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Trains from Washington DC to Roanoke

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Washington DC - Roanoke Train Timetable

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Train Trip Information: Washington DC to Roanoke

There are 2 daily trains from Washington DC to Roanoke. Traveling by train from Washington DC to Roanoke usually takes around 5 hours and 12 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Northeast Regional train can make the trip in 4 hours and 55 minutes.

Distance194 mi (313 km)
Fastest train4h 55m
Lowest price€14.58
Trains per day2
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Northeast Regional
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Washington to Roanoke

(Based on 9 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Wendy

5 April 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Scenic view. Cons: The intercom/speaker system is barely audible and static.

Pros: Scenic view. Cons: The intercom/speaker system is barely audible and static.

5.0

Heather

6 September 2021- Solo travel

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Get rid of mask mandate

Get rid of mask mandate

5.0

Wayland

15 August 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Train left on time and arrived on time. Cons: Faster trains. Tips: Bring a neck pillow.

Pros: Train left on time and arrived on time. Cons: Faster trains. Tips: Bring a neck pillow.

5.0

Vicki

12 July 2021- Solo travel

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Red Cap service in DC was invaluable! I have MS and very limited ability to walk. They pushed me in a wheelchair to boarding area, then delivered me in a motorized cart me to my train car. They even escorted me to my seat and installed my luggage overhead. I co...

Pros: Red Cap service in DC was invaluable! I have MS and very limited ability to walk. They pushed me in a wheelchair to boarding area, then delivered me in a motorized cart me to my train car. They even escorted me to my seat and installed my luggage overhead. I could not have managed without their assistance. Cons: The day was very hot and the train too warm but tolerable.

More

5.0

Ruchita

2 July 2021- Vacation

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Awesome service, very friendly staff and easy to navigate. Cons: Orderly boarding? Tips: No.

Pros: Awesome service, very friendly staff and easy to navigate. Cons: Orderly boarding? Tips: No.

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

In the last month, €15.74 was the average price of a train ticket from Washington to Roanoke. 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 23 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around €25.43 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

€44€29€15AugAug

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Washington DC to Roanoke will vary between €15 and €35. Planning a train trip to Roanoke 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

€97€78€58€39€19SONDJFMAMJJA

If you are trying to decide when to travel from Washington DC to Roanoke by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for January. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just €42 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Washington DC to Roanoke in June, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to €81 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

€97€78€58€39€193020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 23 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Roanoke from Washington will be about €25.43 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Washington DC to Roanoke?

2 train services operate from Washington to Roanoke. Amtrak Northeast Regional usually has more trains scheduled, with 2 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak11d 12h 46m€284.00
Amtrak Northeast Regional25h 0m€24.64
  • Amtrak

    Amtrak

    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 1 Amtrak trains from Washington to Roanoke every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €69.

  • 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 2 daily train trips from Washington to Roanoke, the Northeast Regional is the busiest and most popular among all Amtrak routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to travel by train from Washington to Roanoke 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.

Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations.

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.

Can you take a train all the way from Washington DC to Roanoke?

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Washington DC to Roanoke. 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.

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

The distance between Washington DC and Roanoke is approximately 194 miles, or 313 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 12 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 55 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.

When are trains the most crowded?

On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Washington DC to Roanoke on Friday. Tickets for Friday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Wednesday. Wednesday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.

When are the first and last trains of the day?

The earliest train departs Washington DC at 01:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 17:00. 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 Roanoke?

Trains leave the station in Washington DC twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Roanoke with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to get off or switch trains.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Roanoke 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, 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.

Roanoke

Roanoke, VA - RNK-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Roanoke, VA - RNK-1

Image credit: Unsplash

Roanoke, VA - RNK-2

Image credit: Unsplash

The idyllic city of Roanoke sits against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's the site of the famous Appalachian Trail, George Washington & Jefferson National Forest, and Smith Mountain Lake. Fun and adventure are indeed the best things that Roanoke has to offer, especially if you start your visit at the iconic Roanoke Star, the largest man-made neon light that gets illuminated every night.

The Blue Ridge is one of Roanoke's major tourist attractions. Experience the Blue Ridge Day tour package to fully explore the area's history, heritage, culture, and entertainment. Make sure that your adventure includes The Crooked Road, Virginia Museum of Transportation, and Blue Ridge Institute and Museum, among others.

To enjoy Roanoke's nightlife, try doing the Downtown Roanoke Bar Crawl. That's how you get to enjoy exquisite craft beers from the city's finest breweries. If you want to shop, there's a wide selection of antiques and farmer's produce for sale in the Blue Ridge area.

Getting around Roanoke is easy with the Valley Metro bus line. This bus service covers not just the City of Roanoke but Vinton and Salem as well. There's also the Star Line Trolley that connects Downtown Roanoke and Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. To travel to other exciting destinations, Amtrak trains and Jefferson Lines, OurBus, and Wanda Coach buses provide service to cities including Richmond, Atlanta, and New York.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Washington DC?

Washington, DC - Union Station - DCAUST-0

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

  • Union Station

  • Union Station

  • 307 South Stonestreet Ave

  • 229 East Martin St

  • Columbus Bus Station

  • 148 W Morse Blvd

  • Intermodal Station - 433 W ST Paul Ave

  • 900 Kings Hwy

  • South Strip Transit Term

Where is the train station in Roanoke?

55 Norfolk Ave SW -{"city":"Roanoke","country":"US","postal":"24011","state":"VA","street1":"55 Norfolk Ave SW"} - RNKAMT-0

Image credit: Joe Ross

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: 55 Norfolk Ave SW

Roanoke has one train station.

Train stations in Roanoke:

  • 55 Norfolk Ave SW

Related reading

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