Washington, DC to Buffalo, NY Train

11/03/2024
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Washington, DC to Buffalo, NY by train

The journey from Washington, DC to Buffalo, NY by train is 292.38 mi and takes 12 hr 52 min. There are 1 connections per day, with the first departure at 8:50 AM and the last at 8:50 AM. It is possible to travel from Washington, DC to Buffalo, NY by train for as little as $342.10 or as much as $342.10. The best price for this journey is $342.10.

Lowest Price $342.10
Journey Duration 12 hr 52 min
Connection per Day 1
Lowest Price $342.10
Highest Price $342.10
First Departure 8:50 AM
Last Departure 8:50 AM
Distance 292.38 mi
Departure Washington, DC
Arrival Buffalo, NY
Carriers Amtrak

Washington, DC to Buffalo, NY Train Times

Departure date
Sunday, Nov 3, 2024

Travel by train from Washington, DC, to Buffalo, NY

The train ride from Washington, DC, to Buffalo, NY, lasts on average 12 hr 52 min. Around 1 trains depart a day between Washington and Buffalo, the average price is $342.10 and the lowest ticket pricing starts at around $342.10.

Amtrak, the largest passenger railroad service in the US, operates the train from Washington to Buffalo. You will first board one of the Amtrak services connecting Washington to New York- the speed train Acela and the Northeast Regional are the most frequent connections between the cities of the Northeast corridor. In New York, you will transfer to one of the Amtrak trains connecting New York to Buffalo.

Change trains at New York's Moynihan Train Hall

You will start at Washington's Union Station, just a few blocks from the US Capitol Building. Amtrak, MARC, VRE trains, and several bus lines stop there. The station is accessible by Metro Rail (Red Line) and several bus routes. Housing dozens of stores ranging from exclusive luxury brands like Burberry to high-street favorites such as H&M and Pottery Barn, alongside a range of food outlets catering to every taste and budget, offers everyone options.

In Washington, you need to board one of the trains going to New York. Besides Acela and the Northeast Regional, you can also board one long-distance train to New York.

  1. The Acela Express is a high-speed train between Boston, MA., and Washington, DC. It is the fastest train in the Northeast Corridor, reaching 150 miles per hour. Acela tickets are pricier due to their great speeds and comfort. Extra legroom, free Wi-Fi, and a power outlet under each seat are some perks you can expect on Amtrak Acela Express.
  2. Northeast Regional is the most popular train due to its price and frequency. It serves 50 cities between Boston and Virginia beach, making it a convenient option for passengers who need to make connections. Coach offers all you need for your hour ride: Wi-Fi, power outlets, extra storage space, and a Café Car with a wide offer of food and beverages. Business class guarantees more legroom and a more flexible cancellation policy.

The ticket prices may vary depending on how early you book, so securing them at your earliest convenience is recommended. 

Children 2-12 travel at a lower fare on all Amtrak trains, but the Acela Express only offers discounts for children on weekends. But the good news is that children under two travel free on Amtrak trains.

You will change trains at New York's Penn Station's newest addition - Moynihan Train Hall. Recently opened in 2021, the new transportation facility and architectural marvel is situated across 8th Avenue from Penn Station. Fun fact or a warning: Penn Station is the busiest train station in the western hemisphere, so be prepared to find your new terminal in time.

New York to Buffalo with the Empire Service

Three Amtrak services connect New York to Buffalo:

  1. The Empire Service serves cities on the Empire Corridor, along the Hudson river and Finger Lakes. It operates multiple times daily and makes stops in several cities, including Albany, Syracuse, Rochester, and Buffalo. The Empire Service offers business class and Coach seating options, with onboard amenities like Wi-Fi, power outlets, and an onboard cafe. It is the most frequent of the three services. 
  2. The Maple Leaf is very similar to the Empire service when it comes to services on the train. It is less frequent but less expensive. It is a daily train service from New York City to Toronto, with a stop in Buffalo. The Maple Leaf offers Business and Coach seating options and conveniences like Wi-Fi, power outlets, and an onboard cafe for those who need to get some work done or have a bite to eat onboard.
  3. Lake Shore Limited is the most expensive of the three services. It is a long-distance train connecting Chicago and New York, with the benefit of Viewliner Sleeper cars. Passengers who opt for the sleeper option have two meals included, which the staff can bring to their room, or they can take it in the exclusive lounge. It only operates one time a day.

Arriving in Buffalo by train

The Buffalo train station, also known as the Buffalo-Exchange Street station, is in downtown Buffalo. The station has an accessible parking lot with covered and uncovered spaces and a daily parking fee. Inside you can find several waiting areas with comfortable seating, restrooms, a small convenience store, vending machines, and a cafe where travelers can purchase food and beverages. The station is entirely wheelchair accessible.

Buffalo has plenty of activities and attractions to offer visitors. Art and architecture enthusiasts can explore the designs of Frank Lloyd Wright and Louis Sullivan, while foodies can relinquish Buffalo-style chicken wings. The city is also home to the Albright-Knox Art Gallery, the Buffalo Zoo, and Erie County Botanical Gardens. Visitors can stroll along the Canalside waterfront or drive to see Niagara Falls. 

So if you plan to travel by train from Washington to Buffalo, 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 Buffalo.

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Compare prices and tickets from Washington, DC to Buffalo, NY

Cheap train tickets from Washington, DC to Buffalo, NY
Looking for the best deal on a train ticket for your trip? Here are 4 ways to get cheap train tickets from Washington, DC to Buffalo, NY.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Washington, DC to Buffalo, NY, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Washington, DC to Buffalo, NY.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.

Best time to book Washington, DC to Buffalo, NY travel

Virail Pro Tip ✌: Booking 10 days in advance save 10% on average

Best time to book cheap train tickets from Washington, DC to Buffalo, NY

The cheapest Washington, DC - Buffalo, NY train tickets can be found for as low as $103.59 if you’re lucky, or $175.70 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as $342.10.

Find the best day to travel to Buffalo, NY by train

When travelling to Buffalo, NY by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Services on board Amtrak from Washington, DC to Buffalo, NY
Compare services on board when travelling from Washington, DC to Buffalo, NY by train.
Facilities Amtrak
quiet_zone Quiet zone check
wifi WiFi check
power_sockets Power sockets check
luggage Luggage check
accessibility Accessibility check
food_and_drink Food and drink check
air_con Air conditioning check
bicycle Bicycle check
sleeper_couchette Sleeper check

Washington, DC to Buffalo, NY CO2 Emissions by Train

Ecology
Train
32.94kg
Bus
35.29kg
Flight
94.11kg
Car
75.29kg
What are the CO2 emissions from Washington, DC to Buffalo, NY by train? The CO2 emissions from taking the train between Washington, DC and Buffalo, NY are 32.94kg.
How much CO2 do I save by taking the train between Washington, DC and Buffalo, NY? By taking the train between Washington, DC and Buffalo, NY you will save 61.17kg CO2 emissions compared to a flight, 2.35kg compared to a bus and 42.35kg compared to a car.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a train ticket from Washington, DC to Buffalo, NY?
A train ticket from Washington, DC to Buffalo, NY is $342.10. However the price varies depending on how early you buy, and if it's peak time to travel. Occasionally you can find them for as cheap as $342.10.
What's the cheapest train ticket from Washington, DC to Buffalo, NY?
The cheapest ticket you can get from Washington, DC to Buffalo, NY is $342.10. We recommend booking as early as possible and off-peak hours to get the cheapest ticket possible. Off-peak times are usually from 09:30 to 16:00, and after 19:00.
What's the distance between Washington, DC and Buffalo, NY by train?
Washington, DC to Buffalo, NY is 292.38 mi.
How long does the train between Washington, DC and Buffalo, NY take?
Washington, DC to Buffalo, NY is on average 12 hr 52 min. However the fastest option will get you there in 12 hr 52 min.
How many train connections per day go from Washington, DC to Buffalo, NY?
Washington, DC to Buffalo, NY has 1 connection(s) per day on average.
What time does the first train from Washington, DC to Buffalo, NY leave?
The earliest train from Washington, DC to Buffalo, NY departs at 8:50 AM. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
What time does the last train from Washington, DC to Buffalo, NY depart?
The latest train from Washington, DC to Buffalo, NY departs at 8:50 AM. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
Should I book my ticket from Washington, DC to Buffalo, NY in advance?
If you can, we recommend booking your ticket as early as possible to ensure you get better savings. The cheapest train ticket we have found is $342.10 but this may be subject to change depending on the day of travel, hour you wish to depart and how far in advance you book.
What's the fastest journey time between Washington, DC to Buffalo, NY by train?
The fastest journey time by train between Washington, DC and Buffalo, NY is 12 hr 52 min.
Is there a direct train from Washington, DC to Buffalo, NY?
Yes, there is a direct train between Washington, DC and Buffalo, NY.
What are the CO2 emissions for Washington, DC to Buffalo, NY by train?
The train journey from Washington, DC to Buffalo, NY creates 32.94kg of CO2 emissions.

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