City to city
Washington, DC to Atlanta by train
The direct journey from Washington, DC to Atlanta takes about 12 hours 30 minutes to 15 hours on the Amtrak Crescent, an overnight train connecting the capital with the South.
| Train | Approx. time | Runs | Overnight | Change needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Crescent | about 12 hours 30 minutes to 15 hours | Daily in each direction | Yes | No, direct |
Taking the train from the nation's capital to Georgia is a straightforward trip on a single route. The Crescent links the Northeast Corridor with the South, traveling through Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina before arriving in Atlanta. Because the journey takes about 12 hours 30 minutes to 15 hours, it operates as an overnight service. Passengers can board in the afternoon or evening in Washington and arrive in Atlanta the next morning. It is a practical alternative to flying or driving, offering a chance to sleep through a large portion of the trip.
Your train options
The only direct train on this route is the Crescent, which runs daily in each direction as of 2026. The trip takes about 12 hours 30 minutes to 15 hours and is an overnight journey. Passengers can choose between Coach class and private sleeper accommodations. Coach offers reclining seats and is the most affordable option. For a more comfortable night, you can book a Viewliner Roomette, a Viewliner Bedroom, or an Accessible Bedroom. These sleeper accommodations provide flat beds and include meals in the dining car. If you are traveling on a budget and plan to stay in your seat, read our guide on sleeping in coach overnight. Choosing between coach and a sleeper depends entirely on your budget and how much you value a private bed for the overnight portion of the trip.
The journey
The train departs Washington and heads south through Virginia. Early in the trip, passengers travel through the Virginia Piedmont and the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains around Charlottesville and Lynchburg. Other major stops in this section include Alexandria, Manassas, and Danville. The route then crosses into North Carolina, stopping in Greensboro, High Point, Salisbury, Kannapolis, and Charlotte. Because this is an overnight train, you will likely travel through parts of North Carolina and South Carolina in the dark. Southbound trains usually pass through upstate South Carolina and north Georgia in the early morning. If the sun is up, you might catch glimpses of the landscape around Spartanburg, Greenville, Clemson, Toccoa, and Gainesville before the train arrives in Atlanta.
The stations
The trip begins at Washington Union Station, which opened in 1907 near the US Capitol. It is a major hub where many trains change crews or locomotives between the electrified Northeast Corridor and the South. The station connects to the Metro Red Line, as well as MARC and VRE commuter trains. A long term expansion and rebuilding program is currently under way. The journey ends at Atlanta Peachtree Station. This small 1918 station is located in the Brookwood area north of downtown. The Crescent is Atlanta's only Amtrak service. A MARTA rail station is not adjacent, so most passengers use rideshare or buses to reach their final destination.
Tips
- Book your tickets early to secure the best prices on Viewliner Roomettes and Bedrooms.
- Review our first time on Amtrak guide if you are unfamiliar with long-distance rail travel.
- Bring a neck pillow or blanket if you are planning to sleep in a Coach seat.
- Arrange a rideshare or bus connection in advance for your arrival at Atlanta Peachtree Station.
Questions travellers ask
Is there a direct train from Washington, DC to Atlanta?
Yes, every train listed on this route is direct. The Amtrak Crescent runs daily in each direction between Washington Union Station and Atlanta Peachtree Station, meaning you will not need to change trains.
How long does the train take from Washington, DC to Atlanta?
The journey on the Crescent takes about 12 hours 30 minutes to 15 hours. Since it is an overnight trip, you will spend the night on the train before arriving at your destination the following morning.