Travelling from Washington, DC, to Atlanta, GA, by train
The train from Washington, DC, to Atlanta, GA, lasts on average 13 h 58 min. Around 2 trains depart a day between Washington, DC,, to Atlanta, GA, the average price is $150.29 and the lowest ticket pricing starts at around $106.
Amtrak, the largest passenger railroad service in the US, operates the train from Washington to Atlanta. And the train is right; only one can take you from Washington to Atlanta, The Amtrak Crescent. You can tailor your trip with a stopover in different cities, but Amtrak does not offer this choice. Since this connection is direct and the journey lasts 14 hours, the sleeper car option is worth considering.
The Amtrak Crescent is a long-distance service connecting New York to New Orleans. While traveling between arguably the two most exciting cities in the US, The Crescent passes through 12 states, taking from the busy NorthEast bustling cities like Philadelphia and Washington to the festive Southern gems like Nashville and New Orleans.
The Crescent contains Viewliner sleeping cars, with two sleeping units available - the smaller Roomette or the more comfortable Bedroom.
The Roomette is in a tiny room, but it is very well-used. Different innovative storage solutions will surprise you at every step. Two comfortable recliner seats turn into a bed, and the second bunk bed that you pull from the ceiling turns this tiny living room into a tiny bedroom for two, and still with enough space and a great view. The older Viewliner cars have a toilet and a sink in the room (one of the surprises under the steps to the upper bunk), which can be tricky if there are two people. The newer cars have toilets and bathrooms in the hallway.
The Bedroom is twice as big, with a big comfy queen bed and a bathroom in the room (separated by a door). It has all the amenities of the Roomette with more space and a higher price.
If you opt for the sleeping car, remember that you must book the entire unit, whether alone or with someone. Also, coach offers comfortable reclining seats, perfect for getting some shut-eye, so give it a chance.
The Café car is available for all passengers during the day, while the Sleepers Lounge is open only for sleeping passengers. Both offer meals, snacks, and beverages, and the sleepers have all three meals included in the ticket price.
You will start your journey on Amtrak's Union station, the main Washington terminal - just a few blocks from the US Capitol Building. Amtrak, MARC, VRE trains, and several bus lines serve Union Station. The best way to reach it is by public transportation. The station is accessible by Metro Rail (Red Line) and several bus routes. If you are driving, there is a parking garage next to the station.
You will arrive at Atlanta's Peachtree station (1688 Peachtree Street NW), as is appropriate for a city called the Big Peach. The station resembles an Italian renaissance pavilion with antique pillars and columns. It opened its doors in 1918; since then, it has found its place in the US National Register of Historic places. The station serves as a starting point for travelers to New Orleans or New York with the Amtrak Crescent service. Within the station, you can find a waiting room, toilets, vending machines, and a ticket office, and there is paid parking outside of the station.
Atlanta is an exciting city full of activities, events, and points of interest. From attractions like the Georgia Aquarium, Coca-Cola Museum, and Fernbank Nature Center to outdoor adventures like Lake Lanier or the Chattahoochee River National Recreation Area, there's something for everyone in Atlanta. History buffs can trace the steps of civil rights leaders at The King Center, Ebenezer Baptist Church, and Martin Luther King Jr. National Historical Park; art lovers can check out exhibitions from the High Museum and Alliance Theatre; and foodies have no shortage of fantastic restaurants from which to choose. Whether you're visiting for a few days or longer, Atlanta has plenty to keep visitors entertained.
So if you plan to travel from Washington to Atlanta by train, let us help you plan it. We check thousands of rail, bus, and flight destinations to help you find the best price. Check out our handy price calendar below, where you can see the best prices across all modes of transport between Washington and Atlanta.
