Cheap train tickets from Washington DC to Austin
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Is it better to travel by bus or train from Washington to Austin?
There are usually 4 daily bus trips available from Washington to Austin.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$209.42 | Avg. Price$374.25 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips4 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration1d 20h 21m | Duration2d 5h 2m |
Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Washington DC to Austin. Traveling by train from Washington DC to Austin usually takes 52 hours and 55 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 51 hours and 30 minutes.
| Distance | 1316 mi (2118 km) |
| Fastest train | 51h 30m |
| Lowest price | $245.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Washington DC to Austin?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Washington to Austin was $326.61. Considering the distance between Washington DC and Austin, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 18 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $105.09 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to Austin by travel date
The average cost of a one-way train trip from Washington DC to Austin is expected to fluctuate between $272 and $496 in the next 30 days. If you’re planning a train trip to Austin in the upcoming week, the cheapest price in the next 7 days for a ticket from Washington is $281.
Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to Austin by month
Prices as travel date approaches
If you're looking to save on your train trip from Washington to Austin, book online with Wanderu at least 18 days in advance. That way, you’ll save $105.09 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
Which train should you take from Washington DC to Austin?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Washington to Austin. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 2d 4h 55m | $361.87 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Washington to Austin every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $225.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Washington DC to Austin
The distance between Washington DC and Austin is approximately 1316 miles, or 2118 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 52 hours and 55 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 51 hours and 30 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 Austin on Monday. Tickets for Monday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Wednesday. Wednesday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Washington DC at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 4:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Washington DC twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. 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 change 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 Austin 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.
Austin
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Austin is the capital of the Lone Star State and one of the best vacation destinations in Texas. Known as Texas’s “weird” city, Austin is famous for being the southern mecca for the arts. In addition to being a hot spot for both emerging and established artists from Texas and the surrounding states, Austin is well known for its eclectic live music scene. In addition, the University of Texas’ main campus is located in Austin, which makes the city a popular destination for young people from all over the world, keeping it vibrant at all times. It’s no surprise that it ranks among the top party cities in the U.S.
While you’re in town, make sure to stop by the hip South Congress neighborhood to shop at the trendy boutiques and grab some grub at the authentically Austin restaurants. Since Austin is one of the best craft beer cities in the country, you won’t regret checking out some of the local breweries too. After that, head over to Lady Bird Lake and rent a kayak for a relaxing paddling session on the water, or simply go for a walk on the picturesque Hike & Bike Trail. Finally, spend the night bar hopping along the pedestrian-only Sixth Street.
While the Austin airport is located on the outskirts of the city, the main train station is right in the heart of downtown. Similarly, the two bus stations that serve Austin are located close to the city center, making ground transportation the more convenient way to travel in and out of town.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Washington DC?
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 Austin?
Image credit: Michael Coghlan
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: 250 N Lamar Blvd
Built in 1947, the Amtrak Station in Austin is one of the stops along Amtrak’s Texas Eagle route which runs from Chicago to San Antonio and connects to Los Angeles. The station, located at 250 N Lamar Boulevard, sits near the banks of the Colorado River in downtown Austin. With just a quick walk from the station, you can reach the beautiful Ladybird Lake-Lamar Beach Park, stylish shopping and dining in the 2nd Street District, and even the state capital complex. Same-day and overnight parking is available at the station, as well as restrooms and vending machines inside.
All train stations in Austin:
250 N Lamar Blvd
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Need a return trip from Austin to Washington DC?
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