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Raleigh to Washington DC train

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Raleigh - Washington DC Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

2 trains operate daily from Raleigh to Washington DC. The train trip from Raleigh to Washington DC is usually about 6 hours and 9 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak Silver Service train can get you there in as little as 6 hours.

Distance233 mi (375 km)
Fastest train6h 0m
Lowest price$32.00
Trains per day2
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Carolinian
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Raleigh to Washington

(Based on 17 ratings and reviews)

4.4

4.0

Grace

August 13, 2023- Solo travel

Amtrak Carolinian

Pros: No major issues. The seat had a good amount of leg room. Cons: My trip arrived a lot later than expected. Tips: None.

5.0

james

April 12, 2023- Vacation

Amtrak Carolinian

Pros: all absolutely all of the employees were awesome! they were so kind and very helpful. I needed assistance and the Raleigh person set us up for cart service at the distant end to washington as well. ticket person cannot remember his name but he was young and had blond hair. Tips: go business class.

4.0

Yeneshwork Samuel

October 20, 2022- Visiting friends

Amtrak Silver Service

Better wifi

5.0

Silvio

October 18, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Carolinian

Pros: The opportunity of buying food and snacks. And to have the opportunity to have an overview the agriculture fields during the trip. Cons: Reducing the time of the trip. Tips: Apply for an upgrade in bussiness class.

4.0

Brenetta

April 21, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Carolinian

Pros: Enjoying time with family. Cons: Cafe. Tips: N/A.

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

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Raleigh to Washington was $47.80. This is an excellent deal, especially considering the length of the journey. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Washington DC if you book your train tickets at least 29 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $54.03.

Average prices by travel date

$90$60$30MarMar

For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Raleigh to Washington DC will range from $48 to $87. If you're planning to travel by train to Washington in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from Raleigh you can find in the next 7 days is $48. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.

Monthly avg. prices

$100$80$60$40$20AMJJASONDJFM
Ticket prices for the train from Raleigh to Washington DC often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only $58. If you're thinking of traveling from Raleigh to Washington DC during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $87 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$100$80$60$40$203020100

Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Raleigh to Washington. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 29 days before departure, you can save around $54.03. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!

Which train should you take from Raleigh to Washington DC?

2 train services operate from Raleigh to Washington. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Carolinian16h 18m$53.26
Amtrak Silver Service16h 0m$76.56
  • The Amtrak Carolinian is a passenger train service which connects New York City and Washington, DC to some of the most charming destinations in North Carolina. The Carolinian runs an average of 1 trips per day between Raleigh and Washington, all of which include seats with extra legroom, free WiFi, power outlets, and snacks available in the Café car. The average Amtrak Carolinian ticket price for this route is , and the trip usually lasts around 6 hours and 18 minutes.

  • The Silver Service is an Amtrak train line that runs from New York City to Miami, connecting the largest cities in the Mid-Atlantic region with key destinations in the South and many places across the Sunshine State. Two trains, the Silver Meteor and Silver Star, collectively comprise the Silver Service. The trains come equipped with a variety of sleeper cars that travelers taking an overnight train can choose from, as well as a variety of amenities like free WiFi, power outlets, and a café car. One-way train tickets for the Silver Service from Raleigh to Washington start from $48 and the average train journey lasts about 6 hours and 0 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

The distance between Raleigh and Washington DC is approximately 233 miles, or 375 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 6 hours and 9 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 6 hours,

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.

On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Raleigh to Washington DC on Wednesday. Tickets for Wednesday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Saturday. Saturday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.

The earliest train departs Raleigh at 9:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 10:00am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Trains leave the station in Raleigh twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Washington DC with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to get off or switch trains.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Washington DC to Raleigh.

City Information

Raleigh

As an up-and-coming smart city, Raleigh has a wide range of activities that will satisfy all kinds of travelers. One of the most famous destinations in the city is the Neuse River Trail, which boasts 28 miles of a scenic path running through Wake Forest. It goes through not only forests but also wetlands, allowing walkers and cyclists to take a breather from the concrete jungle and be one with nature. Raleigh is also a famous research city, so it makes sense to visit the North Carolina Museum of Natural Sciences. With a permanent collection that attracts all ages, including whale skeletons and seahorse diorama, the museum is a great spot that you should not miss out on. If you wish to go shopping the old-fashioned way, the Raleigh City Market, which opened more than a century ago, allows you to meander through various small boutiques.

Raleigh’s reputation as a foodie haven is on a steady rise, and it currently houses five different establishments by chef Ashley Christensen, of which Poole’s Diner is particularly noteworthy. If you are looking for authentic North Carolina-style barbecues, Clyde Cooper’s stands among the most popular choices.

Raleigh’s main bus station is located outside of the city center at 2210 Capital Blvd. The city’s Amtrak station is one of the busiest in the country, and there are daily trains running from Raleigh to New York City, Charlotte and Miami, among other places. The principal airport in the region is the Raleigh–Durham International Airport, which is northwest of Downtown.

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 Raleigh?

Union Station  - RGHAMT3-0

Image credit: NCDOTcommunications

Link to image attribution
Union Station  - RGHAMT3-1

Image credit: NCDOTcommunications

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Union Station

The new multi-million dollar facility of Raleigh’s Union Station has quickly become one of the busiest train stations in North Carolina. Since opening in 2018, the station has expanded to serve over 150,000 passengers every year. Raleigh Union Station is an Amtrak station with routes connecting to major cities along the East Coast, including trips to New York City on the Carolinian or as far as Miami on Amtrak’s Silver Service. In addition, Amtrak’s Piedmont service from Charlotte ends its route in Raleigh. The station is a multi-level facility with tracks on the lower platform and retail shops on the main levels. It’s located in the heart of downtown, within a short walk of Nash Square, the CAM Raleigh art museum, and various restaurant options.

All train stations in Raleigh:

  • Union Station

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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