Cheap train tickets from Washington, DC to Indianapolis
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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Washington DC to Indianapolis. Traveling by train from Washington DC to Indianapolis usually takes 21 hours and 33 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Cardinal train can make the trip in 18 hours and 16 minutes.
| Distance | 491 mi (790 km) |
| Fastest train | 18h 16m |
| Lowest price | $92.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
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Washington to Indianapolis Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Washington to Indianapolis?
There are usually 7 daily bus trips available from Washington, DC to Indianapolis.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$195.29 | Avg. Price$154.31Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips7 |
Duration | Duration21h 33m | Duration17h 55mFaster |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Washington to Indianapolis (Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
There are several train options that can take you from Washington to Indianapolis:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Washington DC to Indianapolis?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Washington, DC to Indianapolis was $172.38. 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 26 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $90.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to Indianapolis by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Washington DC to Indianapolis will cost between $138 and $240. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to Indianapolis by month
Ticket prices for the train from Washington DC to Indianapolis often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only $162. If you're thinking of traveling from Washington DC to Indianapolis during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $248 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Washington, DC to Indianapolis on Wanderu at least 26 days ahead of time, you can save about $90.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Washington to Indianapolis?
There are multiple trains that travel from Washington to Indianapolis, including Amtrak, Amtrak Cardinal. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 23h 8m | $221.84 |
| Amtrak Cardinal | 1 | 18h 16m | $140.12 |
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, DC to Indianapolis every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $182.
The Amtrak Cardinal is a long distance passenger rail service from New York to Chicago, connecting a total of 31 cities. As one of Amtrak's most scenic train routes, the Cardinal is a popular train line connecting the Northeast to the Southeast, and offers top-notch comfort thanks to its seats with extra legroom, free WiFi, power outlets, and snacks available for purchase in the Cardinal Café. There are usually 1 Cardinal trips from Washington, DC to Indianapolis per day, with an average trip length of 18 hours and 16 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Washington to Indianapolis
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you transfer trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. You can also take a train for your return trip from Indianapolis to Washington DC. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Washington DC to Indianapolis for $90.
TRIPS PER DAY
1
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between Washington DC and Indianapolis is approximately 491 miles, or 790 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 21 hours and 33 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 18 hours and 16 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)
491
DISTANCE (KM)
790
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Washington DC at 11:39am and arrives in Indianapolis around 18 hours later.
EARLIEST TRAIN
11:39am
LATEST TRAIN
3:57pm
Trains from Washington DC to Indianapolis are the most crowded on Sunday. 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.
MOST CROWDED
Sunday
LEAST CROWDED
Saturday
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.
Indianapolis
Indianapolis, or often referred to as just Indy, is the capital and largest city in the state of Indiana. While the city attracts thousands of visitors from the area every month, it is during Memorial Day weekend that Indianapolis becomes the place to be for over 300,000 race car fans from all over the globe. The reason for that is the Indianapolis 500, an annual automobile race and the world’s largest single day sporting event, taking place at the iconic Indianapolis Motor Speedway.
If you’re not in Indianapolis for Memorial Day weekend, you can learn about the race and see a rare collection of 500 Indy race vehicles and memorabilia at the Indianapolis Motor Speedway Museum. And while you’re on a history streak, stop by at one of the many war memorials found throughout the city, like the Soldiers and Sailors monument, the World War II memorial, and the Indiana War Memorial where you must check out the Shrine Room for a stunning one-of-a-kind experience.
Over the past few years, Indianapolis has also been cultivating a vibrant restaurant scene, offering classic American dishes made with ingredients from local farmers, and a growing selection of international cuisine. If you’re a beer fan, you will be happy to know that Indianapolis has some of the highest quality breweries in the U.S.
Located in the heart of America’s Midwest, Indianapolis offers easy connections by bus and train to other Midwestern hubs like Chicago, Louisville, and Cincinnati, while the conveniently located airport connects Indy with the rest of the world.
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 Indianapolis?
Main arrival station: 350 S Illinois St
Union Station at 350 S Illinois St in Indianapolis is a major train and bus station which serves the Amtrak Cardinal, and bus carriers including Greyhound, Jefferson Lines, Miller Transportation, and Burlington Trailways. The modern station is located directly south of the historic 1888 Union Station, which now houses a hotel, several restaurants, and a wedding venue. Union Station is in the Wholesale District of downtown Indianapolis, within walking distance to eateries and hotels. There is even an underground, climate-controlled walkway from the station to the nearby Indiana Convention Center and Lucas Oil Stadium, home to the Indianapolis Colts.
All train stations in Indianapolis:
- 350 S Illinois St
Need a return trip from Indianapolis to Washington?
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