- Must visit
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
One of the world’s most visited natural history museums, known for dinosaur fossils, the Hope Diamond, and broad family-friendly exhibits.
Cheapest price
$223
Average price
$375
Fastest journey
5 h 55 m
Average duration
6 h 27 m
Trains per day
24
Distance
501 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Albany, NY to Washington, DC is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Albany, NY to Washington, DC will cost around $375 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $223.
It's difficult to get from Albany, NY to Washington, DC without transferring at least once.
68 Adirondack · 65 Northeast Regional · 151 Northeast Regional
232 Empire Service+
2151 NextGen Acela
68 Adirondack · 65 Northeast Regional · 151 Northeast Regional
68 Adirondack · 65 Northeast Regional
240 Empire Service · 85 Northeast Regional
280 Empire Service+
2159 NextGen Acela
232 Empire Service+
2151 NextGen Acela
280 Empire Service+
2159 NextGen Acela
230 Empire Service · 141 Northeast Regional
244 Empire Service · 175 Northeast RegionalOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Albany, NY to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $58. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 10m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $58, and a flight costs an average of $155.
Distance: 311 miles (501 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$137 Average price | $87 Average price Cheapest | $335 Average price | $101 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 29m Average total duration 5h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 22m Average total duration 7h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 10m Average total duration Fastest 3h 10m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.3kg CO2 emissions | 1.5 - 3.0kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Albany, NY to Washington, DC:
A bus is $50 (€41) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Albany, NY to Washington, DC costing on average $137 (€113).
A bus is $248 (€204) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Albany, NY to Washington, DC costing on average $335 (€276).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 59m.
Bus takes on average 7h 52m.
You'll arrive about 15m sooner (5h 59m by train vs 6h 14m by car). Tickets start at around $137 (€113) compared to roughly $101 (€84) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Albany, NY to Washington, DC trains for today, Wednesday, July 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
48 Lake Shore Limited · 177 Northeast Regional · 6077 AMTRAK | 2:21 PM Schenectady Station, Schenectady, NY | 12h39 | 3:00 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2 transfers | |
48 Lake Shore Limited · 177 Northeast Regional · 6077 AMTRAK | 4:10 PM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 10h50 | 3:00 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2 transfers | |
244 Empire Service · 175 Northeast Regional | 4:30 PM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 6h53 | 11:23 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
64 Maple Leaf · 177 Northeast Regional · 6077 AMTRAK | 5:39 PM Schenectady Station, Schenectady, NY | 9h21 | 3:00 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2 transfers | |
64 Maple Leaf · 67 Northeast Regional | 5:39 PM Schenectady Station, Schenectady, NY | 13h15 | 6:54 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
64 Maple Leaf · 177 Northeast Regional · 6077 AMTRAK | 6:35 PM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 8h25 | 3:00 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2 transfers | |
64 Maple Leaf · 67 Northeast Regional | 6:35 PM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 12h19 | 6:54 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
68 Adirondack · 67 Northeast Regional · 151 Northeast Regional | 6:38 PM Schenectady Station, Schenectady, NY | 12h20 | 6:58 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2 transfers | |
68 Adirondack · 67 Northeast Regional | 6:38 PM Schenectady Station, Schenectady, NY | 12h16 | 6:54 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
68 Adirondack · 67 Northeast Regional | 7:40 PM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 11h14 | 6:54 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
68 Adirondack · 67 Northeast Regional · 151 Northeast Regional | 7:40 PM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 11h18 | 6:58 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2 transfers | |
| Thursday, July 2 | |||||
230 Empire Service · 141 Northeast Regional | 5:00 AM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 6h45 | 11:45 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
232 Empire Service+ 2151 NextGen Acela | 5:55 AM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 6h04 | 11:59 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
234 Empire Service · 95 Northeast Regional | 6:50 AM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 7h15 | 2:05 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
236 Empire Service · 125 Northeast Regional | 8:15 AM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 6h56 | 3:11 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
280 Empire Service · 93 Northeast Regional | 9:21 AM Schenectady Station, Schenectady, NY | 8h04 | 5:25 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
280 Empire Service+ 2159 NextGen Acela | 9:21 AM Schenectady Station, Schenectady, NY | 6h39 | 4:00 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
280 Empire Service · 19 Crescent | 9:21 AM Schenectady Station, Schenectady, NY | 8h26 | 5:47 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
2159 NextGen Acela+ 280 Empire Service | 10:05 AM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 5h55 | 4:00 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
280 Empire Service · 19 Crescent | 10:05 AM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 7h42 | 5:47 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
280 Empire Service · 93 Northeast Regional | 10:05 AM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 7h20 | 5:25 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
240 Empire Service · 85 Northeast Regional | 11:15 AM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 7h23 | 6:38 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
284 Empire Service+ 2255 NextGen Acela | 12:17 PM Schenectady Station, Schenectady, NY | 26h07 | 2:24 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
284 Empire Service · 129 Northeast Regional | 12:17 PM Schenectady Station, Schenectady, NY | 7h45 | 8:02 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
284 Empire Service · 129 Northeast Regional | 1:05 PM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 6h57 | 8:02 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
284 Empire Service+ 2255 NextGen Acela | 1:05 PM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 25h19 | 2:24 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
290 Ethan Allen Express · 137 Northeast Regional | 1:11 PM Schenectady Station, Schenectady, NY | 8h47 | 9:58 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
290 Ethan Allen Express · 137 Northeast Regional | 1:49 PM Albany / Rensselaer Amtrak, Rensselaer, NY | 8h09 | 9:58 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, 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.
Trains from Albany, NY to Washington, DC run on average 24 times per day, taking around 5h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $69 (€57) but you can travel from only $58 (€48) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 03:20, the last at 22:00. The fastest train covers the 311 miles (501 km) distance in 6h 53m.
Distance 311 miles (501 km) |
Average train duration 5h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price $69 (€57) |
Trains per day 24 |
Fastest train 6h 53m |
First train 3:20 AM |
Last train 10:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Washington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Washington trip today.
One of the world’s most visited natural history museums, known for dinosaur fossils, the Hope Diamond, and broad family-friendly exhibits.
Flagship Smithsonian museum covering aviation and spaceflight, with iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and major interactive exhibits.
Premier art museum with strong collections from the Middle Ages to modern art, plus sculpture garden and rotating exhibitions.
The city’s grand ceremonial park lined with Smithsonian museums, memorials, and iconic government buildings.
Historic neighborhood of cobblestone streets, waterfront walks, rowhouses, and some of Washington’s most photogenic corners.
Scenic waterside loop famous for cherry blossoms and views of major memorials, especially popular for sunrise and spring visits.
Washington’s signature sausage, usually smoky and spicy, served on a bun with chili, mustard, and onions. It is one of the city’s most iconic street foods.
A sweet-tangy sauce closely associated with Washington carryout culture, often paired with fried chicken wings and fries. It is a local comfort-food staple.
Steamed or picked blue crab from the nearby Chesapeake region is deeply tied to local food traditions. It is especially popular in warmer months.
Celebrated upscale restaurant with creative small plates and a warm, energetic atmosphere. It is one of Washington’s best-known modern dining destinations.
A classic, long-running Washington institution known for oysters, crab cakes, and traditional American fare in an elegant historic atmosphere.
Bustling brasserie known for polished French classics, strong brunch, and a stylish dining room that is popular with both locals and visitors.
Prices are high for hotels and dining, especially downtown. Free museums help balance daily costs.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5.
Official public transport app
Union Station, Washington, DC -> Metro Center, Washington, DC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Albany, NY 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 Albany, NY to Washington, DC trains use the Albany-Rensselaer Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Albany, NY and Washington, DC train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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