Cheap train tickets from Washington, DC to Rochester
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Trip Summary
There are usually 6 daily train trips available from Washington DC to Rochester. Traveling by train from Washington DC to Rochester usually takes 14 hours and 24 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 11 hours and 12 minutes.
| Distance | 295 mi (475 km) |
| Fastest train | 11h 12m |
| Lowest price | $79.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Washington to Rochester Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Washington to Rochester?
There are usually 10 daily bus trips available from Washington, DC to Rochester.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$187.79 | Avg. Price$134.11Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips6 | Daily Trips10 |
Duration | Duration14h 24m | Duration13h 24mFaster |

There are several train options that can take you from Washington to Rochester:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Washington DC to Rochester?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Washington, DC to Rochester was $146.94. 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 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $130.30 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to Rochester by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Washington DC to Rochester will cost between $118 and $222. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to Rochester by month
Ticket prices for the train from Washington DC to Rochester often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only $166. If you're thinking of traveling from Washington DC to Rochester during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $230 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Washington, DC to Rochester on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $130.30 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Washington to Rochester?
There are multiple trains that travel from Washington to Rochester, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 6 | 14h 24m | $187.79 |
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 6 Amtrak trains from Washington, DC to Rochester every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $79.










Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Washington to Rochester
There are 6 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. You can also take a train for your return trip from Rochester to Washington DC. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Washington DC to Rochester for $75.
TRIPS PER DAY
6
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between Washington DC and Rochester is approximately 295 miles, or 475 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 14 hours and 24 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 11 hours and 12 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)
295
DISTANCE (KM)
475
The earliest train departs Washington DC at 3:20am while the last train of the day leaves at 10:00pm. 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
3:20am
LATEST TRAIN
10:00pm
Trains from Washington DC to Rochester 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.
Rochester



Perched on the shore on Lake Ontario, Rochester is an idyllic city with a small-town vibe, making it the perfect destination for those looking for some family-friendly fun. Rochester’s pride is Highland Park, which is one of the oldest arboretums in the U.S. Designed by the famous landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, the park features idyllic paths cutting through treelines and fragrant lilac bushes. If you wish to marvel at the beauty of the Genesee River’s Gorge, go on a hiking trip on the Genesee Riverway Trail. For more cultural activities, George Eastman Museum, the world’s oldest photography museum, would be a great choice.
Rochester’s food scene features many quirky dishes, including the famous local garbage plate, which features your choice of meat along with decadent sides. For the best garbage plates, you might want to check out Nick Tahou Hots.
The city’s busiest bus station is the Trailways Terminal downtown. The station serves several bus carriers, including New York Trailways, Greyhound and OurBus, among others. The principal Amtrak train station is Louis M. Slaughter Station, which is located just across the street from the bus station. Rochester is served by Amtrak’s Empire Service, Lake Shore Limited and Maple Leaf lines. The city’s commercial air services are served by the Greater Rochester International Airport, located 3 miles southwest 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 Rochester?
Main arrival station: Louise M. Slaughter Station

Opened in 2017, the Louise M. Slaughter Station Rochester is nearly brand new. It serves three Amtrak train lines: the Lake Shore Limited, the Empire Service, and the Maple Leaf. The station was renamed Louise M. Slaughter Station in honor of U.S. Representative Louise M. Slaughter, who died in March 2018. This intermodal transit station is connected to the rest of the area via transit buses and taxis. Spread across 9,500 square feet, Louise M. Slaughter Station has a classic red brick design, with cast stone and granite used in various places. At the station, you will find an indoor waiting area with plenty of seats. There are also several vending machines, an ATM, and restroom facilities.
All train stations in Rochester:
- Louise M. Slaughter Station
Need a return trip from Rochester to Washington?
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