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The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Houston, TX to Washington, DC is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
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Distance | 1215 miles (1959 km) | |
Train frequency | 1 a day | |
Direct train | No | |
Train providers | Amtrak |
Trains from Houston, TX to Washington, DC cover the 1215 miles (1959 km) long journey taking on average 49 h 35 min with our travel partners like Amtrak. Normally, there is 1 train operating per day, including direct services available.
You can travel by train from Houston, TX to Washington, DC with Amtrak. When you search Omio for times and tickets, we’ll show you the best deals available.
Amtrak is a passenger train service based in the United States. It operates more than 300 trains daily including trains to Washington, DC from Houston, TX, connecting more than 500 destinations in 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Amtrak offers a variety of train types, including the Acela Express, Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the Auto Train. The Acela Express is the fastest train, reaching speeds of up to 150 mph. The Northeast Regional is the most popular, offering frequent service between major cities in the Northeast. The Keystone Service is a regional service connecting Philadelphia and Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. The Auto Train is a unique service that allows passengers to transport their cars along with them. Amtrak offers a variety of ticket types, including Saver, Value, Flexible, and Business Class. Saver tickets are the most affordable, while Business Class tickets offer the most amenities, such as complimentary meals and access to the Amtrak Metropolitan Lounge. Onboard facilities vary by train type, but all Amtrak trains offer comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, and power outlets. The most popular routes for Amtrak include the Northeast Corridor, which runs between Washington, D. C. And Boston, and the Pacific Surfliner, which runs between San Diego and San Luis Obispo, California. Other popular routes include the Capitol Corridor, which runs between San Jose and Sacramento, California, and the Empire Builder, which runs between Chicago and Seattle.
Amtrak from Houston, TX to Washington, DC train information:
The trains from Houston to Washington D.C. are routes operated by a combination of trains, or trains and buses, with at least one stopover in between the two cities. The route availability varies throughout the week, depending on the day you wish to travel. There is at least one option a day to get from Houston, TX to Washington D.C. by train. The journeys take from about 46h 35min to approximately 52h 01min depending on the number and location of the stopovers. The route options offered are either all by train or mixed journeys with bus transit services.
Trains and mixed routes to Washington D.C. depart at least once a day, on every day of the week. The route that operates daily, is a mixed journey with both a bus transit segment and train segments and has two stopovers before arriving in Washington D.C. It departs from Houston, TX at approximately 1:05 p.m. The other option, with only train segments and just one stopover is offered three times a week, basically every other day. It departs from Houston at about 12:10 p.m.
The journey by train covers the 1215 miles (1959 km) distance in approximately 46h 35min. The duration varies depending on the route option you choose to travel with. The shortest route is the mixed bus and train service through Longview, TX and Chicago, IL. The journey with only one change takes a little bit longer to arrive in Washington D.C. It can take more or less 48h 35min. In this case, the stopover is in New Orleans, LA and is an overnight layover, about a 11h 35min wait.
Departure train station: This route departs from Houston Amtrak Station located northwest of Downtown Houston. You can get to the train station easily from the city center by public transportation. There are various buses running from different parts of the city center area that take you to the Houston Amtrak Station in under 20min. The Houston Amtrak Station offers public restrooms, a waiting area along with ticket offices.
Arrival train station: The trains arrive at Washington D.C. Union Station. The train station is located at the East End of Downtown Washington D.C., just a few blocks from the Capitol Building. There are direct bus routes from Union Station that get you to Downtown Washington D.C. in more or less 20min. Union Station offers a selection of shops and restaurants to enjoy upon your arrival as well as restrooms and a waiting area.
Washington DC Union Station. Source: Shutterstock
The company operating the trains from Houston to Washington D.C. is Amtrak. Amtrak offers the Sunset Limited train route from Houston to New Orleans, as well as the overnight Crescent train from New Orleans to Washington D.C. The stopover in New Orleans is overnight; the wait is about 11h 35min. long, so it requires for passengers to have to find somewhere to stay the night.
The other Amtrak trips available covering this journey are the Amtrak Thruway Connecting Bus from Houston to Longview, TX, the Texas Eagle train to Chicago, IL and both the Capitol Limited train and the Cardinal train options from Chicago to Washington D.C. The fastest option is the route through Chicago, IL and taking the Capitol Limited train from there to Washington D.C., taking approximately 46h 35min. This is the only route you’ll find that operates the complete journey from Houston to Washington D.C. daily.
There are three route options to take to get to Washington D.C. from Houston by train. The route with the least stopovers operates three times a week and takes about 48h 35min. The journey is with the Sunset Limited train from Houston to New Orleans and the long-distance overnight Crescent train from New Orleans to Washington D.C.
The other two routes operated by Amtrak depart daily from Houston on an Amtrak Thruway Connecting Bus to Longview, TX. From there, the long-distance and overnight Texas Eagle goes to Chicago, where passengers can take either the overnight Capitol Limited train or the overnight Cardinal train to Washington D.C.
All of the different train segments available to complete the route from Houston to Washington D.C. offer Coach Class as well as Sleeper cars. The only segment with just Coach Class available is the Thruway Connecting Bus route from Houston to Longview. All buses and trains operating the routes from Houston to Washington D.C. have the same baggage allowance. Each passenger is allowed two personal items as well as two carry-on items onboard with them. Checked bags are also available at all the stops, allowing two checked bags per person.
Pets are not allowed on the Thruway Connecting Buses, so you can only bring your pet with you if you book Coach Class on the Sunset Limited and Crescent trains. Pets must be under 25 lbs (11 kg) and in a carrier that counts as one of your carry-on items. You may also bring your bike with you. Depending on the route you take, some trains only allow checked bikes. The only train that accepts carry-on bicycle is the Capitol Limited train. The service must be reserved in advance and you have to pay a fee as well. As for amenities for passengers with restricted mobility, all Amtrak trains and Thruway Buses have accessible seats and ramps.
A way to find more affordable prices for your train tickets to Washington D.C. from Houston is by booking in advance. Normally, the sooner you book the better chances you have of finding lower prices. Prices tend to go up right before the date of departure.
Being flexible with your travel dates can also allow you to pick more affordable routes and options. In this case the mixed service available every day of the week is generally the most affordable option. However, it only departs once a day so make sure to book in advance. This is the route with the most connections, yet also the fastest option available between Houston and Washington D.C.
Washington DC Tourists. Source: Shutterstock
Traveling to Washington D.C. is a must for many people. Washington D.C., the capital of the United States, is known for its various iconic governmental buildings as well as a having a wide selection of renown museums, such as the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History and the National Gallery of Art.
While you’re visiting Washington D.C., make sure to spend some time walking along the National Mall visiting the different memorials on display like the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Memorial or the World War II Memorial.
The city is full of historical sites as well as lively dining and nightlife. Make your way to Dupont Circle for a bite to eat or to The Waterfront to enjoy a drink after a day of sightseeing as well as some live music.
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