- Must visit
Saint Louis Art Museum
Major fine arts museum in Forest Park with a strong encyclopedic collection spanning ancient to contemporary works. A top cultural stop in the city.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Washington, DC to St. Louis, MO
Showing times and prices for Jul 13
Cheapest price
$233
Average price
$290
Fastest journey
1 d 4 h 28 m
Average duration
1 d 7 h 5 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
1141 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Washington, DC to St. Louis, MO 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 St. Louis, MO will cost around $290 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $233.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Washington, DC to St. Louis, MO without transferring at least once.
40 Floridian · 307 Lincoln Service3:57 PM33h12Washington Union Station, Washington, DC12:09 AMSt. Louis Station, St. Louis, MO$2331One-way1 transfer- 40 Floridian · 305 Lincoln Service3:57 PM31h26Washington Union Station, Washington, DC10:23 PMSt. Louis Station, St. Louis, MO$2331One-way1 transfer
- 40 Floridian · 21 Texas Eagle3:57 PM28h28Washington Union Station, Washington, DC7:25 PMSt. Louis Station, St. Louis, MO$2471One-way1 transfer
- 40 Floridian · 421 Texas Eagle3:57 PM28h28Washington Union Station, Washington, DC7:25 PMSt. Louis Station, St. Louis, MO$3081One-way1 transfer
- 174 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited · 21 Texas Eagle10:35 AM33h50Washington Union Station, Washington, DC7:25 PMSt. Louis Station, St. Louis, MO$3401One-way2 transfers
- 40 Floridian · 21 Texas Eagle3:57 PM28h28Washington Union Station, Washington, DC7:25 PMSt. Louis Station, St. Louis, MO$2471One-way1 transfer
- 40 Floridian · 421 Texas Eagle3:57 PM28h28Washington Union Station, Washington, DC7:25 PMSt. Louis Station, St. Louis, MO$3081One-way1 transfer
- 40 Floridian · 305 Lincoln Service3:57 PM31h26Washington Union Station, Washington, DC10:23 PMSt. Louis Station, St. Louis, MO$2331One-way1 transfer
- 40 Floridian · 307 Lincoln Service3:57 PM33h12Washington Union Station, Washington, DC12:09 AMSt. Louis Station, St. Louis, MO$2331One-way1 transfer
- 174 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited · 21 Texas Eagle10:35 AM33h50Washington Union Station, Washington, DC7:25 PMSt. Louis Station, St. Louis, MO$3401One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Washington, DC to St. Louis, MO
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Washington, DC to St. Louis, MO among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $96. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 6m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $96, and a train costs an average of $109.
Distance: 708 miles (1141 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$283 Average price | $190 Average price Cheapest | $281 Average price | $173 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
24h 54m Average total duration 24h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 20h 59m Average total duration 20h 29m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 6m Average total duration Fastest 3h 6m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 13h 7m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Washington, DC to St. Louis, MO is a bus with an average price of $190 (€156).
This is compared to other travel options from Washington, DC to St. Louis, MO:
A bus is $91 (€75) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Washington, DC to St. Louis, MO costing on average $281 (€231).
A bus is $93 (€76) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Washington, DC to St. Louis, MO costing on average $283 (€232).
The fastest way to travel from Washington, DC to St. Louis, MO is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 6m.
Other travel options to St. Louis, MO take longer:
Bus takes on average 20h 29m.
Train takes on average 24h 24m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Washington, DC and St. Louis, MO including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Washington, DC to St. Louis, MO among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around $283 (€232) compared to roughly $173 (€143) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-109.08 (€-89.72). The journey takes 24h 24m versus 13h 7m 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 St. Louis, MO train times
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to St. Louis, MO trains for today, Sunday, July 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 40 Floridian · 21 Texas Eagle | 3:57 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 28h28 | 7:25 PM St. Louis Station, St. Louis, MO | 1 transfer | |
| 40 Floridian · 307 Lincoln Service | 3:57 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 33h12 | 12:09 AM St. Louis Station, St. Louis, MO | 1 transfer | |
| 40 Floridian · 305 Lincoln Service | 3:57 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 31h26 | 10:23 PM St. Louis Station, St. Louis, MO | 1 transfer | |
| Monday, July 13 | |||||
| 98 Silver Meteor · 49 Lake Shore Limited · 21 Texas Eagle | 7:10 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 37h15 | 7:25 PM St. Louis Station, St. Louis, MO | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Washington, DC to St. Louis, MO by train, bus, or flight
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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Washington, DC to St. Louis, MO
USAUSA
Trains from Washington, DC to St. Louis, MO run on average 5 times per day, taking around 24h 24m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $109 (€90) but you can travel from only $93 (€77) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 07:13, the last at 16:05. The fastest train covers the 708 miles (1141 km) distance in 25h 43m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $93 (€77)
Distance 708 miles (1141 km) |
Average train duration 24h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price $109 (€90) |
Trains per day 5 |
Fastest train 25h 43m |
First train 7:13 AM |
Last train 4:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 14 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $93 (€77)
Train companies: Amtrak from Washington, DC to St. Louis, MO trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Washington, DC and St. Louis, MO from $93 (€77). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
25h 43m
Cheapest Price
$109 (€90)
Amtrak frequency
5 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone
Complete guide to St. Louis
Things to do in St. Louis
Discover the best of St. Louis — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect St. Louis trip today.
- Must visit
City Museum
Highly original artist-built museum and playground inside a former warehouse, known for tunnels, slides, rooftop features, and immersive installations.
- Recommended
Missouri History Museum
History museum in Forest Park covering St. Louis, Missouri, and regional stories through accessible permanent and temporary exhibitions.
- Must visit
Forest Park
One of the largest urban parks in the United States, home to major cultural institutions, lakes, trails, and broad green space.
- Recommended
Central West End
Walkable neighborhood known for handsome architecture, lively streets, and a strong mix of shops, culture, and city atmosphere.
- Recommended
Delmar Loop
Popular entertainment corridor with street life, public art, music history, and a strong local identity near Washington University.
- Vegetarian
St. Louis-Style Pizza
A thin, cracker-like crust pizza cut into squares and traditionally topped with Provel cheese. It is one of the city’s most iconic local foods.
Toasted Ravioli
Breaded and fried meat- or cheese-filled ravioli, usually served with marinara. This St. Louis specialty is a classic appetizer across the city.
- Vegetarian
Gooey Butter Cake
A rich, dense cake with a buttery base and sweet, gooey topping. It is a beloved St. Louis dessert found in bakeries throughout the region.
Ted Drewes Frozen Custard
Legendary dessert stand serving frozen custard concretes and sundaes; a must-visit local institution with nostalgic charm.
Pappy's Smokehouse
Popular barbecue spot known for Memphis-style smoked ribs, pulled pork, and brisket in a lively casual setting.
Charlie Gitto's On The Hill
Established Italian restaurant in the historic Hill neighborhood, famous for toasted ravioli, pasta, and classic old-school hospitality.
United States Dollar
Generally moderate for U.S. city travel. Hotels vary, while casual dining, coffee, and local transport are fairly manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 10-15 for fast food or a casual lunch.
- Mid-range
- USD 20-40 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 75+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- USD 4-6 for a regular café coffee.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis about 10-15%, and round up for casual service.
FAQs: Trains from Washington, DC to St. Louis, MO
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Washington, DC to St. Louis, MO 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 St. Louis, MO, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Washington, DC to St. Louis, MO can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $109 (€90), while the average price is around $283 (€232).
The train from Washington, DC to St. Louis, MO takes 25h 43m and runs 5 per day.
The distance by train from Washington, DC to St. Louis, MO is 708 miles (1141 km).
The first train from Washington, DC to St. Louis, MO leaves at 7:13 AM.
The last train from Washington, DC to St. Louis, MO leaves at 4:05 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Washington, DC to St. Louis, MO.
There is no direct train service currently available from Washington, DC to St. Louis, MO.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Washington, DC to St. Louis, MO.
The train station in Washington, DC that goes to St. Louis, MO is Washington Union Station, Washington, DC, which connects to St. Louis Station, St. Louis, MO.
The cheapest way to get from Washington, DC to St. Louis, MO is by flight, with a cost of around $93 (€77).
The train journey from Washington, DC to St. Louis, MO offers scenic views primarily in its early and middle segments, as it passes through the rolling hills and forests of the Appalachian region and the picturesque landscapes of the Midwest farmlands. However, urban and industrial areas are also part of the route, providing a mixed experience.
A day trip from Washington, DC to St. Louis, MO is not feasible, as the journey takes 25h 43m and the distance is 708 miles (1141 km). There are 5 trains available per day.
Three days are typically sufficient to explore key attractions in St. Louis, including the Gateway Arch, Forest Park, and the Missouri Botanical Garden.
Yes, you can take the train from Washington, DC to St. Louis, MO.
Since neither Washington, DC nor St. Louis, MO are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from St. Louis, MO include Springfield, IL, Hermann, MO, Washington, MO, Alton, IL, Carlinville, IL.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Washington, DC to St. Louis, MO among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In St. Louis, MO, travelers should be cautious in certain neighborhoods with higher crime rates, especially after dark. Common safety concerns include petty theft, pickpocketing, and occasional scams targeting visitors near popular attractions like the Gateway Arch. It’s advisable to stay in well-populated areas, avoid displaying valuables openly, and use reputable transportation services to minimize risks.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
Most popular train connections from Washington, DC
More options for your journey from Washington, DC to St. Louis, MO
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Most popular trains to and from St. Louis, MO and Washington, DC
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