How to get to Washington Union Station, Washington, DC Train Station

Travel from Washington, D.C. city centre to Union Station train station

Washington, D.C. is the country's capital, making it a popular destination for vacation and business travellers alike. Union Station is located close to the city centre, within walking distance of many major Washington, D.C. landmarks, including the U.S. Capitol building and National Mall. Along with being a major transportation hub, Union Station Washington, D.C. is a designated historic landmark and a destination worth visiting all on its own. This multi-use building hosts an indoor mall that offers a wide array of shopping and dining options to meet anyone’s needs, from full-service restaurants to small quick-service eateries.

Union Station also often hosts special events, ranging from presidential inaugural balls to free concerts and art exhibits. The building features impressive Beaux-Arts architecture with soaring vaulted ceilings embellished with gold leaf and large Diocletian windows. Most visitors to Washington, D.C. will visit Union Station during their trip. In conjunction with Amtrak service, it provides a base for many other local transportation options. These include the Washington Metro rail service, the MARC Train (Maryland Rail Commuter Service), and the VRE (Virginia Railway Express). Union Station is also the main Washington, D.C. terminal for most intercity bus operators and serves as a hub for multiple popular local tour bus operators.

How far is it from Washington, D.C. city centre to Union Station train station?

Union Station Washington, D.C. is located right next to the Washington, D.C. city centre. This makes it an ideal starting-off point for visiting popular landmarks and monuments in Washington, D.C. Both the U.S. Capitol building and the eastern edge of the National Mall plaza are less than 1 mile (1.6 km) from Union Station and are easily reached on foot. Alternatively, you can take a D.C. Metro train or a bus from Union Station to reach your destination at the National Mall or other popular spots in Washington, D.C. The Washington Plaza Hotel in downtown Washington, D.C. is about 2 miles (3.2 km) from Union Station and will take about 15min to reach via bus or train, only a few minutes via taxi, and a little over a half-hour on foot.

What is the best way to get to Union Station train station from Washington, D.C. city centre?

Union Station Washington, D.C. is located near the city centre, making walking to the train station one of the most convenient options depending on exactly where you are coming from. You will also find a wide variety of other options to travel from the Washington, D.C. city centre to Union Station train station, including trains, buses, and taxis. If you are in a hurry, a taxi will get you to Union Station the fastest, taking only a few minutes. The DC Circulator bus is a cheap and convenient option for travelling to popular spots within Washington, D.C. To get from the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum located within the National Mall plaza to Union Station via the DC Circulator bus will take less than half an hour total travel time and only costs one dollar.

Where is the airport(s) in Washington, D.C. and how to get there?

The Washington, D.C. area has three major airports. The closest airport to Washington, D.C. is Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), located about 5 miles (8 km) from Union Station. You can easily reach the Reagan airport from Union Station via the DC Metro on the Red and Yellow lines in about 45min. The next closest, Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), is located in Virginia, a little under 30 miles (48 km) from Union Station. Dulles airport is the primary international airport in the D.C. area. A taxi or rental car is the fastest and easiest way to reach Dulles Airport, taking about 45min, though bus options are also available. Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is located in Maryland, a little over 30 miles (48 km) from Union Station. You can take a MARC train from Union Station to the BWI airport, and then a shuttle will drop you at your terminal. Train time Washington, D.C. to BWI airport is about 40min.

How accessible is Washington train station for those with limited mobility?

Those taking a train to Washington, D.C. will find that Union Station can accommodate passengers with limited mobility. You will find both elevators and escalators within Union Station Washington, D.C. The train station offers accessible platforms, accessible restrooms, an accessible ticket office, an accessible waiting room, and accessible parking. Wheelchairs and a wheelchair lift are available for those Amtrak passengers who need them. Amtrak baggage assistance is provided by Red Caps. If you know you will require extra assistance on your train to Washington, D.C., contact Amtrak to make any special arrangements and for more accessibility information about Union Station train station in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C Train Station. Source: Shutterstock

Night trains to/from Union Station Washington

Trains arrive at and depart from Union Station Washington, D.C. at all hours of the day and night. Depending on where you are headed or coming from, you might be able to book a night train for your journey, for example you can take night trains to Boston.. Most of the long-distance train routes that travel through Union Station are serviced by Amtrak. You can find more information on travelling with Amtrak and book tickets for your train to Washington, D.C. through Omio.

Traveling by train in Washington : Sustainable journey

If you’re looking for sustainable travel options for your trip to Washington, D.C., travelling by either bus or train to Union Station are your best choice. These options emit less pollution and are far more environmentally friendly than alternatives like flying or driving in an individual gas-powered car. Check out the Omio magazine for some inspiration on living and travelling sustainably.

Local tips: Union Station train station points of interest

Union Station is located near the heart of Washington, D.C., the nation’s capital. It’s a shopping, dining, and historic destination worth visiting all on its own. Even if you’re just passing through on your train to Washington, D.C., take some time to admire the remarkable Beaux-Arts architecture in this historic building that has stood for over 100 years. With the National Mall plaza within walking distance to Union Station, this is the ideal starting point for your trip to Washington, D.C. You will also find many convenient train and bus connections from Union Station to popular cultural sites nearby if you’d rather not walk to your final destination. With a huge selection of dining options within Union Station, it’s the perfect spot to grab a bite to eat either before or after your day of sightseeing when taking the train to Washington, D.C. Top spots to visit within walking distance of Union Station Washington, D.C.:

• U.S. Capitol Building
• Smithsonian Museums
• National Monuments and Memorials
• National Gallery of Art
• U.S. Botanic Garden
• Library of Congress
• National Postal Museum

What to do in Washington, D.C.

Most tourists taking the train to Washington, D.C. plan to visit the many national monuments, museums, and other significant government sites of the nation’s capital. You’ll find most of these spots located in and around the National Mall. You can walk there from Union Station and easily spend the whole day visiting each of the famous monuments and memorials, from the Washington Monument to the Vietnam Veterans Wall to the Lincoln Memorial and more. The Smithsonian Museums are also concentrated around the National Mall; you’ll want to plan your trip to include whichever of these most interest you—it’ll likely be impossible to visit them all in one day.

Touring either the U.S. Capitol building or the White House are both popular options you might want to fit into your trip, but you’ll want to make sure you book reservations in advance. As a bonus, most of these government-owned sites and museums in Washington, D.C. are free to visit.