4.0
Pros: Cost effective comfortable. Cons: Always late from Cleveland.
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Trip Summary
You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Cleveland and Washington DC. The average train journey from Cleveland to Washington DC takes 15 hours and 30 minutes, but some Amtrak Capitol Limited train trips are as short as 11 hours and 11 minutes.
| Distance | 304 mi (489 km) |
| Fastest train | 11h 11m |
| Lowest price | £50.22 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Overall score for trains from Cleveland to Washington
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
4.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Cleveland to Washington DC?
Over the past month, a train ticket between Cleveland and Washington cost £80.89, on average. Since this route covers a considerable distance, tickets are typically a bit pricier than most train fares. Booking your trip at least 29 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around £96.87 more.
Average prices by travel date
The average cost of a one-way train trip from Cleveland to Washington DC is expected to fluctuate between £57 and £122 in the next 30 days. If you’re planning a train trip to Washington in the upcoming week, the cheapest price in the next 7 days for a ticket from Cleveland is £62.
Monthly average prices
You can find the lowest prices on this route during February. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Cleveland to Washington DC, with the average price at just £90. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in August, when the average price goes up to £176. 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
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 Cleveland will be about £96.87 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
Which train should you take from Cleveland to Washington DC?
2 train services operate from Cleveland to Washington. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 2 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 19h 2m | £124.74 |
| Amtrak Capitol Limited | 1 | 11h 11m | £76.59 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Cleveland to Washington every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £50.
Passing through seven states, 16 cities, and various National Parks, Amtrak Capitol Limited connects Washington D.C. and Chicago, on 750 miles of railroad. Taking over 17 hours for a complete trip, these trains offer various overnight accommodations and feature panoramic observation cars where passengers can enjoy exceptional scenery. The trains include various options for food; however, WiFi connectivity is not available onboard due to the rural nature of the route.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Cleveland 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 Cleveland and Washington DC is approximately 304 miles, or 489 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 15 hours and 30 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 11 hours and 11 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Cleveland to Washington DC on Wednesday. Tickets for Wednesday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Sunday. Sunday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Cleveland at 01:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 01:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Cleveland twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to Washington DC faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Washington DC to Cleveland.
City Information
Cleveland
An industrial powerhouse in the past eras, Cleveland offers to the world more than just LeBron James and Halle Berry. Unlike most other big cities, Cleveland still retains its quaint small-town feel, especially as you wander around the Cleveland Metroparks, a system of 21,000 acres of pure nature. For nature lovers, the Cleveland Botanical Garden provides a treasure trove of botanical knowledge and rare plant species. Another must-not-miss spot is the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, which features exhibitions on the greatest legends such as Jimi Hendrix, The Beatles, etc.
For foodies, Cleveland truly is a mecca. The city boasts an array of top chefs and high-class establishments that can bring you an unforgettable experience. For authentic American classics, Sylman’s Deli has everything you need. If you are looking for a more diverse option, head to Momocho for some mouth-watering Mexican indulgences.
Cleveland’s main bus station is located just behind the Playhouse Square Parking Garage in the Theater District. The local Amtrak train station is also located downtown not too far from the bus station. The principal airport in the city is the Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, which sits 9 miles southwest of Downtown and is located next to the Glenn Research Center.
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 Cleveland?
Image credit: Ted Eytan
Link to image attributionMain departure station: 200 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway
The Amtrak Station on Cleveland Memorial Shoreway is directly adjacent to the NFL Browns’ FirstEnergy Stadium and the expansive Lake Erie beyond. Pro tip: sit on the North side of the train to catch a glimpse of the lake on your way out of town! This station is a stop for Amtrak’s Capitol Limited line from DC to Chicago and the Lake Shore Limited line from Chicago to New York City or Boston. Cleveland’s local Rapid Transit Waterfront Line also serves this station for service within the city. In the immediate area surrounding the station, you’ll find the Great Lakes Science Center, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame, the Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, and several hotels and restaurants for convenience during your travels.
All train stations in Cleveland:
200 Cleveland Memorial Shoreway
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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