Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
Trip Summary
On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Washington DC to Louisville. The train trip from Washington DC to Louisville is usually about 28 hours and 17 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 26 hours and 40 minutes.
| Distance | 473 mi (761 km) |
| Fastest train | 26h 40m |
| Lowest price | $112.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Washington DC to Louisville?
Over the past month, a train ticket between Washington and Louisville cost $176.00, on average. Since this route covers a considerable distance, tickets are typically a bit pricier than most train fares. Booking your trip at least 24 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $95.50 more.
Monthly avg. prices
Prices as travel date approaches
Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Washington to Louisville. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 24 days before departure, you can save around $95.50. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!
Which train should you take from Washington DC to Louisville?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Washington to Louisville. 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.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 1d 4h 18m | $210.44 |
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 Washington to Louisville every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $112.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Washington DC and Louisville is approximately 473 miles, or 761 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 28 hours and 17 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 26 hours and 40 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.
Thursday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Washington DC to Louisville. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Thursday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Sunday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Washington DC at 10:00am and arrives in Louisville around 26 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 Louisville to Washington DC.
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.
Louisville
A mecca for fans of sports, Louisville holds the honor of being the birthplace of many sports legends. Even non-sports fans should not miss out on the Muhammad Ali Center, where tourists can learn more about the life and legacy of the legendary boxer. Aside from permanent galleries dedicated to the boxer himself, the museum also features temporary exhibitions on topics such as race and gender equality. Another top highlight from the city is Churchill Downs, where the famous Kentucky Derby is hosted. Contrary to what people might imagine, the racing track is actually quite idyllic, and if there is one place you must visit in Louisville, this is probably the one. If you are looking for a unique experience, head towards the Louisville Mega Cavern. This cavern system was created out of a 19th-century limestone quarry and it features the world’s only underground zip line course.
Three things dominate the food scene in Louisville: barbecue, bourbon, and mint juleps. Some local favorites are Mark’s Feed Store and Feast BBQ. If you are looking for the finest bourbon, the Evan Williams Bourbon Experience is certainly a good call.
The central bus station in Louisville is the Bus Terminal on W Muhammad Ali Blvd, connecting the city with near and far destinations such as Cincinnati, Chicago and Nashville. There are no train tracks that run through the city. However, the city is still a part of Amtrak’s network via the carrier’s Thruway bus line. The Louisville International Airport fulfills air services for the city.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Washington DC?
Main departure 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
Where is the train station in Louisville?
Main arrival station: Louisville Bus Station
The Louisville Bus Terminal, located at 720 W Muhammad Ali Blvd, serves interstate Greyhound bus services. The station is equipped with restrooms, vending machines, and indoor seating. The station also has an adjoining cafeteria in case vending machine snacks aren't enough to satisfy your hunger. In addition, there is also a customer service and ticket kiosk where station staff can answer any questions you may have. The station is located in Downtown Louisville, only a short walk from the city's most exciting amenities and several nearby restaurants and convenience stores.
All train stations in Louisville:
Louisville Bus Station
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Louisville to Washington DC?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
More trains from Washington DC
- Train from Washington D.C. to Tampa
$172+
- Washington D.C. to Savannah
$98+
- Washington D.C. to Baltimore Train
$16+
- Train from Washington D.C. to Detroit
$206+
- Washington D.C. to Greensboro Train
$74+
- Train from Washington D.C. to Wilmington
$119+
- Washington D.C. to Atlantic City Train
$92+
- Washington D.C. to Newark
$110+
Continue by train from Louisville
- Louisville to Los Angeles
$428+
- Louisville to Denver Train
$203+
- Train from Louisville to Washington D.C.
$232+
- Louisville to Wilmington Train
$253+
- Train from Louisville to Jacksonville
$380+
- Louisville to Orlando Train
$415+
- Louisville to Tampa Train
$382+
- Louisville to Chicago Train
$77+
- Train from Louisville to South Bend
$104+
- Train from Louisville to Boston
$294+
- Louisville to Kalamazoo Train
$113+
- Louisville to St Louis Train
$125+
- Train from Louisville to New York
$269+
- Louisville to Cincinnati Train
$69+
- Train from Louisville to Memphis
$171+
- Louisville to Dallas Train
$340+
- Louisville to Richmond Train
$277+
- Louisville to Milwaukee Train
$100+
Check out these popular routes
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.
Book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more