Cheap train tickets from Washington DC to Richmond
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 7 daily train trips available from Washington DC to Richmond. Travelling by train from Washington DC to Richmond usually takes 2 hours and 17 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Palmetto train can make the trip in 1 hour and 58 minutes.
- Distance
- 97 mi (156 km)
- Fastest train
- 1h 58m
- Lowest price
- CHF 12.53
- Trains per day
- 7
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak Northeast Regional
- Train lines
- 6
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Washington DC to Richmond Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Washington DC to Richmond?
There are usually 27 daily bus trips available from Washington DC to Richmond.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceCHF 36.29 | Avg. PriceCHF 25.91Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips7 | Daily Trips27 |
Duration | Duration2h 17m | Duration2h 4mFaster |

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Washington DC to Richmond (Based on 62 ratings and reviews)
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Washington DC to Richmond Route Map

There are several train options that can take you from Washington DC to Richmond:
- Amtrak tickets: CHF 13 one-way
- Amtrak Carolinian tickets: CHF 16 one-way
- Amtrak Floridian tickets: CHF 16 one-way
- Amtrak Northeast Regional tickets: CHF 13 one-way
- Amtrak Palmetto tickets: CHF 42 one-way
- Amtrak Silver Service tickets: CHF 42 one-way
What is the price of a train ticket from Washington DC to Richmond?
In the last month, train tickets from Washington DC to Richmond cost about CHF 31 when booked at the cheapest time. Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CHF 11.08 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to Richmond by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Washington DC to Richmond will cost between CHF 20 and CHF 59. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to Richmond by month
Ticket prices for the train from Washington DC to Richmond often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only CHF 32. If you're thinking of travelling from Washington DC to Richmond during April, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CHF 44 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in April, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Washington DC to Richmond on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about CHF 11.08 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Washington DC to Richmond?
There are 6 train lines with service from Washington DC to Richmond. Amtrak Northeast Regional is the most popular choice with travellers, offering scheduled service on 4 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 3h 40m | CHF 40.96 |
| Amtrak Carolinian | 1 | 2h 12m | CHF 45.33 |
| Amtrak Floridian | 1 | 2h 9m | CHF 42.90 |
| Amtrak Northeast Regional | 4 | 2h 18m | CHF 27.84 |
| Amtrak Palmetto | 1 | 2h 1m | CHF 50.22 |
| Amtrak Silver Service | 1 | 2h 15m | CHF 48.69 |
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 Richmond every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from CHF 12.53.










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 trip per day between Washington DC and Richmond, 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 CHF 45.33, and the trip usually lasts around 2 hours and 12 minutes.
Amtrak Floridian train tickets from Washington DC to Richmond start from CHF 15.87, and on average cost CHF 42.90. Daily, Amtrak Floridian runs one schedule to Richmond. Amtrak Floridian in Washington DC leaves from Union Station. And in Richmond trains arrive at 7519 Staples Mill Rd.
From Washington DC to Richmond train travel on Amtrak Floridian takes 2 hours and 9 minutes.
If you are looking to travel to Richmond on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Floridian scheduled trip per day, which will cost CHF 15.87 for a one-way weekend reservation from Washington DC.
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 travelling 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 4 daily train trips from Washington DC to Richmond, the Northeast Regional is the busiest and most popular among all Amtrak routes.
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. Travelling from Washington DC to Richmond 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 departure along this route, with train ticket pricing at an average of CHF 50.22 on the Palmetto.
The Silver Service is an Amtrak train line that runs from New York City to Miami, connecting the largest cities in the Mid-Atlantic region with key destinations in the South and many places across the Sunshine State. Two trains, the Silver Meteor and Silver Star, collectively comprise the Silver Service. The trains come equipped with a variety of sleeper cars that travellers taking an overnight train can choose from, as well as a variety of amenities like free WiFi, power outlets, and a café car. One-way train tickets for the Silver Service from Washington DC to Richmond start from CHF 41.76 and the average train journey lasts about 2 hours and 15 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Washington DC to Richmond
Amtrak recommends arriving between 30 and 45 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. If you aren’t familiar with the station, plan to have your luggage checked, or want to grab something to eat from the station prior to boarding, plan to get there even earlier.
Yes, there is a direct train that goes from Washington, DC, to Richmond, Virginia. In fact, Amtrak offers at least 10 daily direct trips between the two cities. Amtrak has two stations in Richmond where you may be dropped off. Most trains stop at the Staple Mills Road Station, which is about 5 miles away from downtown Richmond. The other stop is Main Street Station, which is right in the heart of Richmond.
Typically, flying from Washington DC to Richmond is the overall fastest option, with a nonstop flight taking about an hour. However, plane tickets for this route regularly cost more than $300. A more affordable option is to take the train, which runs about 2 hours and 10 minutes, and costs an average of $33.
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Washington DC to Richmond. 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.
There are 7 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Washington DC to Richmond. You can also take a train for your return trip from Richmond to Washington DC. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the bus from Washington DC to Richmond for CHF 11.
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
7
The distance between Washington DC and Richmond is approximately 156 kilometres. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 17 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour and 58 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.
Distance (mi)
97
Distance (km)
156
The earliest train departs Washington DC at 7:00 a.m. while the last train of the day leaves at 7:24 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
7:00am
Last train
7:24pm
Trains from Washington DC to Richmond are the most crowded on Wednesday. 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Wednesday
Least crowded
Sunday
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 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.
Richmond



As one of the most historically significant cities in the U.S., Richmond is a top-tier destination for not just fans of history but also culturally-inclined travellers. The premier tourist attraction of the city is the Virginia State Capitol, which features a unique architecture partially designed by Thomas Jefferson himself. For those who want to enjoy a cultural experience, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is worth checking out, as it houses five exquisitely beautiful Fabergé eggs, along with works by Degas, Cézanne, and Renoir. If you wish to retreat from the concrete jungle, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a great alternative.
Richmond’s diverse community has had a huge influence on its food scene. Croaker's Spot is a famous restaurant that serves some of the best seafood around. Richmond is also the home to a burgeoning craft beer scene, and there are as many as 30 brands in the city. Some of the local favourites include Hardywood, The Veil Brewing Co., and The Answer Brewpub.
Richmond is a major hub for bus travel, and visitors can catch buses that go to cities like Washington, D.C., New York and Raleigh on a daily basis. The city boasts two Amtrak train stations that provide regular service to Washington, D.C., New York City and beyond. The principal one is the Main Street Station, which is located right in the heart of downtown Richmond. The main airport is the Richmond International Airport, 7 miles southeast of the city.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Washington DC?
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 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, 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 Richmond?
Main arrival station: 7519 Staples Mill Rd


Located around 5 miles north of Richmond’s city centre, the Amtrak Station on Staples Mill Road is Amtrak’s busiest transport hub in the Southeast Region. The station was built in 1975 to replace the downtown Main Street Station. It now serves as an important stop for routes travelling up and down the American East. Passengers can venture north onboard the Northeast Regional service—Amtrak’s busiest route—to Washington, D.C., New York, and Boston. Richmond’s Amtrak Station also offers several southward connections to vacation destinations along the East Coast in South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida. In addition, the GRTC bus service is available from the station for transport into downtown Richmond.
All train stations in Richmond:
- 7519 Staples Mill Rd
- Main Street Station
Need a return trip from Richmond to Washington DC?
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