Cheap train tickets from Lafayette to Washington DC
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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Lafayette to Washington DC. Traveling by train from Lafayette to Washington DC usually takes 24 hours and 12 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Cardinal train can make the trip in 20 hours and 48 minutes.
| Distance | 533 mi (858 km) |
| Fastest train | 20h 48m |
| Lowest price | $194.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
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Lafayette to Washington DC Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Lafayette to Washington, DC?
There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Lafayette to Washington, DC.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$366.50 | Avg. Price$143.67Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration24h 12m | Duration21h 45mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from Lafayette to Washington DC:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Lafayette to Washington DC?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Lafayette to Washington, DC was $194.00. 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 22 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $552.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Lafayette to Washington DC by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Lafayette to Washington DC will cost between $188 and $194. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Lafayette to Washington DC by month
Ticket prices for the train from Lafayette to Washington DC 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 $171. If you're thinking of traveling from Lafayette to Washington DC during September, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $295 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in September, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Lafayette to Washington, DC on Wanderu at least 22 days ahead of time, you can save about $552.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Lafayette to Washington DC?
2 train services operate from Lafayette to Washington, DC. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 25h 20m | $240.00 |
| Amtrak Cardinal | 1 | 20h 48m | $746.00 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from Lafayette to Washington, DC every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $194.
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 Lafayette to Washington, DC per day, with an average trip length of 20 hours and 48 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Lafayette to Washington DC
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. 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 transfer 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 Washington DC to Lafayette. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Lafayette to Washington DC for $89.
Trains per day
1
Direct trains
0
The distance between Lafayette and Washington DC is approximately 533 miles, or 858 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 24 hours and 12 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 20 hours and 48 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)
533
Distance (km)
858
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Lafayette at 11:50am and arrives in Washington DC around 20 hours later.
First train
11:50am
Last train
9:56pm
Trains from Lafayette to Washington DC are the most crowded on Thursday. 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.
Busiest
Thursday
Least crowded
Sunday
City Information
Lafayette
Lafayette, a quaint college town with a vibrant history, is a superb destination for fans of history and old buildings. The city's historic old quarter is a beautiful sight to behold, with some buildings dating back to the 19th century. A walk around this quarter will bring you back to the early days of the American Industrial Revolution. Don't miss out on the chance to visit Fort Ouiatenon, the first European fortified settlement in the area now called Indiana. If you are looking for a spot to enjoy a picnic with your friends and your family, head to historic Prophetstown State Park for plenty of activities; we're talking a water park, unique wildlife observation, camping, and a working farm dating back to the 1920s.
Lafayette's food scene offers a good mix of traditional dishes and modern ones. If you wish to enjoy genuine local specialties, South Street Smokehouse offers amazing homestyle dishes. For those who just can't have enough local pizzas, stop by Arni's, a pizzeria that has been around for more than 40 years.
Travel to Lafayette is easy thanks to multiple bus lines and the Amtrak Cardinal line, which runs through the city. The nearest major airport is about 60 miles away in Indianapolis, so ground travel is definitely your friend for this destination.
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 is the train station in Lafayette?
Main departure station: Parking Lot next to CityBus Center
CityBus Center is a center of local transit services in Lafayette. Local buses board in the bus bays behind the building, while intercity buses like OurBus and Miller Transportation pick up passengers in front of the adjacent parking lot. Although there is no covered waiting area at the intercity bus stop, passengers can wait inside the CityBus station to take advantage of the seating and public restrooms. The station is only a few blocks north of downtown Lafayette and two blocks from Lafayette's Amtrak train station for convenient transfers.
All train stations in Lafayette:
- Parking Lot next to CityBus Center
- 200 N Second St
Where is the train station in Washington DC?
Main arrival 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
Need a return trip from Washington DC to Lafayette?
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