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Trains from Raleigh to Washington DC

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Raleigh - Washington DC Train Schedule

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Train Route Overview: Raleigh to Washington DC

There are 2 daily trains from Raleigh to Washington DC. Traveling by train from Raleigh to Washington DC usually takes around 6 hours and 9 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Silver Service train can make the trip in 6 hours,

Distance233 mi (375 km)
Fastest train6h 0m
Lowest price$48.00
Trains per day2
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Carolinian
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Raleigh to Washington

(Based on 11 ratings and reviews)

4.3

4.0

Brenetta

April 21, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Carolinian

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

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

4.0

Clare

April 14, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Carolinian

Pros: Peace and quiet on the trim. Cons: One of the staff was a little rude. Tips: N/A.

Pros: Peace and quiet on the trim. Cons: One of the staff was a little rude. Tips: N/A.

5.0

Rajendra

November 10, 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Carolinian

Pros: Nice & comfort journey! Cons: windows are dirty! wish they are cleaned and have enjoyed outside scenery!! Tips: Wear mask and travel safe. Protect urself and others !!

Pros: Nice & comfort journey! Cons: windows are dirty! wish they are cleaned and have enjoyed outside scenery!! Tips: Wear mask and travel safe. Protect urself and others !!

4.0

S

October 20, 2021- Visiting friends

Amtrak Carolinian

Pros: Train windows needed washing outside and the train car floor needed vacuuming inside. Other than that, some delays, but nice staff who went out of their way to help me out when I changed my plans and a smooth trip. Cons: see above. Tips: Plan a train trip in a f...

Pros: Train windows needed washing outside and the train car floor needed vacuuming inside. Other than that, some delays, but nice staff who went out of their way to help me out when I changed my plans and a smooth trip. Cons: see above. Tips: Plan a train trip in a flexible schedule. Little delays happen a lot.

More

4.0

E

August 13, 2021- Solo travel

Amtrak Carolinian

Good value for the money.

Good value for the money.

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

Typically $53.36 is the average price you should expect to pay for a train ticket to Washington DC. Any tickets cheaper than $53.36 can be considered a great deal. It’s easy to find a bus ticket at this price or lower when you use Wanderu to book your trip online in advance of your travel date.

Average prices by travel date

$90$60$30AugAug

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Raleigh to Washington DC will vary between $51 and $76. Planning a train trip to Washington within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Raleigh over the next 7 days is $53. Make sure to book your trip as soon as possible as train fares tend to go up as you get closer to your travel date.

Monthly average prices

$75$60$45$30$15SONDJFMAMJJA

If you are trying to decide when to travel from Raleigh to Washington DC by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for January. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just $56 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Raleigh to Washington DC in July, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to $69 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you have a high chance of scoring a ticket at a lower price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$100$80$60$40$203020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 27 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Washington from Raleigh will be about $52.47 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

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$65.22
Amtrak Silver Service16h 0m$73.08
  • Amtrak Carolinian

    Amtrak Carolinian

    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.

  • Amtrak Silver Service

    Amtrak Silver Service

    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

Is it safe to travel by train from Raleigh to Washington during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations.

Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.

How long is the train journey from Raleigh to Washington DC?

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.

When are trains the most crowded?

Because many passengers travel from Raleigh to Washington DC at the beginning of the work week, Monday is usually the busiest day for trains. If you are planning to travel on a Monday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.

On the other hand, Sunday is typically the least busy day for train travel on this route. If you are looking for less crowded trains to Washington DC, book your ticket for the last day of the week.

When are the first and last trains of the day?

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.

How many train departures serve Washington DC each day?

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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