Cheap train tickets from Washington, DC to Birmingham
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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Washington DC to Birmingham. Traveling by train from Washington DC to Birmingham usually takes 19 hours and 15 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 659 mi (1060 km) |
| Fastest train | 19h 15m |
| Lowest price | $150.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Crescent |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Washington to Birmingham Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Washington to Birmingham?
There are usually 4 daily bus trips available from Washington, DC to Birmingham.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$281.61 | Avg. Price$167.21Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips4 |
Duration | Duration19h 15m | Duration16h 52mFaster |

There are several train options that can take you from Washington to Birmingham:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Washington DC to Birmingham?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Washington, DC to Birmingham was $150.00. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 24 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $241.33 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to Birmingham by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Washington DC to Birmingham will cost between $147 and $188. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to Birmingham by month
Ticket prices for the train from Washington DC to Birmingham often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in September when the average ticket price is only $165. If you're thinking of traveling from Washington DC to Birmingham during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $308 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Washington, DC to Birmingham on Wanderu at least 24 days ahead of time, you can save about $241.33 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Washington to Birmingham?
There are multiple trains that travel from Washington to Birmingham, including Amtrak Crescent. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Crescent | 1 | 19h 15m | $281.61 |
The Crescent is Amtrak’s passenger train service that runs from New York to New Orleans by way of Atlanta. As an overnight service, the Crescent offers a variety of amenities and accommodation options. There’s also a café car where you can enjoy freshly prepared meals and a variety of soft and alcoholic beverages. Like all Amtrak trains, the Crescent offers free WiFi, power outlets and extra legroom. Train trips from Washington, DC to Birmingham take about 19 hours and 15 minutes and the cost of a one-way train ticket on the Crescent starts from $150.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Washington to Birmingham
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Birmingham with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains. You can also take a train for your return trip from Birmingham to Washington DC. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Washington DC to Birmingham for $92.
TRIPS PER DAY
1
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The distance between Washington DC and Birmingham is approximately 659 miles, or 1060 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 19 hours and 15 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
659
DISTANCE (KM)
1060
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Washington DC at 6:30pm and arrives in Birmingham around 19 hours later.
EARLIEST TRAIN
6:30pm
LATEST TRAIN
6:30pm
Trains from Washington DC to Birmingham 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Saturday
LEAST CROWDED
Monday
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.
Birmingham



Birmingham may not be the capital of Alabama, but it does hold the crown as both the cultural and entertainment capital of the Cotton State. The second-most populous city, Birmingham was founded during the Reconstruction Period, which followed the American Civil War.
Quietly going about its business as an industrial powerhouse, producing much of America's iron and steel, Birmingham didn't enter the world's consciousness until the Civil Rights Movement one hundred years later. It’s one of the 8 iconic cities on our Martin Luther King, Jr. road trip, as it’s the city where Dr. King wrote his famous “Letter From a Birmingham Jail.” When visiting, be sure to stop at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute to learn more about the city’s civil rights history.
Today known as America's 'Magic City,' new life has been blown into downtown Birmingham in recent years. Its streets have been cleaned up, allowing the city's historical gems such as the Alabama Theater to shine once more both by day and by night.
The Birmingham Museum of Art contains the most extensive collection of artworks in the southeastern United States. It's connected to the nightlife districts of Five Points South, Lakeview, and Uptown by a series of charming tree-lined public squares. Close by Five Points South also lies Red Mountain's Vulcan Park, home to the world's largest cast-iron statue. It was made for the St. Louis World Fair of 1904.
Birmingham is an important regional hub linking the Deep South, the Appalachian Mountains, and Piedmont. Travelers can easily reach other noteworthy destinations in the U.S., including Dallas, Phoenix, and Montgomery, thanks to the hundreds of bus and train routes to and from Birmingham.
Station Information
Where does the train leave from in Washington?
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:
- Union Station
Where does the train arrive in Birmingham?
Main arrival station: Intermodal Facility

Birmingham's Intermodal Facility is a modern station right in the heart of downtown. It is near the McWane Science Center and only a 10-minute walk to the University of Alabama. The Intermodal Facility is a hub for Amtrak trains, intercity buses, and MAX transit throughout Birmingham, so it's easy to transfer between travel modes all within the same station. Birmingham is a stop on Amtrak's Crescent Line, which runs from New York to New Orleans. The station has an onsite cafe, plus amenities like restrooms, seating, and vending machines.
All train stations in Birmingham:
- Intermodal Facility
Need a return trip from Birmingham to Washington?
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