Cheap train tickets from Norfolk to Washington, DC

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Trip Summary

There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Norfolk to Washington DC. Traveling by train from Norfolk to Washington DC usually takes 4 hours and 59 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Northeast Regional train can make the trip in 4 hours and 24 minutes.

Distance
148 mi (238 km)
Fastest train
4h 24m
Lowest price
$27.00
Trains per day
2
Most frequent service
Amtrak Northeast Regional
Train lines
2

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Norfolk to Washington Train Schedule

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

There are usually 5 daily bus trips available from Norfolk to Washington, DC.

Train
Bus
Avg. Price$58.22Avg. Price$39.88Cheaper
Daily Trips3Daily Trips5
Duration4h 59mDuration4h 12mFaster
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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Norfolk to Washington (Based on 31 ratings and reviews)

4.7

5.0

KENISHA

August 1, 2026 - Vacation

Amtrak Northeast Regional
Pros: Coming back home Cons: Better communication

4.0

Meara

December 27, 2025 - Visiting family

Amtrak Northeast Regional
Pros: It was okay trains delayed a bit Cons: Staff!!!

5.0

Rebecca

August 9, 2025 - Visiting family

Amtrak Northeast Regional
Pros: Staff friendly , polite and helpful Cons: Pricing Tips: Welcome on board amtrak. Good to travel except for the high price

5.0

TIANA

May 9, 2025 - Business

Amtrak Northeast Regional
Pros: The efficiency Cons: Bathroom cleanliness Tips: Pack light to make stops easy

4.0

Jon

June 1, 2024 - Visiting family

Amtrak Northeast Regional
Pros: I recently took a train trip from Norfolk to Washington DC on June 1, 2024, and it was a pleasantly smooth and convenient experience. The journey began at the Norfolk station, which was clean and well-organized, with clear signage and helpful staff. The train departed on time, and the seating was comfortable with ample legroom, making the several-hour journey quite relaxing. I appreciated the large windows that offered scenic views of the Virginia countryside and various small towns along the route. The onboard Wi-Fi was reliable, allowing me to stay connected and get some work done. One of the highlights was the café car, which provided a decent selection of snacks and beverages. The staff in the café and throughout the train were courteous and attentive, enhancing the overall travel experience. Arriving in Washington DC, the train pulled into Union Station smoothly and on schedule. The central location of Union Station made it easy to access public transportation and continue my journey in the city. Overall, the train trip from Norfolk to Washington DC was efficient, comfortable, and hassle-free. It provided a great alternative to driving or flying, combining convenience with the charm of rail travel. I would highly recommend this route to anyone looking to travel between these two cities.
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What is the price of a train ticket from Norfolk to Washington DC?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Norfolk to Washington, DC was $40.49. Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 28 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $36.25 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Norfolk to Washington DC by travel date

$90$60$30AugSep

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Norfolk to Washington DC will cost between $33 and $78. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Norfolk to Washington DC by month

$75$60$45$30$15JFMAMJJASOND

Ticket prices for the train from Norfolk to Washington DC often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in September when the average ticket price is only $51. If you're thinking of traveling from Norfolk to Washington DC during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $70 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$100$80$60$40$2001020

By booking your train trip from Norfolk to Washington, DC on Wanderu at least 28 days ahead of time, you can save about $36.25 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

What train companies travel from Norfolk to Washington?

There are multiple trains that travel from Norfolk to Washington, including Amtrak Northeast Regional, Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular train lines:

TRAINDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Northeast Regional24h 42m$52.49
Amtrak15h 34m$69.63
  • The Northeast Regional is Amtrak’s passenger rail service that runs between Boston, MA and Virginia Beach, VA, connecting over 50 cities in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. While the line’s downtown-to-downtown train service makes traveling between the biggest cities in the Northeast convenient and hassle-free, the train’s amenities make the journey comfortable and relaxing as well. Amtrak passengers can enjoy large seats with extra legroom and power outlets, as well as free WiFi and clean bathrooms. With 2 daily train trips from Norfolk to Washington, DC, the Northeast Regional is the busiest and most popular among all Amtrak routes.

  • 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 Norfolk to Washington, DC every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $42.

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Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Norfolk to Washington

There are 3 scheduled trains on most days. 2 of these are direct connections to Washington DC. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice. You can also take a train for your return trip from Washington DC to Norfolk. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Norfolk to Washington DC for $26.

TRIPS PER DAY

3

DIRECT TRIPS

2

The distance between Norfolk and Washington DC is approximately 148 miles, or 238 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 59 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 24 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)

148

DISTANCE (KM)

238

The earliest train departs Norfolk at 8:54am while the last train of the day leaves at 4:05pm. 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

8:54am

LATEST TRAIN

4:05pm

Trains from Norfolk 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

MOST CROWDED

Tuesday

LEAST CROWDED

Monday

City Information

Norfolk

Norfolk, VA - NFK-0Norfolk, VA - NFK-1Norfolk, VA - NFK-2

A trip to Norfolk, VA will take your breath away. Sail away from its shores and just let the wind take you to a place of calm and quiet where you can shed your worries.

There are so many things to do in and around the coastal city of Norfolk. Start off with its main historic landmark, the 400-year-old port that houses the most extensive naval base in the world. Other history-rich areas worth visiting include St. Paul's Episcopal Church and MacArthur Memorial.

If you crave some water adventures, remember that you can always sail, fish, swim, kayak, and cruise in Norfolk. You can also sign up for the Naval Base Tour or visit the Nauticus Museum and Hampton Roads Naval Museum. Finally, don't forget to spend a day or two at the beach to rejuvenate your soul.

Arts and entertainment, nightlife, and shopping are thriving in Norfolk, too. If you wish to enjoy some live performances, visit the Harrison Opera house. Nightlife is always at its best downtown, particularly at Baxter's or Scotty Quixx. If you plan to do some shopping, the Selden Market offers the most eclectic selections of all.

Walking is the best mode of transportation in Norfolk, but there's also the Tide, which is the city's light rail system that can take you to your destination faster. It runs a 7.5-mile-long route that covers pretty much the entire downtown area with its 11 stops. Both Amtrak train service and bus service from carriers like Greyhound and OurBus make Norfolk easy to travel to for your next trip.

Washington, DC

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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 Norfolk?

Main departure station: Harbor Park Station

Harbor Park Station -{"city":"Norfolk","country":"US","postal":"23510","state":"VA","street1":"280 Park Ave, Harbor Park, lot D"} - NFKAMT-0

Trains to Norfolk stop at the Harbor Park Station, adjacent to the city's Minor League Baseball stadium, Harbor Park. Greyhound buses also stop at this location in Norfolk. The station is a modern, well-lit building with many windows and comfortable seating inside. There is plentiful parking on-site, but be aware that fees may apply when there are events at the stadium. Downtown Norfolk is only a mile away, and you can connect to the local Hampton Roads Transit (HRT) rail via its Harbor Park station in the same area.

All train stations in Norfolk:

  • Harbor Park Station

Where does the train arrive in Washington?

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:

  • Union Station

Need a return trip from Washington to Norfolk?

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