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Cheap train tickets from Washington DC to Durham

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Washington DC to Durham Train Schedule

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Is it better to travel by bus or train from Washington to Durham?

There are usually 10 daily bus trips available from Washington to Durham.

Bus
Train

Avg. Price

Avg. Price

$56.24

Avg. Price

$82.08

Daily Trips

Daily Trips

10

Daily Trips

1

Duration

Duration

5h 52m

Duration

6h 52m

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Trip Summary

There is one daily train from Washington DC to Durham. Traveling by train from Washington DC to Durham usually takes 6 hours and 55 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Carolinian train can make the trip in 6 hours and 53 minutes.

Distance226 mi (363 km)
Fastest train6h 53m
Lowest price$49.00
Trains per day1
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Carolinian
Train lines1

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Washington to Durham

(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)

5.0

5.0

Alexandra

March 18, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Carolinian

Pros: Everything. Cons: Nothing. Tips: No.

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

Over the past month, a train ticket between Washington and Durham cost $49.00, on average. This is a great bargain given the length of the route. Booking your trip at least 27 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $72.80 more.

Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to Durham by travel date

$150$100$50NovNov

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Washington DC to Durham will cost between $50 and $147. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to Durham by month

$100$80$60$40$20DJFMAMJJASON
Mark your calendar for February if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Washington DC to Durham. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of $53. If you're planning a trip from Washington DC to Durham during July, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about $92 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Prices as travel date approaches

$125$100$75$50$253020100

If you're looking to save on your train trip from Washington to Durham, book online with Wanderu at least 27 days in advance. That way, you’ll save $72.80 compared to booking your ticket last minute.

Which train should you take from Washington DC to Durham?

Amtrak Carolinian is the one and only train line which connects Washington to Durham. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Carolinian16h 55m$77.68
  • 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 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 , and the trip usually lasts around 6 hours and 55 minutes.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Washington DC to Durham

The distance between Washington DC and Durham is approximately 226 miles, or 363 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 6 hours and 55 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 6 hours and 53 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.

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

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Washington DC at 11:00am and arrives in Durham around 6 hours later.

Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Durham 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 Durham 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.

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 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

Where is the train station in Durham?

601 W Main St  - DNCAMT-0

Image credit: John Buie

Link to image attribution

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

Get around town with Moovit

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