Cheap train tickets from Washington, DC to Charleston
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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Washington DC to Charleston. Traveling by train from Washington DC to Charleston usually takes 9 hours and 30 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 251 mi (404 km) |
| Fastest train | 9h 30m |
| Lowest price | $62.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Cardinal |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Washington to Charleston Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Washington to Charleston?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from Washington, DC to Charleston.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$187.77 | Avg. Price$175.62Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration9h 30mFaster | Duration16h 40m |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Washington to Charleston (Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
4.0
There are several train options that can take you from Washington to Charleston:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Washington DC to Charleston?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Washington, DC to Charleston was $62.00. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 24 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $371.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to Charleston by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Washington DC to Charleston will cost between $58 and $90. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to Charleston by month
Ticket prices for the train from Washington DC to Charleston 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 $85. If you're thinking of traveling from Washington DC to Charleston during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $197 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Washington, DC to Charleston on Wanderu at least 24 days ahead of time, you can save about $371.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Washington to Charleston?
There are multiple trains that travel from Washington to Charleston, including Amtrak Cardinal. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Cardinal | 1 | 9h 30m | $187.77 |
The Amtrak Cardinal is a long distance passenger rail service from New York to Chicago, connecting a total of 31 cities. As one of Amtrak's most scenic train routes, the Cardinal is a popular train line connecting the Northeast to the Southeast, and offers top-notch comfort thanks to its seats with extra legroom, free WiFi, power outlets, and snacks available for purchase in the Cardinal Café. There are usually 1 Cardinal trips from Washington, DC to Charleston per day, with an average trip length of 9 hours and 30 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Washington to Charleston
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Charleston with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains. You can also take a train for your return trip from Charleston to Washington DC. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Washington DC to Charleston for $79.
TRIPS PER DAY
1
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The distance between Washington DC and Charleston is approximately 251 miles, or 404 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
251
DISTANCE (KM)
404
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Washington DC at 11:39am and arrives in Charleston around 9 hours later.
EARLIEST TRAIN
11:39am
LATEST TRAIN
11:39am
Trains from Washington DC to Charleston 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Friday
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.
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 Charleston?
Main arrival station: 350 MacCorkle Ave SE
Charleston has one train station.
All train stations in Charleston:
- 350 MacCorkle Ave SE
Need a return trip from Charleston to Washington?
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