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Cheap train tickets from Detroit to Washington DC

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Detroit to Washington DC Train Schedule

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

There are usually 3 daily bus trips available from Detroit to Washington.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
$144.60
Avg. Price
$215.04
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
3
Daily Trips
3
Duration
Duration
19h 1m
Duration
1d 1h 27m

Trip Summary

3 trains operate daily from Detroit to Washington DC. The train trip from Detroit to Washington DC is usually about 25 hours and 13 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 15 hours and 35 minutes.

Distance394 mi (634 km)
Fastest train15h 35m
Lowest price$132.00
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Detroit to Washington

(Based on 3 ratings and reviews)

4.7

5.0

Mariam

June 5, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak

Cons: It was too cold in the train. Tips: Pack warm clothes or a blanket. It’s really cold in the train.

5.0

Abibou

December 31, 2019- Visiting family

Amtrak

Landscape

What is the price of a train ticket from Detroit to Washington DC?

The average price for a train ticket from Detroit to Washington is $201.15, The lengthy distance traveled between Detroit and Washington DC often means relatively more expensive train tickets. By booking your trip at least 29 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $46.54 more.

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

$285$190$95DecDec

The average cost of a one-way train trip from Detroit to Washington DC is expected to fluctuate between $164 and $278 in the next 30 days. If you’re planning a train trip to Washington in the upcoming week, the cheapest price in the next 7 days for a ticket from Detroit is $164.

Monthly avg. prices

$250$200$150$100$50JFMAMJJASOND
Mark your calendar for January if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Detroit to Washington DC. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of $161. If you're planning a trip from Detroit to Washington DC during October, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about $229 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Prices as travel date approaches

$300$240$180$120$603020100

By booking your train trip from Detroit to Washington on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $46.54 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Detroit to Washington DC?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Detroit to Washington. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak31d 1h 13m$208.89
  • 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 3 Amtrak trains from Detroit to Washington every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $132.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Detroit to Washington DC

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Detroit to Washington DC. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

The distance between Detroit and Washington DC is approximately 394 miles, or 634 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 25 hours and 13 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 15 hours and 35 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.

Trains departing from Detroit to Washington DC tend to have the most passengers on Friday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Friday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Monday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

The earliest train departs Detroit at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

There are 3 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 Washington DC to Detroit.

City Information

Detroit

Often stigmatized as a dead city, Detroit is making a huge comeback, and it is fast becoming a hidden gem among travelers. Your first stop should be at the Detroit Institute of Art, the city’s foremost cultural destination. Featuring more than 100 galleries with artworks from masters such as Van Gogh or Diego Rivera, the museum offers tourists hours of artistic immersion and enjoyment. For those wishing to learn more about the history of Motown or Black American communities, the city’s Motown Museum and Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History will be top-tier destinations. Finally, don’t miss out on the chance to catch a performance at the lavish Fox Theater, a national landmark.

As Detroit is the birthplace of Coney dog, it would be a huge miss if you pass up the chance to try out this masterpiece. One of the locals’ favorite Coney dog establishments is Lafayette Coney Island. Detroit’s craft beer scene is also quite lively, and some famous local brands include Batch Brewing Company and Detroit Beer Co.

The principal bus terminal in the city is on Howard St, where travelers can catch buses run by Greyhound, Indian Trails or Barons Bus. You can also catch Amtrak trains at the train station in New Center, north of downtown Detroit. Detroit is served by Amtrak’s Wolverine line. The city’s main airport is the Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport, which is located in nearby Romulus.

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 Detroit?

11 W Baltimore Ave - DETAMT-0

Image credit: JasonParis

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: 11 W Baltimore Ave

Detroit’s Amtrak station connects Motor City with the nation’s rail network via three daily trains on the Amtrak Wolverine, which runs from Chicago to Pontiac, Michigan. Bus service on Miller Transportation also operates from the Amtrak Station on 11 W Baltimore Avenue, and from the adjacent platform, travelers can connect to the QLine streetcar system. The station’s amenities include clean restrooms, vending machines, and onsite customer service staff. Thanks to its location in the New Center neighborhood, the Amtrak station is surrounded by various restaurants and is one block away from the historic landmark, Cadillac Place.

All train stations in Detroit:

  • 11 W Baltimore Ave

Where is the train station in Washington DC?

Washington, DC - Union Station - DCAUST-0

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

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