Station guide · DC, USA
Washington Union Station guide
Washington Union Station is a major passenger hub in the nation's capital, serving millions of Amtrak and commuter rail passengers every year.
- Station
- Washington Union Station
- City
- Washington, DC
- Code
- WAS
- Routes
- 11
At a glance
- Washington Union Station opened in 1907 near the US Capitol
- Metro Red Line, MARC and VRE commuter trains connect
- Major hub: many trains change crews or locomotives here between the electrified Northeast Corridor and the South
- A long term expansion and rebuilding programme is under way
Washington Union Station opened in 1907. Today, it operates as a major hub where many trains change crews or locomotives. This transition happens because the station sits at the boundary between the electrified Northeast Corridor and the rail network extending to the South. A long term expansion and rebuilding programme is under way to modernize the facility. The station serves as a crucial gateway to Washington, DC, connecting travelers from across the country to the capital. Passengers will find a busy environment with a mix of long-distance travelers and daily commuters.
Trains from Washington, DC
| Train | Between | Runs |
|---|---|---|
| Floridian | Chicago to Miami | Daily in each direction (temporary service, as of 2026) |
| Capitol Limited | Chicago to Washington, DC | Suspended as a separate train since November 2024 |
| Silver Star | New York to Miami | Suspended as a separate train since November 2024 |
| Cardinal | New York to Chicago | Three times a week in each direction |
| Crescent | New York to New Orleans | Daily in each direction |
| Silver Meteor | New York to Miami | Daily in each direction |
| Palmetto | New York to Savannah | Daily in each direction, daytime |
| Carolinian | New York to Charlotte | Daily in each direction |
| Acela | Boston to Washington, DC | Frequent trains every day |
| Northeast Regional | Boston to Richmond and Norfolk and Newport News and Roanoke | Many trains a day |
| Vermonter | St. Albans to Washington, DC | Daily in each direction |
Washington Union Station handles a vast array of Amtrak services. The Acela and Northeast Regional provide frequent daily trips up the Northeast Corridor to places like New York and Boston. Long-distance routes also converge here. The Floridian runs daily between Chicago and Miami, temporarily replacing the Capitol Limited and Silver Star as a single journey as of 2026. The Silver Meteor offers another daily route to Miami, while the Palmetto runs daytime service to Savannah. Passengers heading to New Orleans can take the daily Crescent, and the Carolinian provides daily service to Charlotte. The Cardinal operates three times a week to Chicago. Finally, the Vermonter offers daily service to St. Albans. Many of these long-distance trains travel overnight, offering sleeping accommodations for the extended journeys.
Getting to and from the station
Washington Union Station is exceptionally well connected to local and regional transit. Passengers can easily transfer to the Metro Red Line for travel throughout Washington, DC and the surrounding suburbs. Commuter trains also serve the station directly. MARC trains provide connections to Maryland, while VRE commuter trains connect passengers to Virginia. Because this is a major hub with multiple transit agencies operating under one roof, travelers should allow extra time to navigate the concourses and find their platforms. Always check local transit websites for the most current schedules and service updates before arriving at the station.
Around the station
Washington Union Station is located near the US Capitol, making it an excellent starting point for exploring the city. The US Capitol building and the surrounding Capitol Hill neighborhood are just a short walk away. Visitors can easily reach the National Mall, which houses numerous monuments, memorials and museums. Because of its central location, travelers have quick access to government buildings and historic landmarks. If you have a long layover, the immediate area offers plenty of opportunities to see some of the most famous sites in the United States.
Station tips
- Review our first time on Amtrak guide to understand boarding procedures at busy hubs.
- Check the luggage rules on Amtrak and VIA before packing for a long-distance overnight trip.
- Allow plenty of time to navigate the station because the rebuilding programme may cause temporary detours.
- Passengers with mobility needs should review accessible train travel resources prior to departure.
Popular trips from Washington, DC
- New York to Washington, DC
- Chicago to Washington, DC
- Boston to Washington, DC
- Washington, DC to Philadelphia
- Washington, DC to Orlando
- Washington, DC to Miami
- Washington, DC to Atlanta
- Washington, DC to New Orleans
- Washington, DC to Savannah
- Washington, DC to Baltimore
- Washington, DC to Charleston
- Washington, DC to Providence
Questions travellers ask
How long is the train ride from New York to Washington, DC?
The trip from New York to Washington, DC takes about 2 hours 50 minutes to 3 hours. The Acela can make the journey in about 2 hours 50 minutes, while the Northeast Regional takes about 3 hours 20 minutes.
Can I take a direct train from Washington, DC to Florida?
Yes, you can take direct trains to Florida. The Floridian and the Silver Meteor both travel to Miami. The journey from Washington, DC to Miami takes about 21 to 25 hours. The trip from Washington, DC to Orlando takes about 16 to 20 hours.
Is the Capitol Limited still running to Chicago?
As of 2026, the Capitol Limited is suspended as a separate train. The route from Chicago to Washington, DC is now covered by the Floridian, which continues south to Miami.