- 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
$69
Average price
$69
Fastest journey
11 h 16 m
Average duration
11 h 16 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
490 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cleveland, OH 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 Cleveland, OH to Washington, DC will cost around $69 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $69.
Of the 1 trains that leave Cleveland, OH for Washington, DC on Mon, May 25, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, May 25 the direct trains cover the 490 km distance in an average of 11 h 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 11 h 16 m .
On Mon, May 25 the slowest trains will take 11 h 16 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.
41 Floridian
41 FloridianOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cleveland, OH to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $50. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 14m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $50, and a flight costs an average of $99.
Distance: 304 miles (490 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$142 Average price | $91 Average price Cheapest | $313 Average price | $136 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 45m Average total duration 11h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 39m Average total duration 11h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 14m Average total duration Fastest 1h 14m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 46m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Cleveland, OH to Washington, DC:
A bus is $51 (€41) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cleveland, OH to Washington, DC costing on average $142 (€115).
A bus is $222 (€180) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cleveland, OH to Washington, DC costing on average $313 (€253).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Bus takes on average 11h 9m.
Train takes on average 11h 15m.
Tickets start at around $142 (€115) compared to roughly $136 (€110) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-5.44 (€-4.40). The journey takes 11h 15m versus 5h 46m 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 Cleveland, OH to Washington, DC trains for tomorrow, Monday, May 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
41 Floridian | 1:54 AM Cleveland Amtrak, Cleveland, OH | 11h16 | 1:10 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 Cleveland, OH to Washington, DC run on average 3 times per day, taking around 11h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $54 (€44) but you can travel from only $50 (€40) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:15, the last at 19:42. The fastest train covers the 304 miles (490 km) distance in 11h 16m.
Distance 304 miles (490 km) |
Average train duration 11h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $54 (€44) |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 11h 16m |
First train 1:15 AM |
Last train 7:42 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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
Traveling between Cleveland, OH and Washington, DC is a convenient journey made easy by Amtrak. With comfortable seating and scenic views along the way, you can relax as you traverse approximately 450 miles of beautiful landscapes. The train service offers multiple daily departures, ensuring flexibility in your travel plans while connecting these two cities rich in culture and history.
The train connection from Cleveland, OH to Washington, DC takes approximately 11 hours and 11 minutes. There is 1 direct connection available per day. Passengers will depart from Cleveland Amtrak station and arrive at Union Station in Washington, DC.
The first daily train journey departs from Cleveland at 5:54 AM. This early morning departure allows travelers to start their day with a scenic ride towards the nation's capital.
The cheapest ticket price for a train journey from Cleveland to Washington is $79 (71.1€). The average ticket price tends to be around $111 (99.9€), making the lower fare an attractive option for travelers looking to save on transportation costs while exploring these two cities.
The White House, completed in 1800, has served as the official residence and workplace of every U.S. president since John Adams, symbolizing the heart of American democracy. Its significance extends beyond politics; it represents a rich tapestry of history where pivotal decisions have shaped our nation’s future. Unique features include its neoclassical architecture and iconic rooms like the Oval Office and the Rose Garden, each steeped in stories that reflect both triumphs and challenges faced by leaders throughout time.
The Lincoln Memorial was dedicated in 1922 to honor President Abraham Lincoln's legacy as a champion for unity and equality during one of America's most tumultuous periods—the Civil War. This monumental structure not only serves as a tribute but also stands as an enduring symbol for civil rights movements across generations. Visitors are often struck by its unique design featuring 36 columns representing states at the time of Lincoln's death, along with his imposing seated statue that invites reflection on freedom and justice.
The United States Capitol is more than just an architectural marvel; it's where laws are made that govern this great nation—housing both chambers of Congress since its completion in 1800. The building holds immense significance as a beacon of democracy worldwide while showcasing centuries-old traditions intertwined with modern governance practices. Notable features include its stunning dome topped with Lady Freedom—a powerful emblem—and intricate frescoes within that narrate America’s journey from inception to present day.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cleveland, OH 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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