- 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.









Cheapest price
$218
Average price
$255
Fastest journey
3h 36m
Average duration
4h 34m
Trains per day
9
Distance
195 km
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Lancaster, PA to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $42. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 3m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $42, and a train costs an average of $36.
Distance: 88 miles (142 km)
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
$85 Average price | $44 Average price Cheapest |
3h 33m Average total duration Fastest 3h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 43m Average total duration 5h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Lancaster, PA to Washington, DC:
A bus is $41 (€34) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Lancaster, PA to Washington, DC costing on average $85 (€70).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 13m.
The table below shows live departures for Lancaster, PA to Washington, DC trains for today, Sunday, July 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
660 Keystone Service · 153 Northeast Regional | 7:56 AM Lancaster Station, Lancaster, PA | 3h36 | 11:32 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
660 Keystone Service · 155 Northeast Regional | 7:56 AM Lancaster Station, Lancaster, PA | 4h43 | 12:39 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
664 Keystone Service · 157 Northeast Regional | 10:05 AM Lancaster Station, Lancaster, PA | 5h30 | 3:35 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
664 Keystone Service · 195 Northeast Regional | 10:05 AM Lancaster Station, Lancaster, PA | 4h20 | 2:25 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
666 Keystone Service · 19 Crescent | 11:55 AM Lancaster Station, Lancaster, PA | 5h52 | 5:47 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
666 Keystone Service · 145 Northeast Regional | 11:55 AM Lancaster Station, Lancaster, PA | 4h24 | 4:19 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
666 Keystone Service · 99 Northeast Regional | 11:55 AM Lancaster Station, Lancaster, PA | 4h46 | 4:41 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
672 Keystone Service · 135 Northeast Regional | 5:40 PM Lancaster Station, Lancaster, PA | 3h57 | 9:37 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
674 Keystone Service · 165 Northeast Regional | 7:40 PM Lancaster Station, Lancaster, PA | 3h56 | 11:36 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 bus and train 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 Lancaster, PA to Washington, DC run on average 18 times per day, taking around 3h 3m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $36 (€30) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 03:00, the last at 21:50. The fastest train covers the 88 miles (142 km) distance in 3h 35m.
Distance 88 miles (142 km) |
Average train duration 3h 3m |
Cheapest ticket price $36 (€30) |
Trains per day 18 |
Fastest train 3h 35m |
First train 3:00 AM |
Last train 9:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 42 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, 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 Lancaster, 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 Lancaster, PA to Washington, DC trains use the Lancaster Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Lancaster, PA and Washington, DC train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Lancaster Station is 1 km from Lancaster city centre. Public transport options include:
Lancaster Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink options are available at Lancaster Station.
Ticket office support is available at Lancaster Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Lancaster Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Lancaster Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Lancaster Station: Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Lancaster Station: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Lancaster Marriott at Penn Square, The Hotel Lancaster, Cork Factory Hotel.
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