- Recommended
Niagara Falls Underground Railroad Heritage Center
Interactive heritage center telling stories of freedom seekers and abolitionists connected to Niagara Falls crossings.
Cheapest price
$184
Average price
$263
Fastest journey
13 h 53 m
Average duration
15 h 50 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
497 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Washington, DC to Niagara Falls, NY 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 Niagara Falls, NY will cost around $263 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $184.
It's difficult to get from Washington, DC to Niagara Falls, NY without transferring at least once.
6076 AMTRAK · 190 Northeast Regional · 281 Empire Service
170 Northeast Regional · 281 Empire Service
86 Northeast Regional · 283 Empire Service
283 Empire Service+
2150 Acela
86 Northeast Regional · 283 Empire Service
170 Northeast Regional · 281 Empire Service
6076 AMTRAK · 190 Northeast Regional · 281 Empire Service
283 Empire Service+
2150 AcelaOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Washington, DC to Niagara Falls, NY among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $64. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 13h 27m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $64, and a train costs an average of $95.
Distance: 308 miles (497 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$287 Average price | $130 Average price Cheapest | $82 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
14h 21m Average total duration 13h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 57m Average total duration Fastest 13h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 11m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Washington, DC to Niagara Falls, NY:
A bus is $157 (€126) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Washington, DC to Niagara Falls, NY costing on average $287 (€231).
Other travel options to Niagara Falls, NY take longer:
Train takes on average 13h 51m.
Tickets start at around $287 (€231) compared to roughly $82 (€66) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-204.37 (€-164.57). The journey takes 13h 51m versus 7h 11m 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 Washington, DC to Niagara Falls, NY trains for today, Tuesday, August 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2150 Acela+ 283 Empire Service | 4:47 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 17h51 | 10:38 PM Niagara Falls Station, Niagara Falls, NY | 1 transfer | |
170 Northeast Regional · 281 Empire Service | 5:05 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 14h40 | 7:45 PM Niagara Falls Station, Niagara Falls, NY | 1 transfer | |
86 Northeast Regional · 283 Empire Service | 8:55 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 13h43 | 10:38 PM Niagara Falls Station, Niagara Falls, NY | 1 transfer | |
66 Northeast Regional · 63 Maple Leaf | 10:00 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 19h02 | 5:02 PM Niagara Falls Station, Niagara Falls, NY | 1 transfer | |
| Wednesday, August 26 | |||||
6076 AMTRAK · 190 Northeast Regional · 281 Empire Service | 3:20 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 16h35 | 7:55 PM Niagara Falls Station, Niagara Falls, NY | 2 transfers | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Washington, DC to Niagara Falls, NY run on average 3 times per day, taking around 13h 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $95 (€76) but you can travel from only $64 (€51) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 03:20, the last at 22:00. The fastest train covers the 308 miles (497 km) distance in 12h 12m.
Distance 308 miles (497 km) |
Average train duration 13h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price $95 (€76) |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 12h 12m |
First train 3:20 AM |
Last train 10:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 84 days |
Discover the best of Niagara Falls, NY — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Niagara Falls, NY trip today.
Interactive heritage center telling stories of freedom seekers and abolitionists connected to Niagara Falls crossings.
Observation deck and exhibits inside a major hydropower facility, explaining energy production and regional engineering history.
Interpretive center at Old Fort Niagara covering colonial military life, archaeology, and the Niagara frontier story.
America's oldest state park and the essential base for seeing the falls, islands, trails, and major viewpoints.
Island area between American and Horseshoe Falls, packed with close-up viewpoints, paths, and seasonal gardens.
Classic viewpoint facing the American Falls, ideal for photos, orientation, and easy access to key park attractions.
Buffalo wings are the region’s signature snack: crisp chicken wings tossed in cayenne butter sauce, born nearby in Buffalo and served everywhere around Niagara.
Beef on weck is a Western New York classic: thin-sliced roast beef on a kummelweck roll topped with salt and caraway, usually served with horseradish.
Fish fry is a Friday staple across Upstate New York: battered fried white fish, often haddock, with fries and slaw. It reflects the region’s tavern and lake traditions.
Well-known brewery and restaurant offering craft beer, pub fare, and views near the rapids. A reliable stop for local brews and casual dining.
Established Italian-American restaurant praised for red-sauce classics, generous portions, and a comfortable family-friendly setting.
Historic casual spot near the park known for hearty breakfasts, classic American fare, and old-school Niagara Falls atmosphere.
Moderate for a U.S. tourist city: hotels rise in peak season, dining is typical mid-range U.S., and local transit is limited so many visitors use cars or paid tours.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and 10-15% for taxis. Cafes often have tip jars or screen prompts; small tips are appreciated but optional.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Washington, DC to Niagara Falls, NY 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 Niagara Falls, NY, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Washington, DC to Niagara Falls, NY trains use the Union Station to Niagara Falls Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Washington, DC and Niagara Falls, NY 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.
Niagara Falls Station is 1 km from Niagara Falls city centre. Public transport options include:
Niagara Falls Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Rainforest Cafe, Hard Rock Cafe Niagara Falls USA
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Niagara Falls Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Niagara Falls Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Niagara Falls Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Niagara Falls Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Niagara Falls Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Sheraton Niagara Falls, DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Niagara Falls New York, Seneca Niagara Resort & Casino.
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