Cheap train tickets from Washington, DC to Seattle

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Trip Summary

There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Washington DC to Seattle. Traveling by train from Washington DC to Seattle usually takes 86 hours and 49 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 70 hours and 32 minutes.

Distance
2322 mi (3736 km)
Fastest train
70h 32m
Lowest price
$404.00
Trains per day
0
Most frequent service
Amtrak
Train lines
1

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Washington to Seattle Train Schedule

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

There are usually 4 daily bus trips available from Washington, DC to Seattle.

Train
Bus
Avg. Price$747.33Avg. Price$401.15Cheaper
Daily Trips5Daily Trips4
Duration86h 49mDuration76h 50mFaster
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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Washington to Seattle (Based on 1 ratings and reviews)

4.0

4.0

Martha

June 28, 2021 - Solo travel

Amtrak
Pros: I could relax for the duration. Unlike an airport, there were no obvious screenings. Cons: The food offerings were too limited Tips: The train gets cool at night. I'm glad I brought a shawl to use as a blanket plus a warm jacket that could double as a pillow. My bandana worked as a mask and was large enough to pull up onto my forehead at night to cover my eyes, nose and mouth!
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What is the price of a train ticket from Washington DC to Seattle?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Washington, DC to Seattle was $556.91. Considering the distance between Washington DC and Seattle, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. 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 $1,134.80 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

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

$765$510$255AugSep

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Washington DC to Seattle will cost between $390 and $752. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to Seattle by month

$800$640$480$320$160JFMAMJJASOND

Ticket prices for the train from Washington DC to Seattle 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 $562. If you're thinking of traveling from Washington DC to Seattle during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $785 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$1700$1360$1020$680$34001020

By booking your train trip from Washington, DC to Seattle on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $1,134.80 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

What train companies travel from Washington to Seattle?

There are multiple trains that travel from Washington to Seattle, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:

TRAINDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak586h 49m$747.33
  • 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 5 Amtrak trains from Washington, DC to Seattle every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $376.

    Amtrak train passing through mountains, offering affordable train tickets for scenic rail travel - WanderuModern Amtrak train at a station, providing cheap train travel and convenient Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak train speeding through scenic fall foliage, featuring cheap train tickets for long-distance trips - WanderuInterior view of a table in the dining car of an Amtrak train - WanderuInterior view of the dining car on an Amtrak train. Find affordable train tickets on - WanderuClean and spacious Amtrak bathroom, offering convenience and comfort for passengers during long train journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak power outlet for charging devices, providing convenience for passengers during affordable travel with cheap train tickets - WanderuComfortable Amtrak seats with ample legroom, ideal for relaxing during long journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuSpacious Amtrak seats with reclining options, offering comfort and convenience for passengers on affordable train travel - WanderuAmtrak viewing car seats with large windows, offering panoramic views and comfort for passengers enjoying scenic routes with affordable train tickets - Wanderu

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Washington to Seattle

There are 5 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 Seattle to Washington DC. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Washington DC to Seattle for $166.

TRIPS PER DAY

5

DIRECT TRIPS

0

The distance between Washington DC and Seattle is approximately 2322 miles, or 3736 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 86 hours and 49 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 70 hours and 32 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)

2322

DISTANCE (KM)

3736

The earliest train departs Washington DC at 10:35am while the last train of the day leaves at 3:57pm. 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

10:35am

LATEST TRAIN

3:57pm

Trains from Washington DC to Seattle are the most crowded on Friday. 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

MOST CROWDED

Friday

LEAST CROWDED

Saturday

City Information

Washington, DC

DCA-0DCA-1DCA-2

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.

Seattle

SEA-0SEA-1SEA-2

Seattle is a must-see destination on the West Coast of the United States, offering many unique activities for any type of traveler. However, we're confident every visitor will enjoy the view of Mount Rainier from the top of Seattle's iconic Space Needle. Outdoor enthusiasts can bike, hike, boat, and ski in one of the top cities for outdoor activities in the U.S., while soaking in the Pacific Northwest's natural beauty (and yes, some rain as well). Urban explorers will love walking through Pike Place Market and experiencing Seattle's museums and public art, like the scenic Olympic Sculpture Park. These offerings and more make Seattle one of the best vacation destination in Washington.

Known for its coffee culture and as the birthplace of Starbucks, Seattle is also one of the top 5 craft beer cities in the U.S., which is ideal for those who prefer to experience the taste of a city served up in a latte mug or a pint glass.

Seattle is home to the largest airport in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle-Tacoma Airport, but there are plenty of other ways to continue your travels from the Emerald City. A short ferry ride to Bainbridge Island includes the chance to see orca whales in the Puget Sound, or you can catch the Amtrak Cascades train or one of several affordable bus options from the historic King Street Station to other exciting Northwest cities in British Columbia, Oregon and beyond.

Station Information

Where does the train leave from in Washington?

Main departure station: Union Station

Washington, DC - Union Station - DCAUST-0

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 Seattle?

Main arrival station: King St Station - 303 S Jackson St

Seattle, WA - King Street Station - SEAAMT-0

King Street Station is the main station for Amtrak train service and Greyhound bus service in Seattle, with connections to local public transit like the Link Light Rail and King County Metro at the International District/Chinatown station one block away. Located near downtown Seattle in the trendy Pioneer Square neighborhood, King Street Station opened in 1906 and continues to impress travelers with its restored Italian architecture and Venetian-style clocktower. King Street Station has on-site Amtrak staff, restrooms, and vending machines, and while there are no restaurants in the station, several nearby coffee shops and eateries make it easy to fuel up before your trip.

All train stations in Seattle:

  • King St Station - 303 S Jackson St

Need a return trip from Seattle to Washington?

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