Charleston, SC to Washington, DC train with Amtrak

Thu, Nov 27
+ Add return
Amtrak
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Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
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1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Charleston, SC to Washington, DC

Showing times and prices for Nov 28

Cheapest price

$157

Average price

$157

Fastest journey

9 h 55 m

Average duration

9 h 55 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

729 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Charleston, SC 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 Charleston, SC to Washington, DC will cost around $157 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $157.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Charleston, SC for Washington, DC on Fri, Nov 28, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Fri, Nov 28 the direct trains cover the 729 km distance in an average of 9 h 55 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 9 h 55 m .

On Fri, Nov 28 the slowest trains will take 9 h 55 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.

Amtrak
01:15PM9h55
Charleston, SC
11:10PMWashington, DC
$1571One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Charleston, SC to Washington, DC

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Charleston, SC to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €55. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 34m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €55, and a flight costs an average of €76.

Distance: 452 miles (729 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Bus

€122

Average price

€210

Average price

€89

Average price

Cheapest

10h 24m

Average total duration

9h 54m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 34m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 34m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

12h 8m

Average total duration

11h 38m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Amtrak

Most popular train company

American Airlines

Most popular airline

Greyhound

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Charleston, SC to Washington, DC train times

The table below shows live departures for Charleston, SC to Washington, DC trains for today, Thursday, November 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 2:09 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak1:15 PM Charleston, SC
9h55
11:10 PM Washington, DC0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Charleston, SC to Washington, DC by bus, train, or flight

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.

Fri
Nov 28
Sat
Nov 29
Sun
Nov 30
Mon
Dec 01
Tue
Dec 02
Wed
Dec 03
Thu
Dec 04

Journey information

Overview: Train from Charleston, SC to Washington, DC

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Icon of train

Trains from Charleston, SC to Washington, DC run on average 2 times per day, taking around 9h 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $85 (€69) but you can travel from only $67 (€55) by bus.

There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 09:15, the last at 21:34. The fastest train covers the 452 miles (729 km) distance in 9h 55m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $67 (€55)
Distance
452 miles (729 km)
Average train duration
9h 54m
Cheapest ticket price
$85 (€69)
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
2
Fastest train
9h 55m
First train
09:15
Last train
21:34
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $67 (€55)

Train companies: Amtrak from Charleston, SC to Washington, DC trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Charleston, SC and Washington, DC from $67 (€55). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 55m
Cheapest Price
$85 (€69)
Amtrak frequency
2 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from Charleston, SC to Washington, DC

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Charleston, SC 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.

FAQs
A day trip from Charleston, SC to Washington, DC is not feasible as the journey takes 9h 55m. Trains run 2 times per day for this 452 miles (729 km) journey.
To explore Washington, DC's main attractions such as the National Mall, museums, and monuments, a stay of three to four days is recommended.
There is no high speed train available from Charleston, SC to Washington, DC.
Yes, you can take the train from Charleston, SC to Washington, DC.
In Washington, DC, you can discover the National Gallery of Art, stroll through the historic Georgetown neighborhood, visit the world's largest library at the Library of Congress, explore the vibrant Eastern Market, and enjoy a performance at the Kennedy Center. Key sights include the National Mall, the White House, the United States Capitol, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Lincoln Memorial.
The train journey from Charleston, SC to Washington, DC offers scenic views of the Lowcountry's marshlands and rivers, transitioning into the rolling landscapes and historic landmarks of the Mid-Atlantic region.
Yes, there is a direct train from Charleston, SC to Washington, DC. This service operates 2 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
Train ticket prices from Charleston, SC to Washington, DC can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $85 (€69), while the average price is around $150 (€122).
The distance by train from Charleston, SC to Washington, DC is 452 miles (729 km).
The cheapest way to get from Charleston, SC to Washington, DC is by bus, with a cost of around $67 (€55).
The first train from Charleston, SC to Washington, DC leaves at 9:15 AM.
The last train from Charleston, SC to Washington, DC leaves at 9:34 PM.
The train from Charleston, SC to Washington, DC takes 9h 55m and runs 2 per day.
The train station in Charleston, SC that goes to Washington, DC is Charleston Station, North Charleston, SC, which connects to Washington Union Station, Washington, DC.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Charleston, SC to Washington, DC.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Charleston, SC to Washington, DC

Charleston
Washington
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00
  • Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi in the station courtesy of Amtrak.
Lockers
Lockers
  • Amtrak provides temporary luggage storage for $10 per bag for 24 hours for customers holding Amtrak tickets.
Dining
Dining
  • 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
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, escalators, wheelchair access. Accessible facilities including restrooms, parking, platforms, ticket office, waiting room.
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hyatt Recency Washington On Capitol Hill
  • Phoenix Park Hotel
  • Kimpton George Hotel
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00
  • Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located on the train concourse of Level G near the Amtrak Waiting Area.
Public transit options for Union Station
  • Metro lines: Red
  • Bus lines: D6, D8, 80, 96,
  • Train lines: Acela, Capitol Limited, Cardinal, Carolinian, Crescent, Fredericksburg Line, MARC Brunswick, MARC Camden, MARC Penn, Manassas Line, Northeast Regional, Palmetto, Silver Service/Palmetto, Vermonter

Most popular trains to and from Washington, DC and Charleston, SC

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Washington, DCCharleston, SC to Washington, DC train

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