The cheapest and fastest trains from Washington, DC to Louisville, KY
Cheapest price
$186
Average price
$231
Fastest journey
1 d 2 h 3 m
Average duration
1 d 5 h 15 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
761 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Washington, DC to Louisville, KY is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Washington, DC to Louisville, KY will cost around $231 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $186.
Of the 4 trains that leave Washington, DC for Louisville, KY on Fri, Jun 19, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Jun 19 the direct trains cover the 761 km distance in an average of 1 d 5 h 15 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 2 h 3 m .
On Fri, Jun 19 the slowest trains will take 1 d 6 h 46 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
2:59 PM30h46Washington, DC9:45 PMLouisville, KY$1861One-way0 transfers
4:39 PM30h06Washington, DC10:45 PMLouisville, KY$1901One-way0 transfers
3:39 PM30h06Washington, DC9:45 PMLouisville, KY$2241One-way0 transfers
7:57 PM26h03Washington, DC10:00 PMLouisville, KY$3241One-way0 transfers
7:57 PM26h03Washington, DC10:00 PMLouisville, KY$3241One-way0 transfers
4:39 PM30h06Washington, DC10:45 PMLouisville, KY$1901One-way0 transfers
3:39 PM30h06Washington, DC9:45 PMLouisville, KY$2241One-way0 transfers
2:59 PM30h46Washington, DC9:45 PMLouisville, KY$1861One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Washington, DC to Louisville, KY
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Washington, DC to Louisville, KY among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $92. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 24m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $92, and a flight costs an average of $192.
Distance: 472 miles (761 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$285 Average price | $306 Average price | $169 Average price Cheapest | $119 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
23h 47m Average total duration 23h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 24m Average total duration Fastest 2h 24m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 15h 24m Average total duration 14h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Washington, DC to Louisville, KY:
A bus is $116 (€94) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Washington, DC to Louisville, KY costing on average $285 (€231).
A bus is $138 (€111) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Washington, DC to Louisville, KY costing on average $306 (€248).
Other travel options to Louisville, KY take longer:
Bus takes on average 14h 54m.
Train takes on average 23h 17m.
Tickets start at around $285 (€231) compared to roughly $119 (€96) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-166.36 (€-134.74). The journey takes 23h 17m versus 9h 14m 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.
Live departures
Washington, DC to Louisville, KY train times
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to Louisville, KY trains for today, Thursday, June 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
40 Floridian · 8850 AMTRAK | 3:57 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 26h03 | 6:00 PM Louisville, KY | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Washington, DC to Louisville, KY by bus, train, or flight
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.
Jun 19
Jun 20
Jun 21
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Journey information
Overview: Train from Washington, DC to Louisville, KY
Trains from Washington, DC to Louisville, KY run on average 2 times per day, taking around 23h 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $144 (€117) but you can travel from only $92 (€75) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 08:00, the last at 16:05. The fastest train covers the 472 miles (761 km) distance in 25h 48m.
Distance 472 miles (761 km) |
Average train duration 23h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price $144 (€117) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 25h 48m |
First train 8:00 AM |
Last train 4:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 84 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Washington, DC to Louisville, KY trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Washington, DC and Louisville, KY from $92 (€75). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Washington, DC to Louisville, KY
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Washington, DC to Louisville, KY 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 Louisville, KY, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Washington, DC to Louisville, KY
Most Washington, DC to Louisville, KY trains use the Union Station to Louisville, Greyhound Package Xpress station pair. Use this guide to compare Washington, DC and Louisville, KY train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Washington, DC station do trains to Louisville, KY leave from?
Getting to Union Station from Washington city centre
Union Station is 2 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station train station facilities and services
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 and drink
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
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station courtesy of Amtrak. ATMs are there are 2 ATM machines located on Level G.
Tickets and information
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 and lost property
Luggage storage is amtrak provides temporary luggage storage for $10 per bag for 24 hours for customers holding Amtrak tickets.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis.
Bike and car services
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, escalators, wheelchair access. Accessible facilities including restrooms, parking, platforms, ticket office, waiting room.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hyatt Recency Washington On Capitol Hill, Phoenix Park Hotel, Kimpton George Hotel.
Most popular train connections from Washington, DC
More options for your journey from Washington, DC to Louisville, KY
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need


