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Virginia Beach to Washington DC train

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Virginia Beach - Washington DC Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

You can pick from 3 daily train trips between Virginia Beach and Washington DC. The average train journey from Virginia Beach to Washington DC takes 5 hours and 46 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 5 hours and 28 minutes.

Distance153 mi (247 km)
Fastest train5h 28m
Lowest price$56.02
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Virginia Beach to Washington

(Based on 8 ratings and reviews)

4.9

5.0

Stephanie

January 5, 2024- Couples trip

Amtrak

Pros: Spacious coaches. Cons: The coaches were not heated and quite cold. I also almost missed the transfer bus on my way back, there was no specific pickup point communicated to me. Tips: Be punctual.

5.0

Kumsa L.

July 31, 2022- Vacation

Amtrak

Pros: On time. And the bus is clean and cool. Cons: We have some confusion on where to wait for departure. We wish the time and location is always easily available together. Tips: To know the departure and arrival station ahead of time, on both direction.

5.0

Daniil

July 29, 2022

Amtrak

Tickets didn't include real address of pickup bus stop, I had to google where bus 6186 stops in Virginia Beach (Arctic Ave it is). And I had worries that I did it correctly - while bus was being late during small 5 minutes. Also, I didn't see this number on the bus itself clearly (like , around the door or on the side I see). Yes, "Amtrak" keyword + time of arrive kinda hints it, but common "id" in ticket and on bus (or train! - like number 186 on each car - just to see it right away) would give better clarity.

5.0

Rosario

June 3, 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak

Pros: Relaxing. Cons: More deals. Tips: Book early.

5.0

Jennifer

June 1, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak

Pros: On time. No delays. Cons: Conductor should have a speaker to announce departures. 1 person on the first trip missed his stop. On the way back an elderly lady missed her stop because she did not hear the driver. Tips: Pay attention to what is going on especially if you are new to traveling.

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

The average price for a train ticket from Virginia Beach to Washington is $61.25, Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. By booking your trip at least 24 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $72.13 more.

Average prices by travel date

$102$68$34AprMay

For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Virginia Beach to Washington DC will range from $60 to $94. If you're planning to travel by train to Washington in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from Virginia Beach you can find in the next 7 days is $61. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.

Monthly average prices

$171$137$102$68$34MJJASONDJFMA
You can find the lowest prices on this route during August. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Virginia Beach to Washington DC, with the average price at just $48. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in October, when the average price goes up to $165. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$171$137$102$68$343020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 24 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Washington from Virginia Beach will be about C$72.13 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Virginia Beach to Washington DC?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Virginia Beach to Washington. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak35h 46m$78.03

  • 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 3 Amtrak trains from Virginia Beach to Washington every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $56.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the train is the main method of transportation from Virginia Beach to Washington DC, it will only take you part of the way there. Please note that part of your trip will be on a different vehicle, most commonly a bus or express shuttle.

The distance between Virginia Beach and Washington DC is approximately 153 miles, or 247 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 46 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 28 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.

Thursday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Virginia Beach to Washington DC. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Thursday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Sunday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.

The earliest train departs Virginia Beach at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 1:00pm. 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 3 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 Virginia Beach.

City Information

Virginia Beach

While boasting a suburban atmosphere that will make anyone jealous of an East Coast life, Virginia Beach is the largest city in Virginia by population and one of the state's best destinations. Positioned at the mouth of Chesapeake Bay, its primary focus has always been its oceanfront location.

In the record books as having the longest pleasure beach in the world, the soft golden sands of Virginia Beach stretch for miles. One of the best ways to enjoy it is to take a stroll or bike along the three-mile boardwalk lined with cafés.

A block back, Atlantic Avenue plays host to Virginia Beach's dining scene, which incorporates everything from well-known names to family-run restaurants specializing in the bay's seafood.

But for all the glitz and glamour of Atlantic Avenue, it's Virginia Beach's natural splendors that will have you coming back again and again. As it twists with the coastline to become Shore Drive, you'll reach First Landing State Park. It preserves the spot at which English colonists first arrived on U.S. soil in 1607 after a five-month voyage. Meanwhile, out to sea, there's a chance to spot humpback whales and bottlenose dolphins.

The city’s central location on the Atlantic coastline means there are many destinations you can visit from Virginia Beach for very cheap. The busiest terminus in Virginia Beach is on Northampton Boulevard. It sees buses reach New York City in around eight hours. Head to Norfolk, and you can also jump on Amtrak's Northeast Regional train service to Boston.

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 Virginia Beach?

Main departure station: Park Avenue & 20th Street

There is one train station in Virginia Beach.

All train stations in Virginia Beach:

  • Park Avenue & 20th Street

Where is the train station in Washington DC?

Washington, DC - Union Station - DCAUST-0

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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