- Must visit
National Air and Space Museum
Vast air and space museum displaying historic aircraft, spacecraft and interactive exhibits for all ages.
Cheapest price on 23 Oct
£143
Average ticket price on 23 Oct
£146
Fastest journey on 23 Oct
7 h 17 m
Average journey duration on 23 Oct
7 h 50 m
Trains on 23 Oct
2
Distance
375 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Raleigh, 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 Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC will cost around £146 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £143.
To travel from Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC you need to make at least one change.
1180 Carolinian · 1480 Connecting Bus
80 Carolinian · 1180 Carolinian · 1480 Connecting Bus
1180 Carolinian · 1480 Connecting Bus
80 Carolinian · 1180 Carolinian · 1480 Connecting BusTrains from Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC run on average 2 times per day, taking around 6h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £38 but you can travel from only £23 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 375 km distance in 5h 26m.
Distance 375 km |
Average train duration 6h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price £38 |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 5h 26m |
First train 8:24 |
Last train 14:48 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC.
The table below shows live departures for Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC trains for today, Thursday 22 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
80 Carolinian · 1180 Carolinian · 1480 Connecting Bus | 9:54 North Carolina State Fair Station, Raleigh, NC | 8h23 | 18:17 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2 changes | |
1180 Carolinian · 1480 Connecting Bus | 11:00 Raleigh Union Station, Raleigh, NC | 7h17 | 18:17 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
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
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Washington, DC.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Raleigh, 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 Raleigh, NC to Washington, DC trains use the Raleigh Union Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Raleigh, NC and Washington, DC train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Raleigh Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Pit Authentic BBQ, Humble Pie, Whiskey Kitchen
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Raleigh Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Raleigh Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Raleigh Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Raleigh Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Raleigh Union Station: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include The Raleigh Marriott City Center, Sheraton Raleigh Hotel, Residence Inn Raleigh Downtown.
North Carolina State Fair Station is 6 km from Raleigh city centre. Public transport options include:
North Carolina State Fair Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at North Carolina State Fair Station. ATMs are available during fair events.
Ticket office support is available at North Carolina State Fair Station.
Available at North Carolina State Fair Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at North Carolina State Fair Station: Accessible platforms during events.
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.
Check train stations information for Raleigh, NC and Washington, DC, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
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