- Must visit
National Air and Space Museum
This world-class museum presents aviation and space history through iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and hands-on science exhibits.
Cheapest price
€43
Average price
€47
Fastest journey
6 h 25 m
Average duration
7 h 29 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
232 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Allentown, PA 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 Allentown, PA to Washington, DC will cost around €47 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €43.
Of the 2 trains that leave Allentown, PA for Washington, DC on Wed, Aug 05, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct trains cover the 232 km distance in an average of 7 h 29 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 25 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest trains will take 8 h 32 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 Allentown, PA to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €31. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 15m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €31, and a train costs an average of €43.
Distance: 144 miles (232 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€78 Average price | €60 Average price Cheapest | €43 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 45m Average total duration Fastest 3h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 58m Average total duration 5h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 21m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Allentown, PA to Washington, DC:
A bus is €18 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Allentown, PA to Washington, DC costing on average €78.
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 28m.
You'll arrive about 6m sooner (3h 15m by train vs 3h 21m by car). Tickets start at around €78 compared to roughly €43 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 Allentown, PA to Washington, DC trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:40 AM Allentown, PA | 6h25 | 6:05 PM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:40 PM Allentown, PA | 8h32 | 9:12 PM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus 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 Allentown, PA to Washington, DC run on average 7 times per day, taking around 3h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €43 but you can travel from only €31 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 07:40, the last at 15:25. The fastest train covers the 144 miles (232 km) distance in 3h 52m.
Distance 144 miles (232 km) |
Average train duration 3h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price €43 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 3h 52m |
First train 7:40 AM |
Last train 3:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 14 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.
This world-class museum presents aviation and space history through iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and hands-on science exhibits.
Housed in a Beaux-Arts building, this museum explores natural wonders with dinosaurs, gems, fossils, and global biodiversity.
A landmark museum documenting African American history and culture through powerful exhibitions, artifacts, and storytelling.
The National Mall is Washington's grand civic promenade, lined with museums, memorials, and classic views ideal for first-time visitors.
Georgetown charms with historic streets, rowhouses, waterfront paths, and independent shops that make it one of the city's best walking areas.
The Tidal Basin loop offers famous cherry blossoms, water views, and easy access to several of Washington's most iconic memorials.
Half-smoke sausage, usually smoked pork and beef, served on a bun with chili, mustard, and onions. It is DC's signature street food, strongly tied to Ben's Chili Bowl.
Jumbo slice is an oversized late-night pizza slice popular in Adams Morgan. It is a recognizable DC nightlife food known for its huge foldable portions.
Mumbo sauce is a sweet tangy red sauce commonly served with fried chicken and wings at DC carryouts. It is a beloved local condiment with roots in Black DC food culture.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant focused on Mid-Atlantic ingredients and refined tasting menus in an elegant, contemporary dining room.
Polished seafood institution at the municipal fish market, best known for regional oysters, crab cakes, and classic Chesapeake flavors.
Historic casual landmark famous for half-smokes, chili, and a classic diner feel. A must for trying DC's best-known street food tradition.
DC is pricier than many US cities. Hotels and dining run high in central areas, but Metro and many free museums help balance daily travel costs.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, more for great service. Taxis usually 10-15%. Cafes: round up or add $1-2.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Allentown, 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 Allentown, PA to Washington, DC trains use the Allentown, North Church Street / Linden Street (Allentown Transportation Deck) to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Allentown, PA 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