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Trip Summary
There are 17 daily trains from Harrisburg to Washington DC. Traveling by train from Harrisburg to Washington DC usually takes around 5 hours and 24 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 3 hours and 49 minutes.
| Distance | 95 mi (152 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 49m |
| Lowest price | $63.49 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Overall score for trains from Harrisburg to Washington
(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
What is the price of a train ticket from Harrisburg to Washington DC?
In the last month, $136.96 was the average price of a train ticket from Harrisburg to Washington. 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 $68.75 more than that for a same-day booking.
Average prices by travel date
For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Harrisburg to Washington DC will range from $121 to $174. If you're planning to travel by train to Washington in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from Harrisburg you can find in the next 7 days is $127. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
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 Washington from Harrisburg will be about C$68.75 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
Which train should you take from Harrisburg to Washington DC?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Harrisburg to Washington. However, there are 17 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 17 | 5h 25m | $158.24 |
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 17 Amtrak trains from Harrisburg to Washington every day, as well as 16 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $63.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Harrisburg and Washington DC is approximately 95 miles, or 152 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 24 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 49 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.
Trains departing from Harrisburg to Washington DC tend to have the most passengers on Saturday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Saturday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Sunday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Harrisburg at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 17 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Washington DC to Harrisburg.
City Information
Harrisburg
As the capital city of Pennsylvania, Harrisburg offers numerous historic buildings with impressive architecture that will leave you in awe. Among the most impressive ones is the state’s Capitol Complex itself. With a dome that reminisces St. Peter’s Basilica in Rome, the building features as many as 475 rooms filled with exquisite artworks and statues. History fans should also consider visiting the State Museum of Pennsylvania, which follows the history of the state from the beginning of time to this day. Another must-see destination is the National Civil War Museum, which is one of the largest museums dedicated to the Civil War. If too many history lessons stress you out, a cruise along the Susquehanna River on the Pride of the Susquehanna Riverboat will definitely help you unwind.
Harrisburg’s grilled dishes are some of the most famous staples in the city, and among the best establishments is Progress Grill, which has been serving customers since the late 1940s. For some really creative pizzas, The Pizza Grille will be a good choice.
The Harrisburg Transportation Center is the central hub for intercity travel. At the lower level, you can catch a bus by Greyhound, Jefferson Lines or Fullington Trailways to other Pennsylvanian cities such as Allentown and Philadelphia. Travelers can also take Amtrak trains to popular destinations like New York and Philadelphia on a daily basis. The city’s principal airport is Harrisburg International Airport, which is located in Middletown, southeast of the city.
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, 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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Harrisburg?
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attribution
Image credit: David Wilson
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Harrisburg Transportation Center
The Harrisburg Transportation Center (HTC) is a national historical landmark, with a portion of the station dating back to 1887. The station still serves as the city’s primary transportation hub and welcomes over half a million passengers annually. The Harrisburg Transportation Center is the departure point for Amtrak’s Keystone Service to New York City and a stop on the Pennsylvanian route from New York City to Pittsburgh. Besides train service, bus service on Jefferson Lines, Fullington Trailways, and Greyhound operates through this station. Located in downtown Harrisburg, the station is a quick walk from Capitol Park and some of the city’s top restaurants and shopping.
All train stations in Harrisburg:
Harrisburg Transportation Center
Where is the train station in Washington DC?
Main arrival 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.
Train stations in Washington DC:
Union Station
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