Cheap train tickets from Richmond to Washington, DC
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Trip Summary
There are usually 8 daily train trips available from Richmond to Washington DC. Traveling by train from Richmond to Washington DC usually takes 2 hours and 33 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Northeast Regional train can make the trip in 2 hours and 17 minutes.
| Distance | 97 mi (156 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 17m |
| Lowest price | $15.00 |
| Trains per day | 8 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Northeast Regional |
| Train lines | 6 |
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Richmond to Washington Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Richmond to Washington?
There are usually 22 daily bus trips available from Richmond to Washington, DC.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$50.25 | Avg. Price$34.47Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips8 | Daily Trips22 |
Duration | Duration2h 33m | Duration2h 8mFaster |

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Richmond to Washington (Based on 47 ratings and reviews)
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Richmond to Washington Route Map

There are several train options that can take you from Richmond to Washington:
- Amtrak Northeast Regional: 4 daily trains from $15
- Amtrak Carolinian: 1 daily train from $19
- Amtrak Palmetto: 1 daily train from $19
- Amtrak Silver Service: 1 daily train from $49
- Amtrak Floridian: 1 daily train from $30
- Amtrak: 1 daily train from $95
What is the price of a train ticket from Richmond to Washington DC?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Richmond to Washington, DC was $30.57. 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 $30.40 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Richmond to Washington DC by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Richmond to Washington DC will cost between $22 and $53. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Richmond to Washington DC by month
Ticket prices for the train from Richmond 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 $34. If you're thinking of traveling from Richmond to Washington DC during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $55 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
By booking your train trip from Richmond to Washington, DC on Wanderu at least 28 days ahead of time, you can save about $30.40 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Richmond to Washington?
There are multiple trains that travel from Richmond to Washington, including Amtrak Northeast Regional, Amtrak Carolinian, Amtrak Palmetto, Amtrak Silver Service. Here is what you should know about the 6 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Northeast Regional | 4 | 2h 34m | $37.34 |
| Amtrak Carolinian | 1 | 2h 27m | $70.79 |
| Amtrak Palmetto | 1 | 2h 29m | $53.67 |
| Amtrak Silver Service | 1 | 2h 33m | $67.48 |
| Amtrak Floridian | 1 | 2h 20m | $62.81 |
| Amtrak | 1 | 3h 42m | $119.03 |
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 4 daily train trips from Richmond to Washington, DC, the Northeast Regional is the busiest and most popular among all Amtrak routes.
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 Richmond and Washington, DC, 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 $70.79, and the trip usually lasts around 2 hours and 27 minutes.
The Palmetto is an Amtrak train service that runs a total of 829 miles from New York City to Savannah, GA, connecting 20 cities from the Northeast to the Southeast along the way. Traveling from Richmond to Washington, DC is comfortable and relaxing on the Palmetto, thanks to the train’s free WiFi, power outlets, and seating with extra legroom. You can pick from 1 daily departures along this route, with train ticket pricing at an average of $53.67 on the Palmetto.
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 Richmond to Washington, DC start from $49 and the average train journey lasts about 2 hours and 33 minutes.
Amtrak Floridian train tickets from Richmond to Washington DC start from $30, and on average cost $62.81. Daily there are 1 Amtrak Floridian schedules to Washington, DC. Amtrak Floridian in Richmond leaves from 7519 Staples Mill Rd. And in Washington, DC trains arrive at Union Station.
From Richmond to Washington DC train travel on Amtrak Floridian takes 2 hours and 20 minutes.
If you are looking to travel to Washington, DC on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Floridian scheduled trip per day, which will cost $30 for a one-way weekend reservation from Richmond.
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 Richmond to Washington, DC every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $95.










Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Richmond to Washington
Yes, there are several Amtrak trains that go from Richmond to Washington DC, all offering amenities such as free WiFi, restrooms, A/C, snacks, and power outlets: • The Amtrak Northeast Regional offers at least six daily trips. Tickets cost about $34, and the trip takes around 2.5 hours. • The Amtrak Carolinian offers at least one daily trip. Tickets cost about $56, and the trip takes a little over 2 hours. • The Amtrak Palmetto offers at least one daily trip. Tickets cost about $42, and the trip takes around 2.5 hours. • The Amtrak Silver Service offers at least one daily trip. Tickets cost about $46, and the trip takes around 2.5 hours.
Trains on this route arrive into Union Station in Washington DC. This station is located at 50 Massachusetts Ave. NE, which is right in the heart of the city. One of Washington’s most historic and busiest stations, Union Station receives about 40 million visits every year, and is home to 18 platforms. Inside the station you will find a food court, shops and stores, waiting areas and more. Union Station also has a 24-hour parking garage.
The earliest train departing from Richmond to DC leaves at 4 a.m. Amtrak recommends you arrive 30 to 45 minutes prior to when your train is scheduled to depart. However, since this is the earliest departure of the day, the station will not be as busy as it is as other times.
There are 8 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Richmond to Washington DC. You can also take a train for your return trip from Washington DC to Richmond. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Richmond to Washington DC for $15.
TRIPS PER DAY
8
DIRECT TRIPS
8
The distance between Richmond and Washington DC is approximately 97 miles, or 156 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 33 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 17 minutes. Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.
DISTANCE (MI)
97
DISTANCE (KM)
156
The earliest train departs Richmond at 3:52am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:21pm. 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
3:52am
LATEST TRAIN
6:21pm
Trains from Richmond to Washington DC are the most crowded on Friday. 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
Friday
LEAST CROWDED
Tuesday
City Information
Richmond



As one of the most historically significant cities in the U.S., Richmond is a top-tier destination for not just fans of history but also culturally-inclined travelers. The premier tourist attraction of the city is the Virginia State Capitol, which features a unique architecture partially designed by Thomas Jefferson himself. For those who want to enjoy a cultural experience, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts is worth checking out, as it houses five exquisitely beautiful Fabergé eggs, along with works by Degas, Cézanne, and Renoir. If you wish to retreat from the concrete jungle, the Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden is a great alternative.
Richmond’s diverse community has had a huge influence on its food scene. Croaker's Spot is a famous restaurant that serves some of the best seafood around. Richmond is also the home to a burgeoning craft beer scene, and there are as many as 30 brands in the city. Some of the local favorites include Hardywood, The Veil Brewing Co., and The Answer Brewpub.
Richmond is a major hub for bus travel, and visitors can catch buses that go to cities like Washington, D.C., New York and Raleigh on a daily basis. The city boasts two Amtrak train stations that provide regular service to Washington, D.C., New York City and beyond. The principal one is the Main Street Station, which is located right in the heart of downtown Richmond. The main airport is the Richmond International Airport, 7 miles southeast of 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 does the train leave from in Richmond?
Main departure station: 7519 Staples Mill Rd


Located around 5 miles north of Richmond’s city center, the Amtrak Station on Staples Mill Road is Amtrak’s busiest transport hub in the Southeast Region. The station was built in 1975 to replace the downtown Main Street Station. It now serves as an important terminal for routes traveling up and down the American East. Passengers can venture north onboard the Northeast Regional service—Amtrak’s busiest route—to Washington, D.C., New York, and Boston. Richmond’s Amtrak Station also offers several southward connections to vacation destinations along the East Coast in [South Carolina(/train-tickets/us-sc/), Georgia, and Florida. In addition, the GRTC bus service is available from the station for transport into downtown Richmond.
All train stations in Richmond:
- 7519 Staples Mill Rd
- 1500 E Main St
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 Richmond?
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