- Must visit
The Strong National Museum of Play
Interactive museum devoted to play, toys, and children's books. It is Rochester's signature family attraction and home of the National Toy Hall of Fame.
Cheapest price
$165
Average price
$189
Fastest journey
14 h 8 m
Average duration
15 h 31 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
476 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Washington, DC to Rochester, 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 Rochester, NY will cost around $189 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $165.
Of the 3 trains that leave Washington, DC for Rochester, NY on Thu, Aug 27, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Aug 27 the direct trains cover the 476 km distance in an average of 15 h 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 14 h 8 m .
On Thu, Aug 27 the slowest trains will take 16 h 13 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.






Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Washington, DC to Rochester, NY among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $71. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 36m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $71, and a flight costs an average of $167.
Distance: 295 miles (476 km)
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$365 Average price | $629 Average price | $125 Average price Cheapest |
11h 53m Average total duration 11h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 36m Average total duration Fastest 3h 36m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 11h 48m Average total duration 11h 18m 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 Washington, DC to Rochester, NY:
A bus is $240 (€193) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Washington, DC to Rochester, NY costing on average $365 (€293).
A bus is $504 (€405) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Washington, DC to Rochester, NY costing on average $629 (€506).
Other travel options to Rochester, NY take longer:
Bus takes on average 11h 18m.
Train takes on average 11h 23m.
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to Rochester, NY trains for today, Wednesday, August 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
66 Northeast Regional · 63 Maple Leaf | 10:00 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 16h21 | 2:21 PM Rochester station, Rochester, NY | 1 transfer | |
| Thursday, August 27 | |||||
![]() | 2:00 AM Washington, DC | 16h13 | 6:13 PM Rochester, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:00 AM Washington, DC | 16h13 | 7:13 PM Rochester, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:20 AM Washington, DC | 14h08 | 9:28 PM Rochester, NY | 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 Washington, DC to Rochester, NY run on average 5 times per day, taking around 11h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $107 (€86) but you can travel from only $71 (€57) 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 10h 5m.
Distance 295 miles (476 km) |
Average train duration 11h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price $107 (€86) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 10h 5m |
First train 3:20 AM |
Last train 10:00 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Discover the best of Rochester, NY — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Rochester, NY trip today.
Interactive museum devoted to play, toys, and children's books. It is Rochester's signature family attraction and home of the National Toy Hall of Fame.
Major photography and film museum founded by George Eastman. Visit the mansion, gardens, and world-class collections in a landmark estate.
University museum with strong old master, American, and modern holdings. A smart stop for high-quality art in a calm academic setting.
Rochester's most iconic park, famous for lilacs, arboretum plantings, and the annual festival. It is beautiful in spring and peaceful year-round.
Scenic riverfront park framing High Falls, one of the city's defining natural views. It is an easy stop for photos and industrial history.
Waterfront park on Lake Ontario with beach access, lighthouse views, and broad sunsets. It is Rochester's classic summer nature outing.
Rochester’s signature late-night plate of home fries, macaroni salad, and meats topped with hot meat sauce, mustard, and onions.
A white hot dog made with uncured pork, beef, and veal. It is a regional specialty usually served on a bun with mustard and onions.
Thin-sliced roast beef on a kummelweck roll topped with coarse salt and caraway. Popular in western New York and common in Rochester.
Established fine dining destination serving polished New American cuisine in an elegant, historic setting with strong local acclaim.
Beloved old-school Italian market and sandwich counter known for gigantic subs, pasta salads, and a classic Rochester neighborhood feel.
Long-running Rochester institution for steaks, seafood, and classic American fare in a warm supper-club atmosphere.
More affordable than larger US cities; hotels, dining, and local transit are usually moderate for visitors.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and optional small tips at cafes.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Washington, DC to Rochester, 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 Rochester, NY, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Washington, DC to Rochester, NY trains use the Union Station to Rochester Train Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Washington, DC and Rochester, 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.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need