- Must visit
National Air and Space Museum
This world-class museum presents aviation and space history through iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and hands-on science exhibits.
Cheapest price
$44
Average price
$72
Fastest journey
4 h 13 m
Average duration
5 h 25 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
154 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Harrisburg, PA 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 Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC will cost around $72 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $44.
Of the 5 trains that leave Harrisburg, PA for Washington, DC on Fri, Jul 24, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jul 24 the direct trains cover the 154 km distance in an average of 5 h 25 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 13 m .
On Fri, Jul 24 the slowest trains will take 9 h 14 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 Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $18. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 3h 6m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $18, and a flight costs an average of $132.
Distance: 95 miles (154 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$72 Average price | $32 Average price Cheapest | $347 Average price | $19 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 10m Average total duration 3h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 36m Average total duration Fastest 3h 6m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 37m Average total duration 3h 37m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 11m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 0.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC:
A bus is $40 (€40) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC costing on average $72 (€72).
A bus is $315 (€315) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC costing on average $347 (€347).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Flight takes on average 3h 37m.
Train takes on average 3h 40m.
Tickets start at around $72 (€72) compared to roughly $19 (€19) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-53.18 (€-53.18). The journey takes 3h 40m versus 2h 11m 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 Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC trains for today, Thursday, July 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:10 PM Harrisburg, PA | 4h25 | 8:35 PM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:30 PM Harrisburg, PA | 4h22 | 12:52 AM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 9:40 PM Harrisburg, PA | 4h13 | 1:53 AM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, July 24 | |||||
![]() | 2:15 AM Harrisburg, PA | 9h14 | 11:29 AM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:40 AM Harrisburg, PA | 4h34 | 3:14 PM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC run on average 18 times per day, taking around 3h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $42 (€42) but you can travel from only $18 (€18) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 03:00, the last at 21:25. The fastest train covers the 95 miles (154 km) distance in 4h 6m.
Distance 95 miles (154 km) |
Average train duration 3h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $42 (€42) |
Trains per day 18 |
Fastest train 4h 6m |
First train 3:00 AM |
Last train 9:25 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 4 days |
Discover the best of Washington, DC — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Washington, DC trip today.
This world-class museum presents aviation and space history through iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and hands-on science exhibits.
Housed in a Beaux-Arts building, this museum explores natural wonders with dinosaurs, gems, fossils, and global biodiversity.
A landmark museum documenting African American history and culture through powerful exhibitions, artifacts, and storytelling.
The National Mall is Washington's grand civic promenade, lined with museums, memorials, and classic views ideal for first-time visitors.
Georgetown charms with historic streets, rowhouses, waterfront paths, and independent shops that make it one of the city's best walking areas.
The Tidal Basin loop offers famous cherry blossoms, water views, and easy access to several of Washington's most iconic memorials.
Half-smoke sausage, usually smoked pork and beef, served on a bun with chili, mustard, and onions. It is DC's signature street food, strongly tied to Ben's Chili Bowl.
Jumbo slice is an oversized late-night pizza slice popular in Adams Morgan. It is a recognizable DC nightlife food known for its huge foldable portions.
Mumbo sauce is a sweet tangy red sauce commonly served with fried chicken and wings at DC carryouts. It is a beloved local condiment with roots in Black DC food culture.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant focused on Mid-Atlantic ingredients and refined tasting menus in an elegant, contemporary dining room.
Polished seafood institution at the municipal fish market, best known for regional oysters, crab cakes, and classic Chesapeake flavors.
Historic casual landmark famous for half-smokes, chili, and a classic diner feel. A must for trying DC's best-known street food tradition.
DC is pricier than many US cities. Hotels and dining run high in central areas, but Metro and many free museums help balance daily travel costs.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, more for great service. Taxis usually 10-15%. Cafes: round up or add $1-2.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Harrisburg, PA 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 Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC trains use the Harrisburg Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Harrisburg, PA and Washington, DC train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Harrisburg Station is 1 km from Harrisburg city centre. Public transport options include:
Harrisburg Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Millworks, Bricco
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Harrisburg Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Harrisburg Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Harrisburg Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Harrisburg Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Harrisburg Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hilton Harrisburg, Crowne Plaza Harrisburg-Hershey, Radisson Hotel Harrisburg.
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