- 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 strong family-friendly exhibits on Earth and life sciences.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest trains from Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC
Showing times and prices for Jun 09
Cheapest price
$54
Average price
$147
Fastest journey
3 h 50 m
Average duration
4 h 2 m
Trains per day
23
Distance
154 km
Cheap tickets
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 $147 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $54.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC without transferring at least once.
656 Keystone Service · 137 Northeast Regional5:40 PM4h18Harrisburg Station, Harrisburg, PA9:58 PMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$541One-way1 transfer- 654 Keystone Service · 193 Northeast Regional4:30 PM4h22Harrisburg Station, Harrisburg, PA8:52 PMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$541One-way1 transfer
- 640 Keystone Service · 181 Northeast Regional5:00 AM4h06Harrisburg Station, Harrisburg, PA9:06 AMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$741One-way1 transfer
- 652 Keystone Service · 173 Northeast Regional3:08 PM4h24Harrisburg Station, Harrisburg, PA7:32 PMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$771One-way1 transfer
- 648 Keystone Service · 125 Northeast Regional10:08 AM5h03Harrisburg Station, Harrisburg, PA3:11 PMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$1101One-way1 transfer
- 644 Keystone Service · 141 Northeast Regional7:55 AM3h50Harrisburg Station, Harrisburg, PA11:45 AMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$1101One-way1 transfer
- 648 Keystone Service · 95 Northeast Regional10:08 AM3h57Harrisburg Station, Harrisburg, PA2:05 PMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$1331One-way1 transfer
- 644 Keystone Service+
2151 NextGen Acela7:55 AM4h04Harrisburg Station, Harrisburg, PA11:59 AMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$2771One-way1 transfer - 640 Keystone Service · 181 Northeast Regional5:00 AM4h06Harrisburg Station, Harrisburg, PA9:06 AMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$741One-way1 transfer
- 650 Keystone Service · 171 Northeast Regional12:10 PM4h15Harrisburg Station, Harrisburg, PA4:25 PMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$1331One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC
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 $22. 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 $22, and a flight costs an average of $162.
Distance: 95 miles (154 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$89 Average price | $40 Average price Cheapest | $425 Average price | $23 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC is a bus with an average price of $40 (€32).
This is compared to other travel options from Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC:
A bus is $49 (€40) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC costing on average $89 (€72).
A bus is $386 (€315) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC costing on average $425 (€347).
The fastest way to travel from Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC is by bus with an average journey time of 3h 6m.
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Flight takes on average 3h 37m.
Train takes on average 3h 40m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Harrisburg, PA and Washington, DC including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around $89 (€72) compared to roughly $23 (€19) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-65.18 (€-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.
Live departures
Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC train times
The table below shows live departures for Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC trains for today, Monday, June 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:05 PM Harrisburg, PA | 4h24 | 10:29 PM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9:40 PM Harrisburg, PA | 4h13 | 1:53 AM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 11:40 PM Harrisburg, PA | 4h39 | 4:19 AM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, June 9 | |||||
| 640 Keystone Service · 181 Northeast Regional | 5:00 AM Harrisburg Station, Harrisburg, PA | 4h06 | 9:06 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
| 640 Keystone Service+2107 NextGen Acela | 5:00 AM Harrisburg Station, Harrisburg, PA | 5h30 | 10:30 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
| 640 Keystone Service · 89 Palmetto | 5:00 AM Harrisburg Station, Harrisburg, PA | 4h44 | 9:44 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
| 642 Keystone Service · 79 Carolinian | 5:45 AM Harrisburg Station, Harrisburg, PA | 5h24 | 11:09 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
| 642 Keystone Service+2107 NextGen Acela | 5:45 AM Harrisburg Station, Harrisburg, PA | 4h45 | 10:30 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
| 600 Keystone Service · 185 Northeast Regional | 6:40 AM Harrisburg Station, Harrisburg, PA | 6h17 | 12:57 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC by train, bus, or flight
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.
Tue
Jun 09
Jun 09
Wed
Jun 10
Jun 10
Thu
Jun 11
Jun 11
Fri
Jun 12
Jun 12
Sat
Jun 13
Jun 13
Sun
Jun 14
Jun 14
Mon
Jun 15
Jun 15
Why should you book Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC trains with Omio?
Amtrak as well as Amtrak offer trains services from Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC.
Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets.
Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Amtrak, but also compare tickets for the likes of Amtrak to find the best option for your trip from Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Amtrak with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC
USAUSA
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 $52 (€42) but you can travel from only $22 (€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.
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 $22 (€18)
Distance 95 miles (154 km) |
Average train duration 3h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $52 (€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 |
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 $22 (€18)
Train companies: Amtrak from Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Harrisburg, PA and Washington, DC from $22 (€18). 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
4h 6m
Cheapest Price
$52 (€42)
Amtrak frequency
16 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
Complete guide to Washington
Things to do in Washington
Discover the best of Washington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Washington trip today.
- Must visit
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Flagship Smithsonian museum exploring African American history, culture, and community through powerful permanent exhibitions and major national narratives.
- Must visit
National Gallery of Art
Premier art museum with masterworks from the Middle Ages to the modern era, plus sculpture garden and rotating exhibitions in two landmark buildings.
- Must visit
National Mall
Washington’s essential civic promenade lined with museums and monuments, ideal for first-time visitors and the city’s top walking experience.
- Must visit
Georgetown
Historic waterfront neighborhood known for charming streets, rowhouses, shopping, and canal-side walks; a classic area for exploring on foot.
- Must visit
Tidal Basin
Scenic reservoir loop famous for memorials and cherry blossoms, especially photogenic at sunrise, sunset, and spring bloom season.
Half-Smoke
Washington’s signature sausage, typically smoky and spicy, served on a bun with mustard, onions, and chili. It is one of the city’s most iconic street foods.
Mumbo Sauce With Fried Chicken And Wings
A sweet-tangy sauce strongly associated with Washington carryout culture, often paired with fried chicken or wings. It is a distinctive local comfort-food staple.
- Gluten-free
Chesapeake Blue Crab
Sweet blue crab from the Chesapeake region, commonly served steamed and heavily seasoned. It reflects the Mid-Atlantic seafood traditions closely tied to Washington.
Old Ebbitt Grill
A celebrated historic restaurant near the White House, known for oysters, crab cakes, and classic Washington political dining ambiance.
Rasika
Widely acclaimed Indian restaurant with a polished atmosphere, famous for refined cooking and one of Washington’s best-known dining rooms.
Le Diplomate
Well-known French brasserie in Logan Circle, valued for its classic menu, energetic scene, and stylish long-established popularity.
United States Dollar
Prices are high by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining in central areas, though casual food is still manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 10-18 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- USD 25-45 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 80+ per person before drinks and tip.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for a regular café coffee.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants with table service. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or 10-15% for taxis, and USD 1-2 per bag for hotel staff.
DC Metro and Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- USD 2.25
- Day pass
- USD 13.00
To the city center
Union Station, Washington, DC -> Metro Center, Washington, DC
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Tap a contactless card or mobile wallet at Metrorail gates and on Metrobus; SmarTrip is also accepted system-wide.
- Metrobus fare is usually free for 2 hours after a Metrorail trip when you use SmarTrip, which can reduce transfer costs.
FAQs: Trains from Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC
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.
Train ticket prices from Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $52 (€42), while the average price is around $89 (€72).
The train from Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC takes 4h 6m and runs 18 per day.
The distance by train from Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC is 95 miles (154 km).
The first train from Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC leaves at 3:00 AM.
The last train from Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC leaves at 9:25 PM.
Yes, there is a high-speed train from Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC.
There is no direct train service currently available from Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC.
The train station in Harrisburg, PA that goes to Washington, DC is Harrisburg Station, Harrisburg, PA, which connects to Washington Union Station, Washington, DC.
The cheapest way to get from Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC is by bus, with a cost of around $22 (€18).
The train journey from Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC offers scenic views, particularly as it passes through the rolling hills of Pennsylvania, crosses the Susquehanna River, and moves through the lush countryside of Maryland, providing a pleasant visual experience.
A day trip from Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC is not feasible as the journey duration is 4h 6m. However, there are 18 train trips per day.
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.
To explore Washington, DC's main attractions such as the National Mall, museums, and monuments, a stay of three to four days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC.
Since neither Harrisburg, PA nor Washington, DC are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Washington, DC include Baltimore, MD, Wilmington, DE, Fredericksburg, VA, Newark, DE, Quantico, VA.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Washington, DC, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas like the National Mall and Metro stations. Common scams include overpriced taxi rides and unofficial tour operators. It's advisable to use licensed transportation services and stay aware of surroundings, particularly at night or in less busy neighborhoods.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC
Harrisburg
Washington
The major train station for departures in Harrisburg is Harrisburg Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Harrisburg Station for your trip from Harrisburg to Washington.
Harrisburg Station
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Cartsinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
Distance to city center
1 km
Number of platforms
5Wifi
- Free
Parking
- Parking available on-site with both short-term and long-term options.
Dining
- The Millworks
- Bricco
Taxis
- Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
- $0.50
Hotel
- Hilton Harrisburg
- Crowne Plaza Harrisburg-Hershey
- Radisson Hotel Harrisburg
Lost and Found Office
- Located in the main hall
Car Rental
- Enterprise
- Hertz
Information Desk
- Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
- Free
Station Plan
- Hall 1: main entrance, ticket office, and waiting area
- Hall 2: platforms for Amtrak and regional trains
- Hall 3: bus connections and car rental services
Public transit options for Harrisburg Station
- Bus: CAT (Capital Area Transit) services available
- Greyhound and other intercity bus services
The major train station for arrivals in Washington is Union Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Union Station for your journey to Washington from Harrisburg.
Amenities at train station
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityHotelTicket OfficeBike Parking
Bike RentalCar RentalInformation Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00
- Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00
Distance to city center
2 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station courtesy of Amtrak.
Lockers
- Amtrak provides temporary luggage storage for $10 per bag for 24 hours for customers holding Amtrak tickets.
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
- Elevators, escalators, wheelchair access. Accessible facilities including restrooms, parking, platforms, ticket office, waiting room.
Hotel
- Hyatt Recency Washington On Capitol Hill
- Phoenix Park Hotel
- Kimpton George Hotel
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00
- Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00
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 train connections from Harrisburg, PA
More options for your journey from Harrisburg, PA to Washington, DC
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Washington, DC and Harrisburg, PA
Most popular train connections to Washington, DC
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
