Cheap train tickets from Washington DC to Buffalo
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Washington DC to Buffalo Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Washington to Buffalo?
There are usually 10 daily bus trips available from Washington to Buffalo.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$110.20 | Avg. Price$219.85 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips10 | Daily Trips4 |
Duration | Duration14h 30m | Duration16h 30m |
Trip Summary
You can pick from 4 daily train trips between Washington DC and Buffalo. The average train journey from Washington DC to Buffalo takes 16 hours and 26 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 12 hours and 35 minutes.
| Distance | 291 mi (469 km) |
| Fastest train | 12h 35m |
| Lowest price | $83.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Washington DC to Buffalo?
Over the past month, a train ticket between Washington and Buffalo cost $197.74, on average. Since this route covers a considerable distance, tickets are typically a bit pricier than most train fares. Booking your trip at least 23 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $116.68 more.
Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to Buffalo by travel date
For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Washington DC to Buffalo will range from $148 to $321. If you're planning to travel by train to Buffalo in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from Washington you can find in the next 7 days is $148. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.
Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to Buffalo by month
Prices as travel date approaches
Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Washington to Buffalo. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 23 days before departure, you can save around $116.68. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!
Which train should you take from Washington DC to Buffalo?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Washington to Buffalo. However, there are 4 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 4 | 16h 27m | $230.07 |
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 4 Amtrak trains from Washington to Buffalo every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $83.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Washington DC to Buffalo
The distance between Washington DC and Buffalo is approximately 291 miles, or 469 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 16 hours and 26 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 12 hours and 35 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 Buffalo 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Washington DC at 3:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 10:00pm. 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 4 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 Buffalo 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.
Buffalo
Buffalo is a great budget destination that will not burn through your pocket. Located just a few hours’ drive away from Niagara Falls, the city serves as a transportation hub for tourists who want to marvel at the sights of the famous landmark. Visitors can either enjoy the tour from a boat, or walk around the section behind the falls themselves. If you opt for a more idyllic and peaceful destination instead, Forest Lawn is a good choice. A beautiful cemetery that is far from the hustle and bustle of the big city, the destination is a perfect spot for a picnic. As the day winds down to an end, don’t hesitate to attend a performance at Shea’s Performing Arts Center, which features lavish interiors as well as amazing Broadway shows.
Buffalo’s chicken wings are the city’s trademark dish, and tourists who wish to grab a bite could do so at Duff’s Famous Wings or Anchor Bar. For a wider selection, The Left Bank is an even better option.
The principal bus station in Buffalo is the Metropolitan Transportation Center downtown. Travelers can catch buses by Greyhound, New York Trailways, Fullington Trailways and Barons Bus Lines from this station. The main Amtrak train station in Buffalo is located on Exchange St not too far from the bus station. Buffalo is served by Amtrak’s Empire Service and Maple Leaf lines. The city’s principal airport is the Buffalo Niagara International Airport, which is located in the suburb area of Cheektowaga. The city is also served by the nearby Niagara Falls International Airport.
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 Buffalo?
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: 75 Exchange St
Situated in a busy area, the Amtrak Station on Exchange Street is a central hub of transportation for the city of Buffalo. The primary services provided by the station include the Amtrak train lines, Empire Service and Maple Leaf, as well as intercity buses on Amtrak Thruway. The station is not the first passenger train station on Exchange Street, as there have been four previous stations on the same street. The most recent building includes a state-of-the-art waiting area as well as drop-off and pick-up zones. The station also features a parking lot with plenty of spaces. Possible destinations from Buffalo include Niagara Falls and New York City.
All train stations in Buffalo:
75 Exchange St
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Need a return trip from Buffalo to Washington DC?
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