- Must visit
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
One of the world’s most visited natural history museums, known for dinosaur fossils, the Hope Diamond, and broad family-friendly exhibits.
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Hamden, CT to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $58. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 22m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $58, and a flight costs an average of $387.
Distance: 278 miles (448 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$164 Average price | $387 Average price | $58 Average price Cheapest | $62 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 17m Average total duration 6h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 22m Average total duration Fastest 1h 22m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 10m Average total duration 9h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 22m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Hamden, CT to Washington, DC:
A bus is $105 (€87) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Hamden, CT to Washington, DC costing on average $164 (€134).
A bus is $328 (€270) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Hamden, CT to Washington, DC costing on average $387 (€318).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 47m.
Bus takes on average 9h 40m.
Tickets start at around $164 (€134) compared to roughly $62 (€51) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-101.92 (€-83.71). The journey takes 6h 47m versus 5h 22m 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 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 Hamden, CT to Washington, DC run on average 37 times per day, taking around 6h 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $164 (€134) but you can travel from only $58 (€48) by bus.
There are 21 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:20, the last at 22:00. The fastest train covers the 278 miles (448 km) distance in 6h 47m.
Distance 278 miles (448 km) |
Average train duration 6h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price $164 (€134) |
Trains per day 37 |
Direct trains 21 |
Fastest train 6h 47m |
First train 3:20 AM |
Last train 10:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
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, known for dinosaur fossils, the Hope Diamond, and broad family-friendly exhibits.
Flagship Smithsonian museum covering aviation and spaceflight, with iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and major interactive exhibits.
Premier art museum with strong collections from the Middle Ages to modern art, plus sculpture garden and rotating exhibitions.
The city’s grand ceremonial park lined with Smithsonian museums, memorials, and iconic government buildings.
Historic neighborhood of cobblestone streets, waterfront walks, rowhouses, and some of Washington’s most photogenic corners.
Scenic waterside loop famous for cherry blossoms and views of major memorials, especially popular for sunrise and spring visits.
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 closely associated with Washington carryout culture, often paired with fried chicken wings and fries. It is a local comfort-food staple.
Steamed or picked blue crab from the nearby Chesapeake region is deeply tied to local food traditions. It is especially popular in warmer months.
Celebrated upscale restaurant with creative small plates and a warm, energetic atmosphere. It is one of Washington’s best-known modern dining destinations.
A classic, long-running Washington institution known for oysters, crab cakes, and traditional American fare in an elegant historic atmosphere.
Bustling brasserie known for polished French classics, strong brunch, and a stylish dining room that is popular with both locals and visitors.
Prices are high for hotels and dining, especially downtown. Free museums help balance daily costs.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5.
Official public transport app
Union Station, Washington, DC -> Metro Center, Washington, DC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Hamden, CT 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 Hamden, CT to Washington, DC trains use the Union Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Hamden, CT 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.
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