- Must visit
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
One of the most visited museums in the city, known for dinosaur fossils, the Hope Diamond, and major natural science collections.
Cheapest price
$188
Average price
$210
Fastest journey
8 h 47 m
Average duration
10 h 23 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
543 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Amherst, MA 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 Amherst, MA to Washington, DC will cost around $210 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $188.
Of the 2 trains that leave Amherst, MA for Washington, DC on Fri, Jun 19, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct trains cover the 543 km distance in an average of 10 h 23 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h 47 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest trains will take 11 h 59 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 Amherst, MA to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $59. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 36m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $59, and a train costs an average of $80.
Distance: 337 miles (543 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$176 Average price | $174 Average price | $83 Average price Cheapest | $108 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 19m Average total duration 7h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 36m Average total duration Fastest 1h 36m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 12h 19m Average total duration 11h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 57m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Amherst, MA to Washington, DC:
A bus is $91 (€75) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Amherst, MA to Washington, DC costing on average $174 (€143).
A bus is $94 (€77) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Amherst, MA to Washington, DC costing on average $176 (€145).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 49m.
Bus takes on average 11h 49m.
Tickets start at around $176 (€145) compared to roughly $108 (€89) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-68.48 (€-56.12). The journey takes 7h 49m versus 6h 57m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Amherst, MA to Washington, DC trains for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:01 PM Amherst, MA | 8h29 | 3:30 AM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, June 19 | |||||
![]() | 11:25 AM Amherst, MA | 8h47 | 8:12 PM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, 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 Amherst, MA to Washington, DC run on average 8 times per day, taking around 7h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $80 (€66) but you can travel from only $53 (€44) by flight.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:05, the last at 18:45. The fastest train covers the 337 miles (543 km) distance in 7h 49m.
Distance 337 miles (543 km) |
Average train duration 7h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $80 (€66) |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 7h 49m |
First train 6:05 AM |
Last train 6:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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 most visited museums in the city, known for dinosaur fossils, the Hope Diamond, and major natural science collections.
Flagship museum for aviation and space exploration, featuring iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and interactive exhibits.
Powerful museum covering African American history, culture, and achievements through immersive exhibitions.
The city’s central ceremonial landscape, lined with major museums, memorials, and classic Washington views.
Historic neighborhood of cobbled streets, waterfront paths, and Federal-era architecture, ideal for walking and photos.
Scenic waterfront loop famous for cherry blossoms and close-up access to several major memorials.
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 strongly associated with Washington carryout culture, commonly paired with fried chicken and fries. It is a distinctive local flavor locals recognize immediately.
Regional blue crab from nearby Chesapeake waters, often served steamed and heavily seasoned. It reflects the Mid-Atlantic seafood traditions closely tied to Washington dining.
An established downtown institution known for oysters, crab cakes, and classic American seafood near the White House, with an elegant old-school atmosphere.
Busy, established French brasserie in Logan Circle known for polished service, a classic dining room, and consistently popular bistro dishes.
Historic casual landmark on U Street, famous for half-smokes, chili dogs, and classic Washington comfort food in a lively, nostalgic setting.
Prices are high by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining near central areas and major attractions.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants. USD 1-2 per drink at bars. Taxis: 10-15% or round up. Hotel staff: USD 2-5. Tips are expected for table service.
Official public transport app
Union Station, Washington, DC -> Metro Center, Washington, DC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Amherst, MA 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 Amherst, MA to Washington, DC trains use the Holyoke Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Amherst, MA 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