- 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
$126
Average price
$218
Fastest journey
10 h 30 m
Average duration
11 h 35 m
Trains per day
10
Distance
476 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Rochester, NY 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 Rochester, NY to Washington, DC will cost around $218 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $126.
It's difficult to get from Rochester, NY to Washington, DC without transferring at least once.
64 Maple Leaf · 67 Northeast Regional
64 Maple Leaf · 177 Northeast Regional · 6077 AMTRAK
48 Lake Shore Limited · 177 Northeast Regional · 6077 AMTRAK
280 Empire Service · 93 Northeast Regional
284 Empire Service · 129 Northeast Regional
280 Empire Service+
2159 NextGen Acela
284 Empire Service · 129 Northeast Regional
284 Empire Service+
2167 Acela
280 Empire Service · 93 Northeast Regional
280 Empire Service · 19 CrescentTrains from Rochester, NY to Washington, DC run on average 7 times per day, taking around 11h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $89 but you can travel from only $79 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 03:20, the last at 22:00. The fastest train covers the 295 miles (476 km) distance in 11h 49m.
Distance 295 miles (476 km) |
Average train duration 11h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price $89 |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 11h 49m |
First train 3:20 AM |
Last train 10:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 49 days |
The table below shows live departures for Rochester, NY to Washington, DC trains for today, Sunday, August 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
284 Empire Service · 149 Northeast Regional | 8:25 AM Rochester station, Rochester, NY | 12h16 | 8:41 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
64 Maple Leaf · 67 Northeast Regional | 1:25 PM Rochester station, Rochester, NY | 17h29 | 6:54 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
| Monday, August 3 | |||||
280 Empire Service · 19 Crescent | 5:31 AM Rochester station, Rochester, NY | 12h16 | 5:47 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
280 Empire Service · 97 Silver Meteor | 5:31 AM Rochester station, Rochester, NY | 12h49 | 6:20 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
280 Empire Service · 93 Northeast Regional | 5:31 AM Rochester station, Rochester, NY | 11h54 | 5:25 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
280 Empire Service+ 2159 NextGen Acela | 5:31 AM Rochester station, Rochester, NY | 10h30 | 4:01 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
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 Rochester, NY 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 Rochester, NY to Washington, DC trains use the Rochester Train Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Rochester, NY and Washington, DC train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Rochester Train Station is 1 km from Rochester city centre. Public transport options include:
Rochester Train Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink options are available at Rochester Train Station.
Ticket office support is available at Rochester Train Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Rochester Train Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Rochester Train Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Rochester Train Station: Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Rochester Train Station: 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