4.0
Pros: Great conductors and staff. Cons: Wifi barely worked. That’s a large part of my choice not to drive or fly.
Cheap train tickets from Washington DC to Charleston
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Trip Summary
On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Washington DC to Charleston. The train trip from Washington DC to Charleston is usually about 9 hours and 24 minutes long. However, be prepared just in case your train arrives slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 251 mi (404 km) |
| Fastest train | 9h 24m |
| Lowest price | £43.43 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Cardinal |
| Train lines | 1 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Washington to Charleston
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
4.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Washington DC to Charleston?
Over the past month, a train ticket between Washington and Charleston cost £43.43, on average. Booking your trip at least 27 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around £8.69 more.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from Washington DC to Charleston often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only £51,
If you're thinking of traveling from Washington DC to Charleston during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of £84 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.
Which train should you take from Washington DC to Charleston?
Amtrak Cardinal is the one and only train line which connects Washington to Charleston. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Cardinal | 1 | 9h 25m | £76.20 |
The Amtrak Cardinal is a long distance passenger rail service from New York to Chicago, connecting a total of 31 cities. As one of Amtrak's most scenic train routes, the Cardinal is a popular train line connecting the Northeast to the Southeast, and offers top-notch comfort thanks to its seats with extra legroom, free WiFi, power outlets, and snacks available for purchase in the Cardinal Café. There are usually 1 Cardinal trips from Washington to Charleston per day, with an average trip length of 9 hours and 25 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Washington DC to Charleston
The distance between Washington DC and Charleston is approximately 251 miles, or 404 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 24 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 from Washington DC to Charleston 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 traveling on Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Washington DC at 10:00 and arrives in Charleston around 9 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Charleston with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Charleston to Washington DC.
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 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 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 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.
All train stations in Washington DC:
Union Station
Where is the train station in Charleston?
Main arrival station: 350 MacCorkle Ave SE
Charleston has one train station.
Train stations in Charleston:
350 MacCorkle Ave SE
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