- 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
$644
Average price
$644
Fastest journey
65h 15m
Average duration
65h 15m
Trains per day
1
Distance
3738 km
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Seattle, WA to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $138. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 57m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $138, and a train costs an average of $220.
Distance: 2322 miles (3737 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$734 Average price | $334 Average price | $310 Average price Cheapest |
66h 0m Average total duration 65h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 57m Average total duration Fastest 5h 57m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 82h 46m Average total duration 82h 16m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Seattle, WA to Washington, DC:
A bus is $24 (€20) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Seattle, WA to Washington, DC costing on average $334 (€275).
A bus is $424 (€348) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Seattle, WA to Washington, DC costing on average $734 (€603).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Train takes on average 65h 30m.
Bus takes on average 82h 16m.
The table below shows live departures for Seattle, WA 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
8 Empire Builder · 41 Floridian | 4:55 PM King Street Station, Seattle, WA | 65h15 | 1:10 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
| Monday, July 13 | |||||
![]() | 12:55 AM Seattle, WA | 65h15 | 6:10 PM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Seattle, WA to Washington, DC run on average 1 times per day, taking around 65h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $220 (€180) but you can travel from only $98 (€81) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 07:03, the last at 18:42. The fastest train covers the 2322 miles (3737 km) distance in 65h 15m.
Distance 2322 miles (3737 km) |
Average train duration 65h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $220 (€180) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 65h 15m |
First train 7:03 AM |
Last train 6:42 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 63 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 Seattle, WA 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 Seattle, WA to Washington, DC trains use the King Street Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Seattle, WA and Washington, DC train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
King Street Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The London Plane, Salumi
Ticket office support is available at King Street Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at King Street Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at King Street Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at King Street Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at King Street Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Embassy Suites by Hilton Seattle Downtown Pioneer Square, The Arctic Club Seattle - a DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, Best Western Plus Pioneer Square Hotel Downtown.
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