Charleston, SC to Washington, DC train with Amtrak

Fri 24 Jul
+ Add return
Amtrak
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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  • Amtrak90 Palmetto
    9:159h16
    Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC
    18:31Alexandria Station, Alexandria, VA
    £1321One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak90 Palmetto
    9:159h55
    Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC
    19:10Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
    £1321One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak90 Palmetto
    9:1510h52
    Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC
    20:07New Carrollton Amtrak Station, New Carrollton, MD
    £1321One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak98 Silver Meteor
    20:349h51
    Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC
    6:25Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
    £1931One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak98 Silver Meteor
    20:349h20
    Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC
    5:54Alexandria Station, Alexandria, VA
    £1931One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare coach, train and flight for Charleston, SC to Washington, DC

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Charleston, SC to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £62. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 22m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £62, and a flight costs an average of £79.

Distance: 729 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Coach

£130

Average Price

£246

Average Price

£128

Average Price

Cheapest

10h 23m

Average total duration

9h 53m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 22m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 22m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

12h 8m

Average total duration

11h 38m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Amtrak

Most popular train company

psa airlines

Most popular airline

Greyhound

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Charleston, SC to Washington, DC train times

The table below shows live departures for Charleston, SC to Washington, DC trains for today, Thursday 23 July. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Amtrak98 Silver Meteor20:34 Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC
9h51
6:25 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 changesdirect
Friday 24 July
Amtrak90 Palmetto9:15 Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC
9h55
19:10 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 changesdirect
Amtrak90 Palmetto9:15 Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC
9h16
18:31 Alexandria Station, Alexandria, VA0 changesdirect
Amtrak90 Palmetto9:15 Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC
10h52
20:07 New Carrollton Amtrak Station, New Carrollton, MD0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Charleston, SC to Washington, DC by coach, train or flight

Compare coach, train 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.

Fri
24 Jul
Sat
25 Jul
Sun
26 Jul
Mon
27 Jul
Tue
28 Jul
Wed
29 Jul
Thu
30 Jul

Journey information

Overview: Train from Charleston, SC to Washington, DC

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Trains from Charleston, SC to Washington, DC run on average 2 times per day, taking around 9h 53m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £68 but you can travel from only £62 by coach.

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 09:15, the last at 21:34. The fastest train covers the 729 km distance in 9h 51m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £62
Distance
729 km
Average train duration
9h 53m
Cheapest ticket price
£68
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
9h 51m
First train
9:15
Last train
21:34
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Thu
Best time to book
14 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £62

Train companies: Amtrak from Charleston, SC to Washington, DC trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Charleston, SC and Washington, DC from £62. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 51m
Cheapest Price
£68
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Charleston, SC to Washington, DC train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Charleston, SC 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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Charleston, SC to Washington, DC can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £68, while the average price tends to be around £130.
The train journey from Charleston, SC to Washington, DC covers a distance of 729 km and takes approximately 9h 51m. Trains run 2 per day.
The train distance from Charleston, SC to Washington, DC is 729 km.
The first train from Charleston, SC to Washington, DC leaves at 9:15.
The last train from Charleston, SC to Washington, DC departs at 21:34.
Trains from Charleston, SC to Washington, DC run approximately 2 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Charleston, SC to Washington, DC.
Yes, there is a direct train between Charleston, SC and Washington, DC. The service operates 2 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
To get from Charleston, SC to Washington, DC, you can choose from several travel options including coach, train and flight.
There is no night train service from Charleston, SC to Washington, DC.
The train station in Charleston, SC that goes to Washington, DC is Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC, and it arrives at Washington Union Station, Washington, DC.
The cheapest way to get from Charleston, SC to Washington, DC is by coach, costing approximately £62.
Booking trains from Charleston, SC to Washington, DC in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Charleston, SC to Washington, DC offers scenic views of the southern countryside, with glimpses of historical towns, lush forests, and the occasional river, providing a pleasant and picturesque experience for travellers.
A day trip from Charleston, SC to Washington, DC is not feasible as the journey takes 9h 51m. The distance is 729 km and there are 2 trips per day by train.
In Washington, DC, you can discover the National Gallery of Art, stroll through the historic Georgetown neighbourhood, visit the Library of Congress, explore the vibrant Eastern Market, and enjoy a performance at the Kennedy Centre. Best sights include the National Mall, the White House, the United States Capitol, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Lincoln Memorial.
For a comprehensive experience of Washington, DC, plan to spend about three to four days. This allows time to visit major attractions such as the National Mall, Smithsonian Museums, and landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial and the US Capitol.
Yes, you can take the train from Charleston, SC to Washington, DC.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Charleston, SC and Washington, DC

Most Charleston, SC to Washington, DC trains use the Charleston Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Charleston, SC and Washington, DC train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Charleston
Arrival train stations in Washington

Which Washington, DC station do trains from Charleston, SC arrive at?

Trains from Charleston, SC to Washington, DC most often arrive at Union Station. Some services arrive at Alexandria Station, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Washington, DC arrival station.
Union Station50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002, United States+1 202 2891908WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Union Station from Washington city centre

Union Station is 2 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:

BusD30 · 15m · £3 · every ~10 min
281, 481, 483, 484, 486 · 19m · £2 · every ~1 min
SubwayR · 5m · £2 · every ~27 min

Union Station train station facilities and services

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 and drink

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

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free Wi-Fi in the station courtesy of Amtrak. ATMs are there are 2 ATM machines located on Level G.

Tickets and information

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 and lost property

Luggage storage is amtrak provides temporary luggage storage for $10 per bag for 24 hours for customers holding Amtrak tickets.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis.

Bike and car services

Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, escalators, wheelchair access. Accessible facilities including restrooms, parking, platforms, ticket office, waiting room.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hyatt Recency Washington On Capitol Hill, Phoenix Park Hotel, Kimpton George Hotel.

Most popular train connections from Charleston, SC

More options for your journey from Charleston, SC to Washington, DC

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Washington, DC Charleston, SC to Washington, DC train

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