- Must visit
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
One of the most visited museums in the city, known for dinosaur fossils, the Hope Diamond, and major natural science collections.
Cheapest price
$443
Average price
$500
Fastest journey
9 h 38 m
Average duration
10 h 59 m
Trains per day
13
Distance
775 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Portland, ME 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 Portland, ME to Washington, DC will cost around $500 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $443.
It's difficult to get from Portland, ME to Washington, DC without transferring at least once.
8242 AMTRAK · 195 Northeast Regional
8244 AMTRAK · 99 Northeast Regional
8263 AMTRAK · 165 Northeast Regional
8273 AMTRAK · 161 Northeast Regional
8269 AMTRAK · 67 Northeast Regional
8263 AMTRAK+
2257 Acela
8279 AMTRAK+
2255 Acela
8242 AMTRAK · 195 Northeast Regional
8273 AMTRAK · 161 Northeast Regional
8263 AMTRAK · 165 Northeast RegionalOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Portland, ME to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $69. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 3m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.7kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $69, and a flight costs an average of $138.
Distance: 481 miles (775 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$257 Average price | $349 Average price | $140 Average price Cheapest | $147 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 39m Average total duration 10h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 3m Average total duration Fastest 2h 3m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 12h 30m Average total duration 12h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 9m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.3 - 4.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 1.9kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Portland, ME to Washington, DC:
A bus is $117 (€96) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Portland, ME to Washington, DC costing on average $257 (€210).
A bus is $209 (€171) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Portland, ME to Washington, DC costing on average $349 (€286).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Train takes on average 10h 9m.
Bus takes on average 12h 0m.
Tickets start at around $257 (€210) compared to roughly $147 (€120) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-110.33 (€-90.30). The journey takes 10h 9m versus 9h 9m 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 Portland, ME to Washington, DC trains for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
692 Downeaster · 135 Northeast Regional | 7:18 AM Portland Transportation Center, Portland, ME | 14h23 | 9:41 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
8279 AMTRAK+ 2255 NextGen Acela | 9:30 AM Portland Transportation Center, Portland, ME | 10h35 | 8:05 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
8279 AMTRAK · 135 Northeast Regional | 9:30 AM Portland Transportation Center, Portland, ME | 12h11 | 9:41 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
8263 AMTRAK · 165 Northeast Regional | 11:30 AM Portland Transportation Center, Portland, ME | 12h10 | 11:40 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
8271 AMTRAK+ 2257 Acela | 1:30 PM Portland Transportation Center, Portland, ME | 31h38 | 9:08 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
696 Downeaster · 65 Northeast Regional | 1:43 PM Portland Transportation Center, Portland, ME | 16h46 | 6:29 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
8269 AMTRAK · 65 Northeast Regional | 3:30 PM Portland Transportation Center, Portland, ME | 14h59 | 6:29 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, June 21 | |||||
8242 AMTRAK · 195 Northeast Regional | 3:15 AM Portland Transportation Center, Portland, ME | 11h14 | 2:29 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
8244 AMTRAK · 99 Northeast Regional · 19 Crescent | 4:15 AM Portland Transportation Center, Portland, ME | 13h32 | 5:47 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2 transfers | |
8244 AMTRAK · 99 Northeast Regional · 97 Silver Meteor | 4:15 AM Portland Transportation Center, Portland, ME | 14h09 | 6:24 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2 transfers | |
8244 AMTRAK · 99 Northeast Regional | 4:15 AM Portland Transportation Center, Portland, ME | 12h26 | 4:41 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
8273 AMTRAK · 161 Northeast Regional | 6:15 AM Portland Transportation Center, Portland, ME | 11h18 | 5:33 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, 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 Portland, ME to Washington, DC run on average 21 times per day, taking around 10h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $80 (€65) but you can travel from only $69 (€56) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 03:15, the last at 22:00. The fastest train covers the 481 miles (775 km) distance in 9h 47m.
Distance 481 miles (775 km) |
Average train duration 10h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $80 (€65) |
Trains per day 21 |
Fastest train 9h 47m |
First train 3:15 AM |
Last train 10:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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 most visited museums in the city, known for dinosaur fossils, the Hope Diamond, and major natural science collections.
Flagship museum for aviation and space exploration, featuring iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and interactive exhibits.
Powerful museum covering African American history, culture, and achievements through immersive exhibitions.
The city’s central ceremonial landscape, lined with major museums, memorials, and classic Washington views.
Historic neighborhood of cobbled streets, waterfront paths, and Federal-era architecture, ideal for walking and photos.
Scenic waterfront loop famous for cherry blossoms and close-up access to several major memorials.
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 strongly associated with Washington carryout culture, commonly paired with fried chicken and fries. It is a distinctive local flavor locals recognize immediately.
Regional blue crab from nearby Chesapeake waters, often served steamed and heavily seasoned. It reflects the Mid-Atlantic seafood traditions closely tied to Washington dining.
An established downtown institution known for oysters, crab cakes, and classic American seafood near the White House, with an elegant old-school atmosphere.
Busy, established French brasserie in Logan Circle known for polished service, a classic dining room, and consistently popular bistro dishes.
Historic casual landmark on U Street, famous for half-smokes, chili dogs, and classic Washington comfort food in a lively, nostalgic setting.
Prices are high by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining near central areas and major attractions.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants. USD 1-2 per drink at bars. Taxis: 10-15% or round up. Hotel staff: USD 2-5. Tips are expected for table service.
Official public transport app
Union Station, Washington, DC -> Metro Center, Washington, DC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portland, ME 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 Portland, ME to Washington, DC trains use the Portland Transportation Center to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Portland, ME and Washington, DC train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Portland Transportation Center is 3 km from Portland city centre. Public transport options include:
Portland Transportation Center has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Portland Transportation Center. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Available at Portland Transportation Center: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Portland Transportation Center: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Portland Transportation Center: Ramps, restrooms.
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