- Must visit
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
Renowned museum featuring exhibits on Earth's biodiversity, anthropology, and more.
Cheapest price
$32
Average price
$134
Fastest journey
1 h 21 m
Average duration
1 h 23 m
Trains per day
35
Distance
159 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Wilmington, DE to Washington, DC is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Wilmington, DE to Washington, DC will cost around $134 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $32.
Of the 35 trains that leave Wilmington, DE for Washington, DC on Mon, May 18, 35 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, May 18 the direct trains cover the 159 km distance in an average of 1 h 23 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 21 m .
On Mon, May 18 the slowest trains will take 1 h 24 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.
197 Northeast Regional
151 Northeast Regional
55 Vermonter
193 Northeast Regional
137 Northeast Regional
2155 NextGen Acela
2107 NextGen Acela
2171 Acela
2103 NextGen Acela
2151 NextGen AcelaOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Wilmington, DE to Washington, DC 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 train which can get you there in 1h 30m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $12, and a flight costs an average of $224.
Distance: 98 miles (159 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$20 Average price Cheapest | $29 Average price | $474 Average price | $29 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 0m Average total duration Fastest 1h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 8m Average total duration 2h 38m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 11m Average total duration 3h 11m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 14m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Wilmington, DE to Washington, DC:
A train is $9 (€7) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Wilmington, DE to Washington, DC costing on average $29 (€24).
A train is $453 (€366) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Wilmington, DE to Washington, DC costing on average $474 (€383).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 38m.
Flight takes on average 3h 11m.
The journey is about 44m faster (1h 30m by train vs 2h 14m by car) and roughly $8 (€7) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($20 (€16) vs $29 (€23)). 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 Wilmington, DE to Washington, DC trains for today, Sunday, May 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
79 Carolinian | 9:26 AM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 1h43 | 11:09 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
153 Northeast Regional | 9:59 AM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 1h33 | 11:32 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
2205 NextGen Acela | 10:36 AM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 1h20 | 11:56 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
103 Northeast Regional | 10:46 AM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 1h34 | 12:20 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
155 Northeast Regional | 11:05 AM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 1h34 | 12:39 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
2207 NextGen Acela | 11:40 AM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 1h20 | 1:00 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
143 Northeast Regional | 11:46 AM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 1h38 | 1:24 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
121 Northeast Regional | 12:20 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 1h36 | 1:56 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
195 Northeast Regional | 12:54 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 1h35 | 2:29 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
2271 NextGen Acela | 1:02 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 1h21 | 2:23 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
157 Northeast Regional | 1:59 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 1h40 | 3:39 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
105 Northeast Regional | 2:25 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 1h33 | 3:58 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
145 Northeast Regional | 2:47 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 1h32 | 4:19 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
2265 NextGen Acela | 3:05 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 1h24 | 4:29 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
99 Northeast Regional | 3:10 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 1h31 | 4:41 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
161 Northeast Regional | 4:01 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 1h32 | 5:33 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
19 Crescent | 4:06 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 1h41 | 5:47 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
97 Silver Meteor | 4:46 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 1h38 | 6:24 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
87 Northeast Regional | 4:59 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 1h29 | 6:28 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
189 Northeast Regional | 5:59 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 1h36 | 7:35 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
2255 Acela | 6:37 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 1h25 | 8:02 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
149 Northeast Regional | 7:02 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 1h43 | 8:45 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
2257 Acela | 7:43 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 1h25 | 9:08 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
135 Northeast Regional | 7:58 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 1h43 | 9:41 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
57 Vermonter | 8:51 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 1h41 | 10:32 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
2259 Acela | 10:00 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 1h28 | 11:28 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
165 Northeast Regional | 10:04 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 1h36 | 11:40 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
139 Northeast Regional | 11:12 PM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 1h33 | 12:45 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, May 18 | |||||
67 Northeast Regional | 5:11 AM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 1h43 | 6:54 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
151 Northeast Regional | 5:24 AM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 1h34 | 6:58 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
111 Northeast Regional | 6:49 AM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 1h37 | 8:26 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
181 Northeast Regional | 7:37 AM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 1h29 | 9:06 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
2103 NextGen Acela | 7:48 AM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 1h23 | 9:11 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
89 Palmetto | 7:59 AM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 1h45 | 9:44 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
113 Northeast Regional | 8:25 AM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 1h30 | 9:55 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
2107 NextGen Acela | 9:08 AM Wilmington Station, Wilmington, DE | 1h22 | 10:30 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 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 Wilmington, DE to Washington, DC run on average 31 times per day, taking around 1h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $12 (€10) if you book in advance.
There are 31 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 23m.
Distance 98 miles (159 km) |
Average train duration 1h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 (€10) |
Trains per day 31 |
Direct trains 31 |
Fastest train 1h 23m |
First train 12:10 AM |
Last train 11:32 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Washington D.C. — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Washington D.C. trip today.
Renowned museum featuring exhibits on Earth's biodiversity, anthropology, and more.
Prestigious art museum housing a vast collection of European and American art.
Comprehensive museum portraying African American life, history, and culture.
Expansive park area hosting iconic monuments, museums, and political events.
Vibrant area known for its nightlife, music, and African American heritage.
Charming neighborhood featuring historic architecture, high-end shops, and dining.
A spiced sausage typically made of half beef and half pork, smoked and served with chili on a bun. Iconic to Washington, DC.
Fresh blue crabs from the Chesapeake Bay, often steamed with Old Bay seasoning. A regional favorite.
A tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce originally from Chicago but popularized in DC, often served with fried chicken or fries.
A Michelin-starred restaurant featuring farm-to-table American cuisine in a contemporary setting.
A historic bar and restaurant known for oysters and classic American dishes. Popular with politicians and tourists.
A farmer-owned restaurant offering American comfort food and sustainable practices in a charming setting.
As the capital city, costs in Washington, D.C. can be high, with accommodation and dining generally more expensive than other US cities.
15-20% in restaurants, round up taxis, not expected in cafes.
Official public transport app
Union Station, Washington, DC -> Metro Center, Washington, DC
The train connection between Wilmington, DE and Washington, DC is a convenient option for travelers looking to explore the vibrant capital. Amtrak provides regular service on this route, ensuring a comfortable journey with scenic views along the way. With travel times averaging around 1 hour and 45 minutes, passengers can easily hop on board and enjoy amenities such as Wi-Fi and food services while en route to their destination.
The train connection between Wilmington, DE and Washington, DC is direct and takes approximately 1 hour and 33 minutes. There are up to 16 connections available each day. Passengers will depart from Wilmington Station, DE and arrive at Union Station, DC.
The first daily train journey departs from Wilmington at 08:40 AM, providing an early start for travelers heading to the nation's capital. The last train of the day leaves Washington at 11:13 PM, allowing visitors ample time to explore and return after a full day of sightseeing.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection from Wilmington, DE to Washington, DC is $11 (10€). The average ticket price tends to be around $21 (19€), providing travelers with a range of options depending on their budget and travel preferences.
The White House, completed in 1800, has served as the official residence and workplace of every U.S. president since John Adams, symbolizing the heart of American democracy. Its neoclassical architecture is not only a stunning visual landmark but also represents the ideals of freedom and governance that define our nation. As you explore its iconic rooms like the Oval Office and East Room, you'll feel an undeniable connection to history where pivotal decisions shaping America were made.
The United States Capitol stands as a powerful emblem of legislative authority; it was first occupied by Congress in 1800 and has been expanded over time to accommodate America's growing government needs. The striking dome dominates Washington D.C.'s skyline while housing significant artworks that reflect our nation's rich heritage and democratic values. When you walk through its hallowed halls or witness lawmakers at work from galleries above, you're stepping into a living museum where history unfolds daily.
The Lincoln Memorial honors one of America's most revered presidents—Abraham Lincoln—and serves as both a tribute to his legacy during turbulent times and an enduring symbol for civil rights movements across generations since its dedication in 1922. With its majestic marble structure featuring seated statues alongside poignant inscriptions from his speeches, this memorial invites reflection on unity, equality, and justice for all citizens. Standing before Lincoln's imposing figure inspires visitors with hope while reminding us how far we've come—and how much further we still have to go.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Wilmington, DE to Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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