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 1 day, 2 hours, and 54 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: NOK 1,350.42
Trains per day: 3
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 1

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East Lansing to Washington DC Train Schedule

There are several train options that can take you from East Lansing to Washington DC:

Amtrak tickets: NOK 1,350 one-way

See more details

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

In the last month, train tickets from East Lansing to Washington DC cost about NOK 1,350 when booked at the cheapest time. 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 26 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around NOK 2,025.63 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

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 NOK 2,030 and NOK 2,994. 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 NOK 2,096. If you're thinking of traveling from East Lansing to Washington DC during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of NOK 2,824 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 East Lansing to Washington DC on Wanderu at least 26 days ahead of time, you can save about NOK 2,025.63 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from East Lansing to Washington DC?

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

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	3	26h 54m	NOK 2,379.93

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 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from NOK 1,350.42.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from East Lansing to Washington DC

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from East Lansing 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.

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 East Lansing.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between East Lansing and Washington DC is approximately 470 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 day, 2 hours, and 54 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 8:54 AM while the last train of the day leaves at 7:00 PM. 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

8:54am

Last train

7:00pm

Trains from East Lansing 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Tuesday

Least crowded

Wednesday

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 is the train station 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 is the train station in Washington DC?

Main arrival station: Union Station

Washington, DC - Union Station - DCAUST-0

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 East Lansing?

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