- Must visit
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
One of the world’s most visited natural history museums, famous for dinosaur fossils, gemstones, and major family-friendly exhibits on Earth and life sciences.
Cheapest price
$277
Average price
$289
Fastest journey
14 h 18 m
Average duration
15 h 40 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
872 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Atlanta, GA 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 Atlanta, GA to Washington, DC will cost around $289 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $277.
Of the 2 trains that leave Atlanta, GA for Washington, DC on Fri, May 29, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, May 29 the direct trains cover the 872 km distance in an average of 15 h 40 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 14 h 18 m .
On Fri, May 29 the slowest trains will take 17 h 2 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.
20 Crescent · 80 Carolinian
20 Crescent
20 Crescent
20 Crescent · 80 CarolinianOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Atlanta, GA to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $48. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 55m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.3 - 0.8kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $48, and a train costs an average of $136.
Distance: 541 miles (872 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$224 Average price | $107 Average price Cheapest | $177 Average price | $126 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
14h 56m Average total duration 14h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 18m Average total duration 13h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 55m Average total duration Fastest 1h 55m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 9h 29m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.9 - 2.2kg CO2 emissions | 2.6 - 5.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
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 Atlanta, GA to Washington, DC:
A bus is $71 (€57) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Atlanta, GA to Washington, DC costing on average $177 (€143).
A bus is $117 (€95) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Atlanta, GA to Washington, DC costing on average $224 (€181).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Bus takes on average 13h 48m.
Train takes on average 14h 26m.
Tickets start at around $224 (€181) compared to roughly $126 (€102) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-98.12 (€-79.28). The journey takes 14h 26m versus 9h 29m 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.
Compare train, bus, 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 Atlanta, GA to Washington, DC run on average 2 times per day, taking around 14h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $136 (€110) but you can travel from only $29 (€24) by flight.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 16:00, the last at 23:29. The fastest train covers the 541 miles (872 km) distance in 14h 18m.
Distance 541 miles (872 km) |
Average train duration 14h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price $136 (€110) |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 14h 18m |
First train 4:00 PM |
Last train 11:29 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 35 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, famous for dinosaur fossils, gemstones, and major family-friendly exhibits on Earth and life sciences.
Premier art museum with masterworks from the Middle Ages to modern times, plus a celebrated sculpture garden and strong temporary exhibitions.
Iconic Smithsonian museum covering aviation and space exploration, with historic aircraft and spacecraft that make it a top draw in the city.
Washington’s signature civic landscape lined with museums and monuments, ideal for walking and the city’s top first-time visitor area.
Historic waterfront neighborhood known for cobblestone streets, rowhouses, shopping, and scenic walks along the canal and river.
Scenic walking area around the water framed by major memorials, especially famous during cherry blossom season.
Washington’s signature sausage, usually a coarse smoked pork-and-beef link served on a bun with chili, mustard, and onions. It is one of the city’s most iconic street foods.
A sweet, tangy, slightly spicy sauce closely associated with Washington carryout culture, commonly served with fried chicken and fries. It is a distinctive local condiment.
An oversized late-night pizza slice popular in nightlife areas of Washington, especially Adams Morgan. It is a recognizable local fast-food tradition.
An established, upscale-casual saloon near the White House known for oysters, crab cakes, and other classic Washington and Mid-Atlantic dishes.
Acclaimed Indian restaurant known for refined cooking and a polished dining room. A standout for one of Washington’s most celebrated restaurant experiences.
One of Washington’s best-known restaurants, offering classic French bistro fare in an elegant, energetic space that is popular with locals and visitors.
Prices are high by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining in central areas, though casual food is still manageable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis about 10-15%, and hotel staff a few dollars.
Official public transport app
Union Station, Washington, DC -> Metro Center, Washington, DC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Atlanta, GA 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.

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