Cheap train tickets from Washington, DC to Durham
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Washington DC to Durham. Traveling by train from Washington DC to Durham usually takes 7 hours and 12 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Carolinian train can make the trip in 6 hours and 50 minutes.
| Distance | 226 mi (363 km) |
| Fastest train | 6h 50m |
| Lowest price | $56.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Carolinian |
| Train lines | 2 |
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Washington to Durham Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Washington to Durham?
There are usually 9 daily bus trips available from Washington, DC to Durham.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$83.64 | Avg. Price$74.23Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips9 |
Duration | Duration7h 12m | Duration5h 57mFaster |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Washington to Durham (Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
There are several train options that can take you from Washington to Durham:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Washington DC to Durham?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Washington, DC to Durham was $61.11. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $70.32 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to Durham by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Washington DC to Durham will cost between $55 and $82. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to Durham by month
Ticket prices for the train from Washington DC to Durham 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 $64. If you're thinking of traveling from Washington DC to Durham during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $106 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 Durham on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $70.32 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Washington to Durham?
There are multiple trains that travel from Washington to Durham, including Amtrak Carolinian, Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Carolinian | 1 | 6h 51m | $88.82 |
| Amtrak | 1 | 7h 41m | $76.30 |
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, DC and Durham, 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 $88.82, and the trip usually lasts around 6 hours and 51 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Washington to Durham
Trains leave the station in Washington DC twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to Durham faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip. You can also take a train for your return trip from Durham to Washington DC. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Washington DC to Durham for $35.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The distance between Washington DC and Durham is approximately 226 miles, or 363 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 7 hours and 12 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 6 hours and 50 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)
226
DISTANCE (KM)
363
The earliest train departs Washington DC at 12:15pm while the last train of the day leaves at 1:05pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
12:15pm
LATEST TRAIN
1:05pm
Trains from Washington DC to Durham 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Tuesday
LEAST CROWDED
Sunday
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.
Durham
Durham is a little treasure cove for all fans of history and the United States’ heritage. The first and foremost thing you should try out is go on a hike on one of the city’s iconic trails. For a more traditional hiking experience, try the Eno River Trail. If you wish to enjoy a more unique experience, the American Tobacco Trail will be a better choice, as it follows the old CSX railroad. For those who want to explore the city’s rich history, check out the Stagville Plantation, which is now a museum dedicated to the city’s antebellum history, offering a unique historical perspective.
Durham’s food scene is vibrant and exciting. Fans of seafood will definitely be amazed at how fresh and delicious the seafood at Mateo Bar de Tapas is. If you wish to try out Italian eats with a twist, check out Devil’s Pizzeria & Restaurant.
The main bus station is the Transportation Center located at 515 W Pettigrew St in Downtown Durham. From there, you can take a bus to New York, Richmond, Washington D.C., and dozens of other destinations across the country. The main Amtrak train station in Durham is located around the corner from the bus stop at 601 W Main St. Durham is served by Amtrak’s Carolinian and Piedmont lines. The city’s air services are handled by the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, 12 miles southeast of the city.
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 Durham?
Main arrival station: 601 W Main St
In Durham, Amtrak’s train station is at 601 W Main St, in a historic brick warehouse originally constructed in 1897. The Carolinian line from Charlotte to New York and the Piedmont line from Charlotte to Raleigh both stop at this station in Durham. Inside the station, passengers are greeted by high ceilings (this was once a warehouse, after all!) and can find restrooms, long benches for seating, and Amtrak staff. The same building also hosts an Italian restaurant and pool hall around the corner, and several more restaurants are within a one-block walk. You can even check out the Museum of Durham History on Main St, too. The Durham Amtrak station is located in the city center, close to Duke University and Durham Bulls Athletic Park.
All train stations in Durham:
- 601 W Main St
Need a return trip from Durham to Washington?
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