- Must visit
Delaware Art Museum
Top regional museum with outstanding American art, British Pre-Raphaelite works, and a serene riverside setting in downtown Wilmington.
Cheapest price
$12
Average price
$85
Fastest journey
1 h 15 m
Average duration
1 h 16 m
Trains per day
36
Distance
159 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Washington, DC to Wilmington, DE 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 Wilmington, DE will cost around $85 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $12.
Of the 36 trains that leave Washington, DC for Wilmington, DE on Tue, Aug 25, 36 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Aug 25 the direct trains cover the 159 km distance in an average of 1 h 16 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 15 m .
On Tue, Aug 25 the slowest trains will take 1 h 17 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.
170 Northeast Regional
172 Northeast Regional
130 Northeast Regional
198 Northeast Regional
112 Northeast Regional
2108 NextGen Acela
2112 Acela
2160 NextGen Acela
2116 NextGen Acela
2120 NextGen AcelaOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Washington, DC to Wilmington, DE among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $12. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 11m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $12, and a flight costs an average of $208.
Distance: 98 miles (159 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$22 Average price Cheapest | $25 Average price | $358 Average price | $33 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 53m Average total duration 1h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 10m Average total duration 2h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 11m Average total duration Fastest 1h 11m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 1m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Washington, DC to Wilmington, DE:
A train is $3 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Washington, DC to Wilmington, DE costing on average $25.
A train is $336 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Washington, DC to Wilmington, DE costing on average $358.
Other travel options to Wilmington, DE take longer:
Train takes on average 1h 23m.
Bus takes on average 2h 40m.
The journey is about 38m faster (1h 23m by train vs 2h 1m by car) and roughly $11 cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($22 vs $33). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Amtrak, Amtrak.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to Wilmington, DE trains for today, Monday, August 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
84 Northeast Regional | 11:02 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h35 | 12:37 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 0 transfersDirect | |
2112 Acela | 11:50 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h15 | 1:05 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 0 transfersDirect | |
134 Northeast Regional | 11:56 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h30 | 1:26 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 0 transfersDirect | |
2158 NextGen Acela | 12:50 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h18 | 2:08 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 0 transfersDirect | |
184 Northeast Regional | 1:20 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h22 | 2:42 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 0 transfersDirect | |
2116 NextGen Acela | 1:55 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h16 | 3:11 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 0 transfersDirect | |
94 Northeast Regional | 2:00 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h33 | 3:33 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 0 transfersDirect | |
2160 NextGen Acela | 2:50 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h15 | 4:05 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 0 transfersDirect | |
148 Northeast Regional | 2:55 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h33 | 4:28 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 0 transfersDirect | |
2118 NextGen Acela | 3:25 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h21 | 4:46 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 0 transfersDirect | |
176 Northeast Regional | 3:30 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h27 | 4:57 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 0 transfersDirect | |
178 Northeast Regional | 3:56 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h29 | 5:25 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 0 transfersDirect | |
136 Northeast Regional | 5:00 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h27 | 6:27 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 0 transfersDirect | |
2120 NextGen Acela | 5:05 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h17 | 6:22 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 0 transfersDirect | |
196 Northeast Regional | 6:08 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h29 | 7:37 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 0 transfersDirect | |
2124 NextGen Acela | 6:13 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h17 | 7:30 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 0 transfersDirect | |
138 Northeast Regional | 6:35 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h30 | 8:05 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 0 transfersDirect | |
192 Northeast Regional | 7:12 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h31 | 8:43 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 0 transfersDirect | |
90 Palmetto | 7:57 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h29 | 9:26 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 0 transfersDirect | |
2128 NextGen Acela | 8:02 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h20 | 9:22 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 0 transfersDirect | |
186 Northeast Regional | 8:30 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h31 | 10:01 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 0 transfersDirect | |
198 Northeast Regional | 9:15 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h36 | 10:51 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 0 transfersDirect | |
66 Northeast Regional | 10:00 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h57 | 11:57 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, August 25 | |||||
170 Northeast Regional | 5:05 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h23 | 6:28 AM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 0 transfersDirect | |
2102 NextGen Acela | 5:48 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h17 | 7:05 AM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 0 transfersDirect | |
130 Northeast Regional | 6:20 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h34 | 7:54 AM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 0 transfersDirect | |
2152 Acela | 6:45 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h17 | 8:02 AM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 0 transfersDirect | |
172 Northeast Regional | 7:06 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h32 | 8:38 AM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 0 transfersDirect | |
2104 NextGen Acela | 7:30 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h17 | 8:47 AM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 0 transfersDirect | |
112 Northeast Regional | 7:40 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h29 | 9:09 AM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 0 transfersDirect | |
56 Vermonter | 8:08 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h22 | 9:30 AM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 0 transfersDirect | |
86 Northeast Regional | 8:55 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h26 | 10:21 AM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 0 transfersDirect | |
182 Northeast Regional | 9:29 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h36 | 11:05 AM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 0 transfersDirect | |
2108 NextGen Acela | 10:05 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h15 | 11:20 AM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 0 transfersDirect | |
174 Northeast Regional | 10:35 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1h27 | 12:02 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 Washington, DC to Wilmington, DE run on average 30 times per day, taking around 1h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $12 if you book in advance.
There are 30 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:10, the last at 23:32. The fastest train covers the 98 miles (159 km) distance in 1h 11m.
Distance 98 miles (159 km) |
Average train duration 1h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 |
Trains per day 30 |
Direct trains 30 |
Fastest train 1h 11m |
First train 12:10 AM |
Last train 11:32 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Wilmington, DE — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Wilmington, DE trip today.
Top regional museum with outstanding American art, British Pre-Raphaelite works, and a serene riverside setting in downtown Wilmington.
Major decorative arts museum in a grand du Pont estate. Period rooms, gardens, and research collections make it one of Delaware’s essential visits.
Industrial history museum on the Brandywine at the original du Pont gunpowder works. It blends river scenery, engineering, and family history.
Revitalized riverfront district with paths, public art, mini golf, and event spaces. It is one of Wilmington’s most popular areas for walking and views.
Large urban park with lawns, trails, gardens, and creek views. It is a favorite local green space beside major museums and historic sites.
Major downtown square framed by historic buildings, offices, and monuments. It is the city’s classic civic center and an easy orientation point.
Scrapple is a Mid-Atlantic breakfast loaf of pork scraps and cornmeal, sliced and fried crisp. It is a Delaware staple found in many local diners.
Blue crab cakes are common along the Delaware coast and nearby bay waters, prized for sweet lump crab with minimal filler and regional seafood tradition.
Boardwalk fries are hand-cut fries served hot with salt and vinegar. They are a beloved Delaware beach snack strongly associated with nearby coastal outings.
Refined Italian restaurant known for house-made pasta, seasonal ingredients, and polished service in an elegant downtown setting.
Historic fine-dining destination serving contemporary American cuisine with strong wine service in a grand, stately atmosphere.
Classic Delaware diner famous for scrapple, hearty breakfasts, and old-school local comfort food in a casual setting.
Moderate for U.S. city trips; hotels and dining are mid-priced, while transit and parking are manageable versus larger East Coast destinations.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and 10-15% for taxis. Small cafe tips are appreciated but optional.
Traveling between Washington, DC and Wilmington, DE is a convenient journey made easy by Amtrak. With frequent departures throughout the day, you can enjoy comfortable seating and scenic views along the way. The train ride typically takes around 2 hours, making it an ideal option for both business travelers and tourists looking to explore Delaware's charming attractions after departing from the bustling capital city.
Traveling from Washington, DC to Wilmington, DE takes approximately 1 hour and 16 minutes. There are about 25 connections available each day on this route. The trains operate direct services without any transfers required. Passengers will depart from Union Station in DC and arrive at Wilmington Station in DE.
The first daily train journey from Washington, DC departs at 09:05 AM, providing an early start for travelers heading to Wilmington, DE. The last departure of the day is scheduled for 11:10 PM, allowing late-night arrivals in this charming city.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Washington, DC and Wilmington, DE is $11 (10€). The average ticket price typically hovers around $25 (23€), making it a budget-friendly option for travelers.
Welcome to the Nemours Estate, a stunning example of early 20th-century architecture and landscape design that was once the lavish home of Alfred I. du Pont. This estate is significant not only for its grandeur but also for its beautifully manicured gardens inspired by French formal designs, offering visitors a glimpse into the opulence of America’s Gilded Age. As you explore, don’t miss the impressive collection of antique automobiles in the garage and take note of how each room reflects both elegance and historical significance.
Next on our journey is Wilmington Riverwalk, an urban oasis that stretches along the scenic Christina River and serves as a vibrant hub for locals and tourists alike. Its significance lies in revitalizing downtown Wilmington while providing recreational opportunities such as walking paths, dining options, and picturesque views perfect for capturing memorable photos. Unique features include public art installations scattered throughout the area which celebrate local culture alongside seasonal events like outdoor concerts that bring this waterfront space to life.
Finally, we arrive at Delaware Art Museum—a treasure trove showcasing American art from pre-Raphaelite paintings to contemporary works with strong ties to regional artists. The museum's importance extends beyond its collections; it plays an active role in community engagement through educational programs aimed at fostering creativity among all ages. Be sure to admire unique elements like their beautiful sculpture garden where nature intertwines with artistic expression—an experience unlike any other!
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Washington, DC to Wilmington, DE 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 Wilmington, DE, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Washington, DC to Wilmington, DE trains use the Union Station to Wilmington Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Washington, DC and Wilmington, DE 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.
Wilmington Station is 1 km from Wilmington city centre. Public transport options include:
Wilmington 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, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Mikimotos Asian Grill & Sushi Bar, La Fia Bistro
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Wilmington Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Wilmington Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Wilmington Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Wilmington Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Wilmington Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel du Pont, Sheraton Suites Wilmington Downtown, Courtyard by Marriott Wilmington Downtown.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need