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Cheap train tickets from Wilmington to Washington DC

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Wilmington to Washington DC Train Schedule

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Is it better to travel by bus or train from Wilmington to Washington?

There are usually 4 daily bus trips available from Wilmington to Washington.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
$87.11
Avg. Price
$128.74
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
4
Daily Trips
1
Duration
Duration
11h 41m
Duration
9h 55m

Trip Summary

On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Wilmington to Washington DC. The train trip from Wilmington to Washington DC is usually about 9 hours and 55 minutes long. However, be prepared just in case your train arrives slightly earlier or later than scheduled.

Distance327 mi (527 km)
Fastest train9h 55m
Lowest price$110.00
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Wilmington, NC to Washington was $110.00. 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 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $26.25 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Monthly avg. prices

$150$120$90$60$30JFMAMJJASOND
Ticket prices for the train from Wilmington to Washington DC often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in June when the average ticket price is only $106. If you're thinking of traveling from Wilmington to Washington DC during October, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $137 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in October, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$150$120$90$60$303020100

If you're looking to save on your train trip from Wilmington to Washington, book online with Wanderu at least 29 days in advance. That way, you’ll save $26.25 compared to booking your ticket last minute.

Which train should you take from Wilmington to Washington DC?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Wilmington to Washington. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak19h 56m$135.43
  • 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 1 Amtrak trains from Wilmington to Washington every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $110.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Wilmington to Washington DC

While the train is the main method of transportation from Wilmington to Washington DC, it will only take you part of the way there. Please note that part of your trip will be on a different vehicle, most commonly a bus or express shuttle.

The distance between Wilmington and Washington DC is approximately 327 miles, or 527 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 55 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.

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

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Wilmington at 9:00am and arrives in Washington DC around 9 hours later.

Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. 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 transfer 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 Wilmington.

City Information

Wilmington

A hidden jewel in the South, Wilmington has seen a steady increase in popularity in recent years, with some even going as far as calling it Hollywood East. To fully explore the city’s rich history and cultural heritage, take a stroll around the Historic District. Featuring not only quaint mansions but also interesting museums and superb eateries, the district offers a wealth of fascinating information about the city and its people. While walking around, don’t miss out on the chance to explore the Riverwalk. As one of the most romantic spots in the city, it offers plenty of chances to take the perfect Instagram shot. If military history is your thing, Battleship North Carolina, which has now been turned into a museum, will be a satisfying experience.

For eats, one of the most-loved establishments is Nippy’s Soul Food Restaurant, which offers a lovely mix of seafood and soul foods. Wine lovers should also not miss the chance to try a tasting session at the Noni Bacca Winery, a local favorite.

Wilmington transportation center is WAVE Forden Station Transit Center, which is located on Cando St. From the station, tourists can catch Greyhound buses. While there’s no rail service in and out of Wilmington, the city is part of the Amtrak network via the carrier’s Thruway bus line. The Wilmington International Airport is the principal airport in the city.

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 Wilmington?

WAVE Forden Station Transit Ctr - 505 Cando St  - WMNAMT-0

Image credit: Wave Transit

Main departure station: WAVE Forden Station Transit Ctr - 505 Cando St

The Forden Station Transit Center is a hub for transportation services from Wilmington’s local Wave Transit buses as well as intercity bus service on Greyhound and Amtrak Thruway. The station was built in 1974 to improve public transportation in Wilmington and features aptly shaped wavy roofs atop sheltered sidewalks. Plenty of parking spots are available at the station, and if you’re up for a short walk, you can head to Costco around the corner for a $1.50 hot dog before your trip. The station is located a few miles north of downtown, about a 10-minute drive from Wilmington International Airport.

All train stations in Wilmington:

  • WAVE Forden Station Transit Ctr - 505 Cando St

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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