5.0
Pros: Fast, on time, comfortable. Clean restroom, working WiFi and electrical outlets. Cons: I’d like to see a better price. Tips: Prices seem to vary over time. Book early.
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Trip Summary
You can pick from 14 daily train trips between Rensselaer and Washington DC. The average train journey from Rensselaer to Washington DC takes 7 hours and 57 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 6 hours and 25 minutes.
| Distance | 310 mi (499 km) |
| Fastest train | 6h 25m |
| Lowest price | £44.64 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Overall score for trains from Rensselaer to Washington
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Rensselaer to Washington DC?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Rensselaer to Washington was £100.70. Tickets for this route are somewhat expensive, given the distance between Rensselaer and Washington DC. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Washington DC if you book your train tickets at least 24 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra £88.97.
Monthly average prices
Mark your calendar for January if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Rensselaer to Washington DC. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of £106. If you're planning a trip from Rensselaer to Washington DC during November, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about £158 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.
Prices as travel date approaches
Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Rensselaer to Washington. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 24 days before departure, you can save around £88.97. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!
Which train should you take from Rensselaer to Washington DC?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Rensselaer to Washington. However, there are 14 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 14 | 7h 58m | £153.34 |
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 14 Amtrak trains from Rensselaer to Washington every day, as well as 15 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £45.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Rensselaer to Washington DC. 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.
The distance between Rensselaer and Washington DC is approximately 310 miles, or 499 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 7 hours and 57 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 6 hours and 25 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 Rensselaer to Washington DC are the most crowded on Monday. 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 Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Rensselaer at 06:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 18:00. 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 14 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 Rensselaer.
City Information
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 traveling 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 traveler.
The city of Rensselaer is an important transportation 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.
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 Rensselaer?
Main departure station: Albany-Rensselaer Train Station
There is one train station in Rensselaer.
All train stations in Rensselaer:
Albany-Rensselaer Train Station
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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