City to city
Washington, DC to Savannah by train
You can travel direct from Washington, DC to Savannah on the Palmetto, Silver Meteor, or Floridian, with the journey taking between 10 and 16 hours depending on the train.
| Train | Approx. time | Runs | Overnight | Change needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Floridian | about 13 hours 30 minutes to 16 hours 30 minutes | Daily in each direction (temporary service, as of 2026) | Yes | No, direct |
| Silver Meteor | about 11 to 13 hours | Daily in each direction | Yes | No, direct |
| Palmetto | about 10 to 12 hours | Daily in each direction, daytime | No | No, direct |
Three daily Amtrak trains connect the US capital with the Georgia coast. As of 2026, passengers can choose between the daytime Palmetto, the overnight Silver Meteor, and the temporary Floridian. Every option is a direct service, meaning you will not need to change trains along the way.
The route heads south through Virginia and the Carolinas, transitioning from bustling northern suburbs to the relaxed lowcountry. Whether you prefer a daytime ride in Business Class or a comfortable bed for the night, the railway provides a practical alternative to driving or flying.
Your train options
Passengers have three daily choices for this route. The Palmetto is a daytime train taking about 10 to 12 hours. It offers Coach and Business Class seating along with a café car. Since it does not travel overnight, it lacks sleeping cars.
The Silver Meteor takes about 11 to 13 hours and runs overnight, providing Coach seats, Viewliner Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Accessible Bedrooms, plus a dining car. As of 2026, the Floridian also operates daily in each direction. This is a temporary combination of the Capitol Limited and Silver Star, taking about 13 hours 30 minutes to 16 hours 30 minutes. It is an overnight service with Coach and sleeper options, including Roomettes and Bedrooms, plus café and dining service.
If you want to see the scenery, choose the daytime Palmetto. If you prefer to sleep through the trip, book a room on the Silver Meteor or the Floridian.
The journey
The journey south from Washington, DC takes you through Virginia, the Carolina Piedmont, and the coastal lowcountry. Depending on which train you choose, much of this scenery might pass by in the dark. Daytime travellers on the Palmetto will cross the Rappahannock River at Fredericksburg and roll through the tobacco country and pine woods of eastern North Carolina.
Further south, the route enters the Carolina lowcountry. You will see marshes and tidal rivers around Charleston and Yemassee.
All three trains share several major stops, including Alexandria, Richmond, Petersburg, and Rocky Mount. The Silver Meteor and Palmetto call at Florence, Kingstree, Charleston, and Yemassee. The Floridian takes a slightly different path through the Carolinas, stopping at Raleigh, Southern Pines, Hamlet, Camden, Columbia, and Denmark. Eventually, the trains cross into Georgia and arrive in Savannah.
The stations
Your trip begins at Washington, DC Union Station, which opened in 1907 near the US Capitol. This major hub connects with the Metro Red Line, MARC, and VRE commuter trains. Many trains change crews or locomotives here as they move between the electrified Northeast Corridor and the South. A long term expansion and rebuilding programme is currently under way at the terminal.
You will arrive at Savannah. The station sits west of the city, requiring a short taxi ride to reach the historic district. It serves as the southern terminus of the Palmetto and a regular stop for the Florida trains.
Tips
- Compare schedules carefully because the daytime Palmetto is often the fastest option.
- Read our guide on Amtrak roomettes and bedrooms explained if you plan to book an overnight trip.
- Coach passengers on the Silver Meteor or Floridian should review tips for sleeping in coach overnight.
- Food service varies by train, so check if your departure features a full dining car or just a café.
Questions travellers ask
Do I have to change trains between Washington, DC and Savannah?
No, you do not need to change trains. The Palmetto, Silver Meteor, and Floridian all provide direct service between Washington, DC and Savannah. Every train listed runs daily in each direction.
Are there sleeper cars on trains to Savannah?
Yes, sleeper cars are available on the overnight Silver Meteor and Floridian trains. You can book a Roomette, a Bedroom, or an Accessible Bedroom. The daytime Palmetto does not have sleeping accommodations, offering only Coach and Business Class seating.
How long is the train ride from Washington, DC to Savannah?
The journey time depends on the train you choose. The Palmetto takes about 10 to 12 hours. The Silver Meteor takes about 11 to 13 hours. The Floridian takes about 13 hours 30 minutes to 16 hours 30 minutes.