- 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.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Summerville, SC to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $141. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 36m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $141, and a flight costs an average of $315.
Distance: 442 miles (712 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$152 Average price | $315 Average price | $141 Average price Cheapest | $100 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
10h 25m Average total duration 9h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 36m Average total duration Fastest 5h 36m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 15h 10m Average total duration 14h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 37m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Summerville, SC to Washington, DC:
A bus is $11 (€9) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Summerville, SC to Washington, DC costing on average $152 (€126).
A bus is $174 (€144) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Summerville, SC to Washington, DC costing on average $315 (€260).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Train takes on average 9h 55m.
Bus takes on average 14h 40m.
Tickets start at around $152 (€126) compared to roughly $100 (€82) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-52.59 (€-43.38). The journey takes 9h 55m versus 7h 37m 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.
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 Summerville, SC to Washington, DC run on average 2 times per day, taking around 9h 55m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $152 (€126) but you can travel from only $141 (€116) by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 12:55, the last at 19:24. The fastest train covers the 442 miles (712 km) distance in 9h 55m.
Distance 442 miles (712 km) |
Average train duration 9h 55m |
Cheapest ticket price $152 (€126) |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 9h 55m |
First train 12:55 PM |
Last train 7:24 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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 Summerville, SC 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 Summerville, SC to Washington, DC trains use the Charleston Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Summerville, SC and Washington, DC train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
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.
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