Cheap train tickets from Washington, DC to Roanoke
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Washington DC to Roanoke. Traveling by train from Washington DC to Roanoke usually takes 5 hours and 10 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Northeast Regional train can make the trip in 5 hours and 6 minutes.
| Distance | 194 mi (313 km) |
| Fastest train | 5h 6m |
| Lowest price | $21.00 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Northeast Regional |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Washington to Roanoke Train Schedule
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There are several train options that can take you from Washington to Roanoke:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Washington DC to Roanoke?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Washington, DC to Roanoke was $28.14. This is basically as cheap as train fares can get. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 25 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $21.08 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to Roanoke by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Washington DC to Roanoke will cost between $25 and $43. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to Roanoke by month
Ticket prices for the train from Washington DC to Roanoke often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only $33. If you're thinking of traveling from Washington DC to Roanoke during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $51 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 Roanoke on Wanderu at least 25 days ahead of time, you can save about $21.08 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Washington to Roanoke?
There are multiple trains that travel from Washington to Roanoke, including Amtrak Northeast Regional. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Northeast Regional | 2 | 5h 10m | $36.67 |
The Northeast Regional is Amtrak’s passenger rail service that runs between Boston, MA and Virginia Beach, VA, connecting over 50 cities in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. While the line’s downtown-to-downtown train service makes traveling between the biggest cities in the Northeast convenient and hassle-free, the train’s amenities make the journey comfortable and relaxing as well. Amtrak passengers can enjoy large seats with extra legroom and power outlets, as well as free WiFi and clean bathrooms. With 2 daily train trips from Washington, DC to Roanoke, the Northeast Regional is the busiest and most popular among all Amtrak routes.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Washington to Roanoke
Trains leave the station in Washington DC twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Roanoke with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to get off or switch trains. You can also take a train for your return trip from Roanoke to Washington DC. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Washington DC to Roanoke for $37.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
2
The distance between Washington DC and Roanoke is approximately 194 miles, or 313 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 10 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 6 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)
194
DISTANCE (KM)
313
The earliest train departs Washington DC at 7:30am while the last train of the day leaves at 5:00pm. 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
7:30am
LATEST TRAIN
5:00pm
Trains from Washington DC to Roanoke are the most crowded on Sunday. 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Sunday
LEAST CROWDED
Tuesday
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.
Roanoke
The idyllic city of Roanoke sits against the backdrop of the Blue Ridge Mountains. It's the site of the famous Appalachian Trail, George Washington & Jefferson National Forest, and Smith Mountain Lake. Fun and adventure are indeed the best things that Roanoke has to offer, especially if you start your visit at the iconic Roanoke Star, the largest man-made neon light that gets illuminated every night.
The Blue Ridge is one of Roanoke's major tourist attractions. Experience the Blue Ridge Day tour package to fully explore the area's history, heritage, culture, and entertainment. Make sure that your adventure includes The Crooked Road, Virginia Museum of Transportation, and Blue Ridge Institute and Museum, among others.
To enjoy Roanoke's nightlife, try doing the Downtown Roanoke Bar Crawl. That's how you get to enjoy exquisite craft beers from the city's finest breweries. If you want to shop, there's a wide selection of antiques and farmer's produce for sale in the Blue Ridge area.
Getting around Roanoke is easy with the Valley Metro bus line. This bus service covers not just the City of Roanoke but Vinton and Salem as well. There's also the Star Line Trolley that connects Downtown Roanoke and Carilion Roanoke Memorial Hospital. To travel to other exciting destinations, Amtrak trains and Jefferson Lines, OurBus, and Wanda Coach buses provide service to cities including Richmond, Atlanta, and New York.
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 Roanoke?
Main arrival station: 55 Norfolk Ave SW
The Roanoke Greyhound Station is right in the heart of the city- not too far from the Amtrak station. The bus stop itself is basically just a waiting room, but it does offer indoor seating and has a few vending machines if you want to stock up on snacks. For a more substantial meal, several restaurants and fast-food classics like McDonald's are within easy walking distance.
All train stations in Roanoke:
- 55 Norfolk Ave SW
Need a return trip from Roanoke to Washington?
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