Cheap train tickets from Grand Rapids to Washington, DC
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Grand Rapids to Washington DC. Traveling by train from Grand Rapids to Washington DC usually takes 34 hours and 11 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 31 hours and 10 minutes.
| Distance | 530 mi (853 km) |
| Fastest train | 31h 10m |
| Lowest price | $292.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Grand Rapids to Washington Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Grand Rapids to Washington?
There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Grand Rapids to Washington, DC.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$397.57 | Avg. Price$193.79Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration34h 11m | Duration27h 47mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from Grand Rapids to Washington:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Grand Rapids to Washington DC?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Grand Rapids to Washington, DC was $394.00. Considering the distance between Grand Rapids and Washington DC, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 3 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $5.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Grand Rapids to Washington DC by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Grand Rapids to Washington DC will cost between $253 and $295. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Grand Rapids to Washington DC by month
Ticket prices for the train from Grand Rapids 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 $254. If you're thinking of traveling from Grand Rapids to Washington DC during May, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $331 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in May, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Grand Rapids to Washington, DC on Wanderu at least 3 days ahead of time, you can save about $5.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Grand Rapids to Washington?
There are multiple trains that travel from Grand Rapids 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 | 2 | 34h 11m | $397.57 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Grand Rapids to Washington, DC every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $292.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Grand Rapids to Washington
Trains leave the station in Grand Rapids twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. 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 change 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 Grand Rapids. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Grand Rapids to Washington DC for $144.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between Grand Rapids and Washington DC is approximately 530 miles, or 853 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 34 hours and 11 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 31 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)
530
DISTANCE (KM)
853
The earliest train departs Grand Rapids at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00am. 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
6:00am
LATEST TRAIN
6:00am
Trains from Grand Rapids 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Sunday
LEAST CROWDED
Tuesday
City Information
Grand Rapids
Blessed with unspoiled nature and a blossoming art scene, Grand Rapids is the perfect destination to enjoy a quick weekend getaway. To fully enjoy the vast swath of rolling hills and orchards the city has to offer, head towards Robinette's Apple Haus & Winery, where you can pick apples like a local and enjoy delicious regional wines. This location also features apple products such as apple ciders and apple pies, making it a true haven for foodies. If you wish to explore the historical values and heritage of the city, check out the Gerald R. Ford Presidential Museum, which features plenty of memorabilia of the former president. For even more local produce, head to the Downtown Market.
Due to its proximity to nature, Grand Rapids offers the freshest local home-cooked dishes. Some notable local favorites include The Sovengard, which makes Scandinavian dishes using local ingredients, and six.one.six, an upscale establishment that offers French-inspired dishes similarly featuring local produce.
Grand Rapids includes bus and train service throughout the Midwest and beyond. The nearest airport is the Gerald R. Ford International Airport, located 9.4 miles from the city center.
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 Grand Rapids?
Main departure station: Vernon J. Ehlers Station
Vernon J. Ehlers Station, opened in 2014 and named after Congressman Vernon Ehlers, is Grand Rapids' primary Amtrak station. It is the terminus of the Amtrak Pere Marquette line that begins in Chicago. The station building has a uniquely lit, red-brick clock tower that has become a landmark of the city and has a large waiting area, restrooms, and vending machines. Located a bit south of downtown, the train station is near a strip of charming antique stores, the Grand Rapids Ballet, and Heartside State Park.
All train stations in Grand Rapids:
- Vernon J. Ehlers Station
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 Grand Rapids?
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