Cheap train tickets from Charleston to Washington, DC
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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Charleston to Washington DC. Traveling by train from Charleston to Washington DC usually takes 10 hours and 13 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 251 mi (404 km) |
| Fastest train | 10h 13m |
| Lowest price | $61.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Cardinal |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Charleston to Washington Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Charleston to Washington?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from Charleston to Washington, DC.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$136.05 | Avg. Price$119.11Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration10h 13mFaster | Duration14h 10m |
There are several train options that can take you from Charleston to Washington:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Charleston to Washington DC?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Charleston to Washington, DC was $62.00. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 11 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $712.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Charleston to Washington DC by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Charleston to Washington DC will cost between $59 and $96. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Charleston to Washington DC by month
Ticket prices for the train from Charleston to Washington DC often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only $81. If you're thinking of traveling from Charleston to Washington DC during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $181 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
By booking your train trip from Charleston to Washington, DC on Wanderu at least 11 days ahead of time, you can save about $712.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Charleston to Washington?
There are multiple trains that travel from Charleston to Washington, including Amtrak Cardinal. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Cardinal | 1 | 10h 13m | $136.05 |
The Amtrak Cardinal is a long distance passenger rail service from New York to Chicago, connecting a total of 31 cities. As one of Amtrak's most scenic train routes, the Cardinal is a popular train line connecting the Northeast to the Southeast, and offers top-notch comfort thanks to its seats with extra legroom, free WiFi, power outlets, and snacks available for purchase in the Cardinal Café. There are usually 1 Cardinal trips from Charleston to Washington, DC per day, with an average trip length of 10 hours and 13 minutes.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Charleston to Washington
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Washington DC with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains. You can also take a train for your return trip from Washington DC to Charleston. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Charleston to Washington DC for $83.
TRIPS PER DAY
1
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The distance between Charleston and Washington DC is approximately 251 miles, or 404 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 10 hours and 13 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)
251
DISTANCE (KM)
404
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Charleston at 8:31am and arrives in Washington DC around 10 hours later.
EARLIEST TRAIN
8:31am
LATEST TRAIN
8:31am
Trains from Charleston to Washington DC are the most crowded on Sunday. 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Sunday
LEAST CROWDED
Wednesday
City Information
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 Charleston?
Main departure station: 350 MacCorkle Ave SE
There is one train station in Charleston.
All train stations in Charleston:
- 350 MacCorkle Ave SE
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 Charleston?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
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