Cheap train tickets from Detroit to Washington DC
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Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Detroit to Washington DC. Traveling by train from Detroit to Washington DC usually takes 24 hours and 58 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 15 hours and 40 minutes.
| Distance | 394 mi (634 km) |
| Fastest train | 15h 40m |
| Lowest price | $142.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Detroit to Washington DC Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Detroit to Washington, DC?
There are usually 3 daily bus trips available from Detroit to Washington, DC.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$223.83 | Avg. Price$124.47Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips3 | Daily Trips3 |
Duration | Duration24h 58m | Duration15h 36mFaster |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Detroit to Washington, DC (Based on 3 ratings and reviews)
There are several train options that can take you from Detroit to Washington DC:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Detroit to Washington DC?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Detroit to Washington, DC was $191.52. 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 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $124.10 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Detroit to Washington DC by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Detroit to Washington DC will cost between $147 and $240. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Detroit to Washington DC by month
Ticket prices for the train from Detroit to Washington DC 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 $174. If you're thinking of traveling from Detroit to Washington DC during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $241 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
By booking your train trip from Detroit to Washington, DC on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $124.10 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, DC. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 24h 58m | $223.83 |
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, DC every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $142.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Detroit to Washington DC
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. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Detroit to Washington DC for $72.
Trains per day
3
Direct trains
0
The distance between Detroit and Washington DC is approximately 394 miles, or 634 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 24 hours and 58 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 15 hours and 40 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)
394
Distance (km)
634
The earliest train departs Detroit at 6:26am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:30pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
First train
6:26am
Last train
9:30pm
Trains from Detroit to Washington DC are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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 Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Tuesday
Least crowded
Friday
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?
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?
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 Detroit?
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