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Compare train tickets from Washington DC to Richmond

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Washington DC-Richmond Train Timetable

Train
€32.15
15:54
Union Station
18:54
1500 E Main St
USNER
4.6stars
0 transfers
Train
€32.15
07:20
Union Station
10:00
1500 E Main St
USNER
4.6stars
0 transfers
Find cheap rental carsFind great deals on cheap cars in the area.
RentalCars logotypeRentalCars logotype
from€25.38
Train
€32.15
15:04
Union Station
17:07
7519 Staples Mill Rd
USSVS
4.4stars
0 transfers
Train
€32.15
17:49
Union Station
20:10
7519 Staples Mill Rd
USNER
4.6stars
0 transfers
Train
€27.92
07:38
110 Callahan Dr
10:00
1500 E Main St
USNER
4.6stars
0 transfers

Trip Summary

There are 8 daily trains from Washington DC to Richmond. Traveling by train from Washington DC to Richmond usually takes around 2 hours and 19 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Northeast Regional train can make the trip in 2 hours and 3 minutes.

Distance97 mi (156 km)
Fastest train2h 3m
Lowest price€18.61
Trains per day10
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Northeast Regional
Train lines4

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Washington, DC to Richmond, VA

(Based on 11 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Sharmane

22 June 2021 - Visiting friends

Amtrak Silver Service

Pros: Space for leg room. Cons: A little more cleaner. Tips: None.

Pros: Space for leg room. Cons: A little more cleaner. Tips: None.

5.0

Muriel A

16 June 2021 - Visiting friends

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: I like the Quiet Car. The car was very clean and comfortable. I could use my iPad for work. There were few passengers. Those I saw, were almost all obeying the mask mandate. I like that there is a mask mandate. Cons: The trash in toilet needs to be taken out mor...

Pros: I like the Quiet Car. The car was very clean and comfortable. I could use my iPad for work. There were few passengers. Those I saw, were almost all obeying the mask mandate. I like that there is a mask mandate. Cons: The trash in toilet needs to be taken out more regularly. This is a persistent problem. The ride is a little rough. I wish it was smoother. Tips: Rely on the conductors if you need help with your bag or need information. They are generally very helpful.

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5.0

Melissa

4 June 2021 - Solo travel

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Good schedule and convenient stations. Cons: Healthy food selections in cafe car.

Pros: Good schedule and convenient stations. Cons: Healthy food selections in cafe car.

5.0

Roger

18 October 2019 - Visiting family

Amtrak Palmetto

Very confortable seats.

Very confortable seats.

4.0

Meheret

14 September 2019 - Regular commuter

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: So far good . Cons: Please improve time maner. Tips: Yes.

Pros: So far good . Cons: Please improve time maner. Tips: Yes.

Washington DC to Richmond Route Map

Washington Richmond

Train service from Washington DC to Richmond

See more details

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

In the last month, €20.73 was the average price of a train ticket from Washington, DC to Richmond, VA. This is about as inexpensive as train tickets ever get. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 29 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around €17.27 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

€38€25€13JulAug

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Washington DC to Richmond will vary between €19 and €30. Planning a train trip to Richmond within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Washington over the next 7 days is €20. Make sure to book your trip as soon as possible as train fares tend to go up as you get closer to your travel date.

Monthly average prices

€42€34€25€17€8SONDJFMAMJJA

If you are trying to decide when to travel from Washington DC to Richmond by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for August. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just €19 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Washington DC to Richmond in April, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to €25 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you have a high chance of scoring a ticket at a lower price.

Prices as travel date approaches

€42€34€25€17€83020100

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 Richmond from Washington will be about €17.27 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Washington DC to Richmond?

There are 4 train lines with service from Washington, District of Columbia to Richmond, Virginia. Amtrak Northeast Regional is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 4 trains each day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Carolinian12h 19m€27.70
Amtrak Northeast Regional42h 25m€20.58
Amtrak Palmetto12h 13m€22.43
Amtrak Silver Service22h 7m€41.84
  • Amtrak Carolinian

    Amtrak Carolinian

    The Amtrak Carolinian is a passenger train service which connects New York City and Washington, DC to some of the most charming destinations in North Carolina. The Carolinian runs an average of 1 trips per day between Washington and Richmond, all of which include seats with extra legroom, free WiFi, power outlets, and snacks available in the Café car. The average Amtrak Carolinian ticket price for this route is , and the trip usually lasts around 2 hours and 19 minutes.

  • Amtrak Northeast Regional

    Amtrak Northeast Regional

    The Northeast Regional is Amtrak’s passenger rail service that runs between Boston, MA and Virginia Beach, VA, connecting over 50 cities in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. While the line’s downtown-to-downtown train service makes traveling between the biggest cities in the Northeast convenient and hassle-free, the train’s amenities make the journey comfortable and relaxing as well. Amtrak passengers can enjoy large seats with extra legroom and power outlets, as well as free WiFi and clean bathrooms. With 4 daily train trips from Washington to Richmond, the Northeast Regional is the busiest and most popular among all Amtrak routes.

  • Amtrak Palmetto

    Amtrak Palmetto

    The Palmetto is an Amtrak train service that runs a total of 829 miles from New York City to Savannah, GA, connecting 20 cities from the Northeast to the Southeast along the way. Traveling from Washington to Richmond is comfortable and relaxing on the Palmetto, thanks to the train’s free WiFi, power outlets, and seating with extra legroom. You can pick from 1 daily departures along this route, with train ticket pricing at an average of on the Palmetto.

  • Amtrak Silver Service

    Amtrak Silver Service

    The Silver Service is an Amtrak train line that runs from New York City to Miami, connecting the largest cities in the Mid-Atlantic region with key destinations in the South and many places across the Sunshine State. Two trains, the Silver Meteor and Silver Star, collectively comprise the Silver Service. The trains come equipped with a variety of sleeper cars that travelers taking an overnight train can choose from, as well as a variety of amenities like free WiFi, power outlets, and a café car. One-way train tickets for the Silver Service from Washington to Richmond start from €19 and the average train journey lasts about 2 hours and 7 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

How early should you arrive for Amtrak?

Amtrak recommends arriving between 30 and 45 minutes before your train is scheduled to depart. If you aren’t familiar with the station, plan to have your luggage checked, or want to grab something to eat from the station prior boarding, plan to get there even earlier.

Is there a direct train between DC and Richmond?

Yes, there is a direct train that goes from Washington, DC, to Richmond, Virginia. In fact, Amtrak offers at least 10 daily direct trips between the two cities. Amtrak has two stations in Richmond where you may be dropped off. Most trains stop at the Staple Mills Road Station, which is about 5 miles away from downtown Richmond. The other stop is Main Street Station, which is right in the heart of Richmond.

What is the fastest way to get from Washington DC to Richmond?

Typically, flying from Washington DC to Richmond is the overall fastest option, with a nonstop flight taking about an hour. However, plane tickets for this route regularly cost more than $300. A more affordable option is to take the train, which runs about 2 hours and 10 minutes, and costs an average of $33.

Is it safe to travel by train from Washington to Richmond during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

In addition, federal law requires all train passengers to wear a face covering for the entire duration of the trip. Please make sure you are wearing a face mask or you may not be allowed to board the train.

Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.

How long is the train journey from Washington DC to Richmond?

The distance between Washington DC and Richmond is approximately 97 miles, or 156 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 19 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 3 minutes. Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.

When are trains the most crowded?

Trains from Washington DC to Richmond 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 traveling on Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

When are the first and last trains of the day?

The earliest train departs Washington DC at 07:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 19:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Is there a direct train from Washington DC to Richmond?

There are 8 scheduled trains on most days. 10 of these are direct connections to Richmond. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Richmond to Washington DC. If you're not not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Washington DC to Richmond for €6.76.

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, and follow that up with a drink (or two) at one of the many bars in the area.

Nested between Virginia and Maryland, Washington, D.C. is a key transportation hub with three nearby airports and several bus and train stations.

Richmond

As one of the most historically significant cities in the U.S., Richmond is a top-tier destination for not just fans of history but also culturally-inclined travelers. The premier tourist attraction of the city is the Virginia State Capitol, which features a unique architecture partially designed by Thomas Jefferson himself. For those who want to enjoy a cultural experience, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is worth checking out, as it houses five exquisitely beautiful Fabergé eggs, along with works by Degas, Cézanne, and Renoir. If you wish to retreat from the concrete jungle, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a great alternative.

Richmond’s diverse community has had a huge influence on its food scene. Croaker's Spot is a famous restaurant that serves some of the best seafood around. Richmond is also the home to a burgeoning craft beer scene, and there are as many as 30 brands in the city. Some of the local favorites include Hardywood, The Veil Brewing Co., and The Answer Brewpub.

Richmond is a major hub for bus travel, and visitors can catch buses that go to cities like Washington, D.C., New York and Raleigh on a daily basis. The city boasts two Amtrak train stations that provide regular service to Washington, D.C., New York City and beyond. The principal one is the Main Street Station, which is located right in the heart of downtown Richmond. The main airport is the Richmond International Airport, 7 miles southeast of the city.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Washington DC?

DCAUST-0

Departure stations

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.

Where is the train station in Richmond?

Arrival stations

Richmond receives travelers from Washington DC at its two active train stations.

Train stations in Richmond:

  • 1500 E Main St

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