Union Station in Washington, DC, is Amtrak’s second-busiest station, accommodating over 70,000 passengers each day. Whether you are visiting the nation’s capital or connecting to destinations along the East Coast, here is your complete guide to learning about Amtrak in Washington, DC.
The great thing about covering Amtrak in Washington, DC, is that there is only one station, but it offers a lot. Whether you’re in DC as a destination, a transfer point, or just taking a break on the platform for some fresh air, there are plenty of options to explore.
Quick Facts About Washington Union Station
- Address: 50 Massachusetts Avenue NE, Washington, DC 20002
- Station Code: WAS
- Daily Passengers: 70,000+
- Annual Visitors: 40+ million
- Opened: 1907 (Beaux-Arts architecture)
- Distance to Capitol: 0.8 miles
Amtrak in Washington, DC, Routes
Amtrak operates both regional and long-distance trains that arrive at, depart from, and pass through Washington Union Station.
Express Regional Trains
- Route: Boston ↔ New York ↔ Philadelphia ↔ Baltimore ↔ Washington DC
- Frequency: Multiple daily departures
- Top Speed: 150-160 mph
- Travel Times from DC:
- Baltimore: 35 minutes
- Philadelphia: 1 hour 20 minutes
- New York City: 2 hours 45 minutes
- Boston: 6 hours 30 minutes
Northeast Corridor Regional Service
- Route: Same as Acela with additional stops
- Frequency: Hourly during peak times
- Why Choose This: Lower cost and more frequent service than Acela, with this train stopping at smaller stations that offer more options than the Acela.
Carolinian (Train 79/80)
- Route: New York City ↔ Charlotte
- Frequency: Daily
- Key Stops: Philadelphia, Baltimore, DC, Richmond, Raleigh, Charlotte
Palmetto (Train 89/90)
- Route: New York City ↔ Savannah
- Frequency: Daily
- Key Stops: Philadelphia, Baltimore, DC, Richmond, Fayetteville, Charleston, Savannah
- Note: This train travels over 750 miles, which classifies it as a long-distance service, yet it operates similarly to a regional train.
Vermonter (Train 54/55)
- Route: Washington, DC ↔ St. Albans, Vermont
- Frequency: Daily
- Travel Time: 9.5+ hours to Vermont
- Key Stops: New York, Springfield, MA, Brattleboro, VT, Montpelier, VT
Long-Distance Trains
Floridian (Train 40/41) – Replaced the Capitol Limited and Silver Star
- Route: Chicago ↔ Miami
- Frequency: Daily
- Travel Time: 47+ hours end-to-end
- Equipment: Single-level Viewliner cars
- Key Stops: Cleveland, Pittsburgh, DC, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Miami
Crescent (Train 19/20)
- Route: New York ↔ New Orleans
- Frequency: Daily
- Travel Time from DC: 26+ hours to New Orleans
- Equipment: Single-level Viewliner cars
- Key Stops: DC, Charlotte, Atlanta, Birmingham, Meridian, New Orleans
Silver Meteor (Train 97/98)
- Route: New York ↔ Miami
- Frequency: Daily
- Equipment: Single-level Viewliner cars
- Key Stops: DC, Richmond, Raleigh, Savannah, Jacksonville, Orlando, Tampa, Miami
Cardinal (Train 50/51)
- Route: New York ↔ Chicago
- Frequency: Tri-weekly (3 days per week)
- Equipment: Single-level Viewliner cars
- Travel Time from DC: 17+ hours to Chicago
- Scenic Route: Through the West Virginia mountains
- Key Stops: DC, Charleston, WV, Cincinnati, Indianapolis, Chicago
Union Station: What You Need to Know
Station Layout & Amenities
Main Concourse Features:
- Soaring 96-foot barrel-vaulted ceiling
- Climate-controlled waiting areas
- Free Wi-Fi throughout
- Information kiosks and customer service
- Wheelchair accessibility to all platforms
Dining Options:
- Full-service restaurants
- Fast-casual chains
- Food court with 20+ vendors
- Grab-and-go options for train travel
- Current food options at Washington Union
Shopping:
- 50+ retail stores
- Travel essentials and souvenirs
- Books, electronics, and travel gear
- Current shops at Washington Union
Getting to Union Station
By Metro (Subway):
- Red Line stops directly at Union Station
- The entrance connects directly to the main concourse
- Cost: $2.25-$6.50, depending on distance and time
By Car:
- On-site parking available
- Daily Rate: $25-$35+
- Alternative: Nearby street parking (limited, metered)
From Local Airports:
- DCA (Reagan): Metro Blue/Yellow Line to Metro Center, transfer to Red Line (45 minutes)
- BWI (Baltimore): MARC Penn Line and Amtrak trains take you directly to or from Union Station (45 minutes)
- IAD (Dulles): Silver Line Metro to Metro Center, transfer to Red Line (1+ hour)
Booking Tips for Washington, DC Departures
Best Booking Strategies
For Northeast Corridor Travel:
- Book Acela 2-4, or more, weeks ahead for the best prices
- Northeast Regional usually has walk-up ticket availability, but it’s best to purchase tickets before boarding. Certain peak trains may sell out quickly.
- Business Class might be worth it for longer trips
For Long-Distance Travel:
- Reserve sleeping accommodations 2-3 months in advance, or as soon as possible.
- You can book up to 11 months in advance.
- Coach seats are available closer to departure
- Consider upgrading to sleeping accommodations for overnight journeys
Peak Times to Avoid:
- Friday evenings (business travelers heading home)
- Sunday evenings (weekend travelers returning)
- Federal holidays and cherry blossom season (spring)
Money-Saving Tips
- Saver fares available on many trains (limited flexibility)
- Check out this article to see what coach fares are best for you.
- Discounts are available for qualified passengers!
- Check out my article on saving money on Amtrak to see if you qualify!
- In some cases, multi-city trips can be cheaper than individual tickets
Connecting Transportation at Union Station
Commuter Rail Services
- Penn Line: To Baltimore and Perryville
- Camden Line: To Baltimore (Orioles/Ravens games)
- Brunswick Line: To Frederick and Martinsburg, WV
VRE (Virginia Railway Express):
- Fredericksburg Line: To Fredericksburg
- Manassas Line: To Manassas
Intercity Bus Services
Union Station is a bus hub with a bus deck located above the train platforms.
Bus Companies Operating from Union Station:
How to Access the Bus Deck:
- Walk through the main concourse
- Find gate G (marked with gate numbers)
- Take the escalators up to the bus deck level
Boarding Queues:
- Greyhound: Passenger queues A-C
- FlixBus: Passenger queues D-E
Late Night Access (11 PM – 5 AM): The main entrance closes overnight. Use the H Street entrance instead.
Other Transportation
- DC Metro: Red Line provides access to the entire Washington region.
- DC Streetcar: Limited H Street/Benning Road line
- Bike Share: Capital Bikeshare stations nearby
Washington, DC as Your Amtrak Hub
Why DC Works Great for Multi-City Trips
Union Station’s central location makes it ideal for exploring the East Coast by train:
Northeast Corridor Tours:
- DC → Philadelphia → New York → Boston
- Easy same-day trips to Baltimore or Philadelphia
Southern Routes:
- Combine DC with Charleston, Savannah, or Florida
- The Floridian connects Washington, DC, to Chicago and Florida, serving as the gateway to most Western routes.
Unique Position: DC is the southernmost NEC station capable of handling Superliners (double-deck equipment), making it the gateway between Northeast Corridor services and long-distance western routes. In the past, the Capitol Limited, a Superliner train, connected the Midwest to the East Coast. Currently, it has been replaced with the Floridian, with the Cardinal running three days a week as an alternative.
Insider Tips for Union Station
Timing Your Arrival
- How soon should you arrive: At a minimum, arrive 30 minutes before departure.
- Checked Bags: Arrive at least 45 minutes before departure, or your bags may be turned away.
- Peak Travel Days (or for your first time): Add an extra 15-30 minutes
Station Navigation
- Track announcements begin 15-20 minutes before departure
- Gates close 2 minutes before the scheduled departure
- Metropolitan Lounge is available for Acela First class passengers, those with sleeping accommodations, and Amtrak Guest Rewards Select Executive/Select Plus members.
- Our operating hours are as follows:
- Monday to Friday: 5:00 AM to 9:30 PM
- Saturday and Sunday: 7:00 AM to 9:30 PM
- Business Class passengers can purchase day passes for $50.
- Our operating hours are as follows:
What Makes the Washington Union Station Special
- Beautiful historic architecture is worth experiencing
- Excellent restaurant options if you have a long layover
- Walking distance to major DC attractions
- The U.S. Postal Museum is just outside the station doors and has my “stamp of approval!”
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I store luggage at Union Station?
A: Baggage storage services are available starting at $10 per bag per day. To store your belongings, please visit the Amtrak ticketing area.
Q: Is Union Station safe at night?
A: The station is well-lit and regularly patrolled, with security present 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Q: How early should I arrive for my train?
A: 30 minutes for reserved seating, 45 minutes during peak times, and for bag checks.
Q: Can I bring food and drinks on the train?
A: Yes, outside food and non-alcoholic beverages are permitted on the train. Alcohol must remain in your luggage unless you have sleeping accommodations.
Q: Do all trains require reservations?
A: Most Amtrak services require reservations, but the Northeast Regional offers some seats that do not need a reservation.
Q: Where do I get picked up or dropped off?
A: For rideshare services, taxis, and personal vehicle pick-ups, please use the Massachusetts Avenue exit.
Wrap-Up
I’ve passed through these amazing stations many times! My first year of long-distance train travel was in 2014, and this station was my destination that fall. In later years, it became a turning point, where I had to decide whether to go north to Philadelphia or south to Charleston, SC. However, lately, during my trips aboard Amtrak’s Floridian, I’ve only been on the platform.
This station is a gateway to educational experiences, somber remembrances, history, fun, and more.
Safe travels & happy planning!
Kev
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