Cheap train tickets from Washington DC to Rensselaer

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Trip Summary

There are usually 16 daily train trips available from Washington DC to Rensselaer. Travelling by train from Washington DC to Rensselaer usually takes 8 hours and 50 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 6 hours and 19 minutes.

Distance: 310 mi (499 km)
Fastest train: 6h 19m
Lowest price: US$65.00
Trains per day: 16
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 1

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

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Washington DC to Rensselaer Train Timetable

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Washington DC to Rensselaer (Based on 3 ratings and reviews)

5.0

Joseph

7 October 2019 - Couples trip

Amtrak

Pros: beautiful trip along the Hudson river. seats were very comfortable Cons: We got off on the wrong exit. Apparently there are 2 Penn Stations. Other than trying to listen to the overhead speaker there isnt anything else that tells you what exit you are at, like the metro system in DC. Getting back on track was not a good experience in Newark, NJ. Tips: Dont get off in Newark, NJ. :) ever

5.0

Deborah

16 September 2019 - Visiting family

Amtrak

Pros: clean, on time, friendly personel Cons: price Tips: Faster than a car

There are several train options that can take you from Washington DC to Rensselaer:

Amtrak tickets: US$65 one-way

See more details

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

In the last month, train tickets from Washington DC to Rensselaer cost about US$170 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 24 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around US$129.35 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

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

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Washington DC to Rensselaer will cost between US$104 and US$359. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to Rensselaer by month

Ticket prices for the train from Washington DC to Rensselaer 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 US$151. If you're thinking of travelling from Washington DC to Rensselaer during May, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$208 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

By booking your train trip from Washington DC to Rensselaer on Wanderu at least 24 days ahead of time, you can save about US$129.35 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Washington DC to Rensselaer?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Washington DC to Rensselaer. However, there are 16 trains per day to choose from.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	16	8h 50m	US$214.61

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 toilet, free WiFi and power sockets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 16 Amtrak trains from Washington DC to Rensselaer every day, as well as 11 trips at the weekends, with prices starting from US$65.

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

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Washington DC to Rensselaer. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a coach 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 16 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 hand 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 Rensselaer to Washington DC.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Washington DC and Rensselaer is approximately 310 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 8 hours and 50 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 6 hours and 19 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 patchy signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and films to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.

Distance (mi)

310

Distance (km)

499

The earliest train departs Washington DC at 3:20 while the last train of the day leaves at 22:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full timetable for your specific travel dates.

First train

3:20am

Last train

10:00pm

Trains from Washington DC to Rensselaer are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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

Tuesday

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 transport hub with three nearby airports and several coach and train stations.

Rensselaer

Rensselaer is a small town located just across the Hudson River from the New York State capital, Albany. The Amtrak train station that serves Albany is actually located within Rensselaer, so many commuters and vacationers alike will pass through the city when travelling in the Hudson River Valley.

Rensselaer itself boasts a rich industrial tradition, and it was known as a major railway hub in the 19th century. One of the appealing local attractions in town is the Crailo State Historic Site. The site is a manor house, built in 1707, that today serves as a museum dedicated to the culture of Dutch colonists in New York State. More museums, activities, parks, and sights are waiting just across the river in Albany for the curious traveller.

The city of Rensselaer is an important transport hub for Amtrak trains throughout the region, which include the Amtrak Empire Service, Amtrak Lake Shore Limited, Amtrak Maple Leaf, and Amtrak Ethan Allen Express. Between these services, Amtrak connects Rensselaer to New York, Philadelphia, Chicago, and beyond. The nearest airport to the city is the Albany International Airport.

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 transport 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 coach travel, serving as the main coach 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, local bus and tram 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 Rensselaer?

Main arrival station: Albany-Rensselaer Train Station

Rensselaer has one train station.

Train stations in Rensselaer:

Albany-Rensselaer Train Station

Need a return trip from Rensselaer to Washington DC?

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