Cheap train tickets from East Lansing to Washington, DC
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Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from East Lansing to Washington DC. Traveling by train from East Lansing to Washington DC usually takes 25 hours and 59 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 18 hours and 10 minutes.
| Distance | 470 mi (757 km) |
| Fastest train | 18h 10m |
| Lowest price | $200.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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East Lansing to Washington Train Schedule
There are several train options that can take you from East Lansing to Washington:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from East Lansing to Washington DC?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from East Lansing to Washington, DC was $259.00. Considering the distance between East Lansing and Washington DC, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. The further in advance you book your travels, the more likely it is you can find tickets at this price or lower.
Average train ticket prices from East Lansing to Washington DC by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from East Lansing to Washington DC will cost between $189 and $254. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from East Lansing to Washington DC by month
Ticket prices for the train from East Lansing to Washington DC often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in December when the average ticket price is only $222. If you're thinking of traveling from East Lansing to Washington DC during April, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $284 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in April, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
You can score the best price on a train ticket from East Lansing to Washington, DC by booking on Wanderu in advance. Tickets are nearly always cheaper the further in advance you purchase them.
What train companies travel from East Lansing to Washington?
There are multiple trains that travel from East Lansing to Washington, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 25h 59m | $307.04 |
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 East Lansing to Washington, DC every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $179.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from East Lansing to Washington
The distance between East Lansing and Washington DC is approximately 470 miles, or 757 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 25 hours and 59 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 18 hours and 10 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)
470
DISTANCE (KM)
757
The earliest train departs East Lansing at 8:54am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:00pm. 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
8:54am
LATEST TRAIN
7:00pm
Trains from East Lansing to Washington DC are the most crowded on Sunday. 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
Sunday
LEAST CROWDED
Saturday
City Information
East Lansing
East Lansing, a city shockingly located just east of Lansing, is primarily known as the home of Michigan State University. In fact, around half of its population is composed of students, and some of the city's most visited attractions are situated on the college campus. Among them are the historic W. J. Beal Botanical Garden, the 104-foot-tall Beaumont Tower, the contemporary Broad Art Museum, and the renowned Wharton Center for Performing Arts. Aside from its vibrant college life, East Lansing is also known for its yearly events, such as The East Lansing Film Festival, the largest of its kind in the entire state.
Lake Lansing is a go-to for swimming, fishing, or just getting some fresh air, but you'll also find parks and golf courses all around the city. The tree-lined Grand River Avenue divides the MSU campus from the rest of the city; find some of the city's best shopping and dining in the Grand River area, including HopCat, Beggar's Banquet, and Barrio East Lansing.
Public transit buses connect East Lansing to the closest airport, the Capital Region International Airport. However, it's also easy to take an intercity bus to nearby travel hubs, Detroit and Chicago, by booking a ticket with Greyhound, Indian Trails, or Jefferson Lines. East Lansing is a stop on Amtrak's Blue Water line, which makes train travel in and out of the city a breeze.
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 East Lansing?
Main departure station: Train Station - 1240 S Harrison Rd E
There is one train station in East Lansing.
All train stations in East Lansing:
- Train Station - 1240 S Harrison Rd E
Where does the train arrive in Washington?
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:
- Union Station
Need a return trip from Washington to East Lansing?
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