Cheap train tickets from Washington, DC to Raleigh
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Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Washington DC to Raleigh. Traveling by train from Washington DC to Raleigh usually takes 6 hours and 12 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Floridian train can make the trip in 5 hours and 53 minutes.
| Distance | 233 mi (375 km) |
| Fastest train | 5h 53m |
| Lowest price | $52.00 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Carolinian |
| Train lines | 3 |
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Washington to Raleigh Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Washington to Raleigh?
There are usually 12 daily bus trips available from Washington, DC to Raleigh.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$81.92 | Avg. Price$67.78Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips3 | Daily Trips12 |
Duration | Duration6h 12m | Duration5h 6mFaster |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Washington to Raleigh (Based on 30 ratings and reviews)
4.0
5.0
5.0
November 4, 2024 - Business
Amtrak Silver Service5.0
May 14, 2024 - Vacation
Amtrak Silver Service4.0
4.0
5.0
4.0
4.0
5.0
January 3, 2023 - Solo travel
Amtrak Silver Service4.0
5.0
4.0
5.0
September 5, 2022 - Visiting friends
Amtrak Silver Service5.0
There are several train options that can take you from Washington to Raleigh:
- Amtrak Carolinian: 1 daily train from $52
- Amtrak Floridian: 1 daily train from $54
- Amtrak: 1 daily train from $52
What is the price of a train ticket from Washington DC to Raleigh?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Washington, DC to Raleigh was $55.58. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 28 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $84.85 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to Raleigh by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Washington DC to Raleigh will cost between $52 and $78. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to Raleigh by month
Ticket prices for the train from Washington DC to Raleigh 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 $58. If you're thinking of traveling from Washington DC to Raleigh during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $136 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 Raleigh on Wanderu at least 28 days ahead of time, you can save about $84.85 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Washington to Raleigh?
There are multiple trains that travel from Washington to Raleigh, including Amtrak Carolinian, Amtrak Floridian, Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 3 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Carolinian | 1 | 6h 2m | $88.33 |
| Amtrak Floridian | 1 | 5h 53m | $82.24 |
| Amtrak | 1 | 6h 52m | $72.52 |
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 Raleigh, 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 $88.33, and the trip usually lasts around 6 hours and 2 minutes.
Amtrak Floridian train tickets from Washington DC to Raleigh start from $54, and on average cost $82.24. Daily there are 1 Amtrak Floridian schedules to Raleigh. Amtrak Floridian in Washington, DC leaves from Union Station. And in Raleigh trains arrive at Union Station.
From Washington DC to Raleigh train travel on Amtrak Floridian takes 5 hours and 53 minutes.
If you are looking to travel to Raleigh on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Floridian scheduled trip per day, which will cost $54 for a one-way weekend reservation from Washington, DC.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Washington to Raleigh
There are 3 scheduled trains on most days. 2 of these are direct connections to Raleigh. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice. You can also take a train for your return trip from Raleigh to Washington DC. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Washington DC to Raleigh for $33.
TRIPS PER DAY
3
DIRECT TRIPS
2
The distance between Washington DC and Raleigh is approximately 233 miles, or 375 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 6 hours and 12 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
233
DISTANCE (KM)
375
The earliest train departs Washington DC at 12:15pm while the last train of the day leaves at 1:48pm. 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
1:48pm
Trains from Washington DC to Raleigh are the most crowded on Monday. 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
Monday
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.
Raleigh
As an up-and-coming smart city, Raleigh has a wide range of activities that will satisfy all kinds of travelers. One of the most famous destinations in the city is the Neuse River Trail, which boasts 28 miles of a scenic path running through Wake Forest. It goes through not only forests but also wetlands, allowing walkers and cyclists to take a breather from the concrete jungle and be one with nature. Raleigh is also a famous research city, so it makes sense to visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. With a permanent collection that attracts all ages, including whale skeletons and seahorse diorama, the museum is a great spot that you should not miss out on. If you wish to go shopping the old-fashioned way, the Raleigh City Market, which opened more than a century ago, allows you to meander through various small boutiques.
Raleigh’s reputation as a foodie haven is on a steady rise, and it currently houses five different establishments by chef Ashley Christensen, of which Poole’s Diner is particularly noteworthy. If you are looking for authentic North Carolina-style barbecues, Clyde Cooper’s stands among the most popular choices.
Raleigh’s main bus station is located outside of the city center at 2210 Capital Blvd. The city’s Amtrak station is one of the busiest in the country, and there are daily trains running from Raleigh to New York City, Charlotte and Miami, among other places. The principal airport in the region is the Raleigh–Durham International Airport, which is northwest of Downtown.
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 Raleigh?
Main arrival station: Union Station
The new multi-million dollar facility of Raleigh’s Union Station has quickly become one of the busiest train stations in North Carolina. Since opening in 2018, the station has expanded to serve over 150,000 passengers every year. Raleigh Union Station is an Amtrak station with routes connecting to major cities along the East Coast, including trips to New York City on the Carolinian or as far as Miami on Amtrak’s Silver Service. In addition, Amtrak’s Piedmont service from Charlotte ends its route in Raleigh. The station is a multi-level facility with tracks on the lower platform and retail shops on the main levels. It’s located in the heart of downtown, within a short walk of Nash Square, the CAM Raleigh art museum, and various restaurant options.
All train stations in Raleigh:
- Union Station
Need a return trip from Raleigh to Washington?
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