DC to Waterloo on Wanderu at least 1 day ahead of time, you can save about $387.93 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Washington DC to Waterloo?

2 train services operate from Washington DC to Waterloo. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 2 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak221h 1m$513.85
Amtrak Floridian114h 39m$162.76
  • Amtrak is the largest passenger railway 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 washroom, 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 2 Amtrak trains from Washington DC to Waterloo every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $331.11.

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  • Amtrak Floridian train tickets from Washington DC to Waterloo start from $117.36, and on average cost $162.76. Daily, Amtrak Floridian runs one schedule to Waterloo. Amtrak Floridian in Washington DC leaves from Union Station. And in Waterloo trains arrive at 485 West Van Vleek Street.

    From Washington DC to Waterloo train travel on Amtrak Floridian takes 14 hours and 39 minutes.

    If you are looking to travel to Waterloo on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Floridian scheduled trip per day, which will cost $117.36 for a one-way weekend reservation from Washington DC.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Washington DC to Waterloo

Trains leave the station in Washington DC twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to Waterloo faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip. You can also take a train for your return trip from Waterloo to Washington DC.

Trains per day

2

Direct trains

1

The distance between Washington DC and Waterloo is approximately 734 kilometres. The average train journey between these two cities takes 19 hours and 12 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 14 hours and 39 minutes. Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.

Distance (mi)

456

Distance (km)

734

The earliest train departs Washington DC at 9:15 a.m. while the last train of the day leaves at 3:57 p.m. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

First train

9:15am

Last train

3:57pm

Trains from Washington DC to Waterloo are the most crowded on Saturday. 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 travelling on Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Saturday

Least crowded

Thursday

City Information

Washington DC

DCA-0DCA-1DCA-2

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 neighbourhood to check out some of the finest restaurants that the nation’s capital has to offer, or join a food tour of Georgetown to get a taste of the area’s culture along with its cuisine.

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

Waterloo

Waterloo, IN, US - WTI-0

Waterloo is a town in Indiana, getting its unique name from the city of the same name in Belgium. Despite being a small town, it offers a wide range of activities for families and sports lovers. You can take golf classes at the Bridgewater Golf Club or go skating with the family at the Skatin' Station. The family-friendly town is home to the Ft Wayne Children's Zoo and Potawatomi Zoo. During your visit, some historical markers to check out include the Immaculate Conception Church and St. Paul's Episcopal Church.

Shopping enthusiasts will be pleased in Waterloo, as the town is home to different specialty shops and boutiques. You can also visit when the De Kalb County Fair is in town, offering special events and auctions. The Summer Parade and Festival is an annual highlight in Waterloo, offering delicious food, activities for all ages, and fun presentations.

Waterloo is known as the crossroads of Northeastern Indiana, as it connects several major transportation routes. The travel hub has routes like I-69, US 6, and IN 427 and is the only Amtrak passenger train stop in northeast Indiana.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Washington DC?

Main departure station: Union Station

Washington, DC - Union Station - DCAUST-0

Opened more than 100 years ago in 1907, Union Station is the largest transportation hub in Washington, D.C. with almost 5 million travellers 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 travellers 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

Where is the train station in Waterloo?

Main arrival station: 485 West Van Vleek Street

Waterloo has one train station.

All train stations in Waterloo:

  • 485 West Van Vleek Street

Need a return trip from Waterloo to Washington DC?

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