- Must visit
National Air and Space Museum
Vast air and space museum displaying historic aircraft, spacecraft and interactive exhibits for all ages.
Cheapest price
£70
Average price
£104
Fastest journey
6 h 39 m
Average duration
6 h 42 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
378 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cary, NC to Washington, DC is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cary, NC to Washington, DC will cost around £104 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £70.
Of the 2 trains that leave Cary, NC for Washington, DC every day 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 378 km distance in an average of 6 h 42 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 39 m .
The slowest trains will take 6 h 44 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
40 Floridian
80 Carolinian
40 Floridian
80 CarolinianOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cary, NC to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £30. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 46m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £30, and a flight costs an average of £78.
Distance: 378 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£63 Average Price | £40 Average Price Cheapest | £233 Average Price |
7h 8m Average total duration 6h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 59m Average total duration 5h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 46m Average total duration Fastest 2h 46m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | 1.1 - 2.3kg CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Cary, NC to Washington, DC trains for tomorrow, Monday 3 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
40 Floridian | 8:33 Cary Station, Cary, NC | 6h39 | 15:12 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
80 Carolinian | 9:47 Cary Station, Cary, NC | 6h44 | 16:31 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, coach and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Cary, NC to Washington, DC run on average 2 times per day, taking around 6h 38m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £38 but you can travel from only £30 by coach.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 08:24, the last at 14:48. The fastest train covers the 378 km distance in 6h 39m.
Distance 378 km |
Average train duration 6h 38m |
Cheapest ticket price £38 |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 6h 39m |
First train 8:24 |
Last train 14:48 |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 84 days |
Discover the best of Washington, DC — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Washington, DC trip today.
Vast air and space museum displaying historic aircraft, spacecraft and interactive exhibits for all ages.
Museum exploring the history, culture and contributions of African Americans through powerful exhibitions.
Leading art museum with European and American masterpieces, sculpture garden and free permanent collection.
Grand landscaped park linking memorials, museums and monuments, ideal for walking and classic city views.
Historic waterfront district with cobbled streets, canal paths, shops and scenic walks by the Potomac.
Vibrant neighbourhood known for murals, music venues, independent shops and one of the city’s liveliest streets.
Half-smoke sausage, usually smoked pork and beef, served on a bun with chilli and toppings. It is a long-standing Washington street food linked to the city’s carry-outs.
Mumbo sauce is a sweet, tangy, slightly spicy condiment popular with fried chicken and chips in Washington carry-outs. It is a distinctive local takeaway staple.
Jumbo slice is an oversized pizza slice sold late at night in Washington, especially around nightlife areas. It is a local post-night-out food ritual.
Polished American dining with a focus on seasonal produce and Chesapeake influences. Sophisticated setting suited to a celebratory meal.
Refined Mid-Atlantic seafood restaurant known for oyster dishes, crab, and seasonal ingredients. Elegant but approachable atmosphere in Penn Quarter.
Beloved bakery and café serving Ethiopian coffee, pastries, and light meals. Relaxed community feel in Adams Morgan.
Washington is pricier than many US cities for hotels and dining near central sights, though museums are often free and public transport is reasonably priced.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants if service is not included, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and spare change or up to 10% in cafés.
Official public transport app
Washington Union Station -> Metro Center, Washington, DC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cary, NC to Washington, DC by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Washington, DC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Cary, NC to Washington, DC trains use the Cary Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Cary, NC and Washington, DC train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Cary Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Academy Street Bistro, Lugano Ristorante
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Cary Station. Information desks are located in the main waiting room.
Luggage storage is available at Cary Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Cary Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Cary Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Cary Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include The Mayton, Courtyard by Marriott Raleigh/Cary, Hampton Inn & Suites Raleigh/Cary.
Union Station is 2 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food options include: Shake Shack, McDonald’s, Starbucks, Potbelly Sandwich Shop, Chopt Creative Salad Co., Chipotle Mexican Grill, Thunder Grill, Johnny Rockets, Jamba Juice, Ladurée Union Station, & many more
Free Wi-Fi in the station courtesy of Amtrak. ATMs are there are 2 ATM machines located on Level G.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00, Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00. Information desks are located on the train concourse of Level G near the Amtrak Waiting Area.
Luggage storage is amtrak provides temporary luggage storage for $10 per bag for 24 hours for customers holding Amtrak tickets.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, escalators, wheelchair access. Accessible facilities including restrooms, parking, platforms, ticket office, waiting room.
Nearby hotels include Hyatt Recency Washington On Capitol Hill, Phoenix Park Hotel, Kimpton George Hotel.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need