- Must visit
National Air and Space Museum
Vast air and space museum displaying historic aircraft, spacecraft and interactive exhibits for all ages.
Cheapest price
£27
Average price
£30
Fastest journey
3 h 38 m
Average duration
5 h 39 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
142 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Lancaster, PA 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 Lancaster, PA to Washington, DC will cost around £30 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £27.
Of the 3 trains that leave Lancaster, PA for Washington, DC every day 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 142 km distance in an average of 5 h 39 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 38 m .
The slowest trains will take 9 h 7 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.






Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lancaster, PA to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £31. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 3m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £31, and a train costs an average of £27.
Distance: 142 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£63 Average Price | £32 Average Price Cheapest |
3h 33m Average total duration Fastest 3h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 43m Average total duration 5h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The table below shows live departures for Lancaster, PA to Washington, DC trains for today, Monday 3 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
640 Keystone Service · 181 Northeast Regional | 5:35 Lancaster Station, Lancaster, PA | 3h27 | 9:02 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 change | |
640 Keystone Service+ 2107 Acela | 5:35 Lancaster Station, Lancaster, PA | 4h55 | 10:30 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 change | |
640 Keystone Service · 89 Palmetto | 5:35 Lancaster Station, Lancaster, PA | 4h05 | 9:40 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 change | |
642 Keystone Service+ 2107 Acela | 6:24 Lancaster Station, Lancaster, PA | 4h06 | 10:30 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 change | |
642 Keystone Service · 79 Carolinian | 6:24 Lancaster Station, Lancaster, PA | 4h38 | 11:02 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 change | |
600 Keystone Service · 185 Northeast Regional | 7:16 Lancaster Station, Lancaster, PA | 5h36 | 12:52 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 change | |
644 Keystone Service · 141 Northeast Regional | 8:27 Lancaster Station, Lancaster, PA | 3h14 | 11:41 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 change | |
644 Keystone Service+ 2151 NextGen Acela | 8:27 Lancaster Station, Lancaster, PA | 3h32 | 11:59 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 change | |
646 Keystone Service · 95 Northeast Regional | 9:34 Lancaster Station, Lancaster, PA | 4h31 | 14:05 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 change | |
648 Keystone Service · 95 Northeast Regional | 10:39 Lancaster Station, Lancaster, PA | 3h26 | 14:05 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 change | |
648 Keystone Service · 125 Northeast Regional | 10:39 Lancaster Station, Lancaster, PA | 4h32 | 15:11 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 change | |
648 Keystone Service · 171 Northeast Regional | 10:39 Lancaster Station, Lancaster, PA | 5h46 | 16:25 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 change | |
650 Keystone Service · 171 Northeast Regional | 12:46 Lancaster Station, Lancaster, PA | 3h39 | 16:25 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 change | |
42 Pennsylvanian · 93 Northeast Regional | 13:45 Lancaster Station, Lancaster, PA | 3h40 | 17:25 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 change | |
42 Pennsylvanian · 85 Northeast Regional | 13:45 Lancaster Station, Lancaster, PA | 4h54 | 18:39 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 change | |
42 Pennsylvanian · 97 Silver Meteor | 13:45 Lancaster Station, Lancaster, PA | 4h35 | 18:20 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 change | |
42 Pennsylvanian · 19 Crescent | 13:45 Lancaster Station, Lancaster, PA | 4h02 | 17:47 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 change | |
652 Keystone Service · 173 Northeast Regional | 15:45 Lancaster Station, Lancaster, PA | 3h53 | 19:38 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 change | |
652 Keystone Service · 129 Northeast Regional | 15:45 Lancaster Station, Lancaster, PA | 4h16 | 20:01 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 change | |
652 Keystone Service+ 2167 Acela | 15:45 Lancaster Station, Lancaster, PA | 4h18 | 20:03 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 change | |
654 Keystone Service · 193 Northeast Regional | 17:05 Lancaster Station, Lancaster, PA | 3h53 | 20:58 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 change | |
656 Keystone Service · 137 Northeast Regional | 18:15 Lancaster Station, Lancaster, PA | 3h38 | 21:53 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 change | |
658 Keystone Service · 175 Northeast Regional | 19:12 Lancaster Station, Lancaster, PA | 4h07 | 23:19 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 change | |
622 Keystone Service · 67 Northeast Regional | 21:47 Lancaster Station, Lancaster, PA | 9h07 | 6:54 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare coach and train 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 Lancaster, PA to Washington, DC run on average 18 times per day, taking around 3h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £27 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 03:00, the last at 21:50. The fastest train covers the 142 km distance in 3h 35m.
Distance 142 km |
Average train duration 3h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price £27 |
Trains per day 18 |
Fastest train 3h 35m |
First train 3:00 |
Last train 21:50 |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 42 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 Lancaster, PA 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 Lancaster, PA to Washington, DC trains use the Lancaster Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Lancaster, PA and Washington, DC train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Lancaster Station is 1 km from Lancaster city centre. Public transport options include:
Lancaster Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink options are available at Lancaster Station.
Ticket office support is available at Lancaster Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Lancaster Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Lancaster Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Lancaster Station: Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lancaster Station: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square, The Hotel Lancaster, Cork Factory Hotel.
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