Washington, DC to Harrisburg, PA Train

10/03/2024
+ Add return
Stay with Booking.com

Find the cheapest ticket for your trip

Secure your ticket today and get the best deals!

Today More
Tomorrow More
2 days More
3 days More
Show tickets by

Washington, DC to Harrisburg, PA by train

The journey from Washington, DC to Harrisburg, PA by train is 95.7 mi and takes 6 hr 1 min. There are 14 connections per day, with the first departure at 5:05 AM and the last at 6:35 PM. It is possible to travel from Washington, DC to Harrisburg, PA by train for as little as $48.09 or as much as $243.05. The best price for this journey is $48.09.

Lowest Price$48.09
Journey Duration6 hr 1 min
Connection per Day14
Lowest Price$48.09
Highest Price$243.05
First Departure5:05 AM
Last Departure6:35 PM
Distance95.7 mi
DepartureWashington, DC
ArrivalHarrisburg, PA
CarriersAmtrak

Washington, DC to Harrisburg, PA Train Times

Departure date
Thursday, Oct 3, 2024

Traveling from Washington, D.C., to Harrisburg, PA by Train

Embark on an enriching journey from Washington, D.C., the nation's capital brimming with monumental landmarks, to Harrisburg, the charming capital of Pennsylvania. The journey typically spans approximately 95.7 mi and is usually completed within 6 hr 1 min. Multiple daily services, primarily operated by Amtrak, are available, with ticket prices generally starting from $48.09. To ensure the best rates and availability, early reservations are recommended. The journey commonly initiates from Washington Union Station and terminates at Harrisburg Transportation Center.

Onboard, travelers can experience the comfort and efficiency of Amtrak's renowned services. The trains, including the Northeast Regional service, are well-equipped with amenities like Wi-Fi, power outlets, and a selection of food and beverages, promising a pleasant transit through the diverse landscapes of Maryland and Pennsylvania.

Washington Union Station connects seamlessly to the city's iconic landmarks and neighborhoods. Upon arrival in Harrisburg, the centrally located Harrisburg Transportation Center offers easy access to the city's attractions and the surrounding areas through various local transit options.

Things to Do/See in Harrisburg:

  1. State Capitol Complex: Explore this architectural masterpiece and the operational heart of Pennsylvania's government.
  2. The National Civil War Museum: Delve into the history of the American Civil War through extensive exhibits.
  3. City Island: Enjoy recreational activities and attractions on this island in the Susquehanna River.
  4. Wildwood Park: Discover the beauty of this scenic park, ideal for walking, bird watching, and photography.
  5. Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts: Experience interactive exhibits, live performances, and IMAX movies.
  6. State Museum of Pennsylvania: Learn about Pennsylvania's heritage through diverse collections and displays.
  7. Riverfront Park: Stroll along the picturesque Susquehanna River and enjoy the serene environment.
  8. Fort Hunter Mansion and Park: Tour this historic mansion and explore the parkland.
  9. Broad Street Market: Savor various local and international foods at one of the oldest continuously operating farmers markets in the United States.

What to Eat in Harrisburg:

  1. Chicken and Waffles: Enjoy this classic American dish with crispy fried chicken with fluffy waffles.
  2. Whoopie Pie: Savor this sweet, creamy-filled pastry, a popular treat in Pennsylvania.
  3. Shoofly Pie: Indulge in this traditional molasses pie with a crumbly topping.
  4. Soft Pretzels: Taste this salty, doughy snack, often served with various dips.
  5. Pennsylvania Dutch Sausage: Relish this hearty, flavorful sausage, typically accompanied by sauerkraut.
  6. Scrapple: Try this unique dish made from pork scraps and trimmings combined with cornmeal and flour.
  7. Cheesesteak: Experience this iconic sandwich with thinly sliced beefsteak and melted cheese.
  8. Italian Ice: Refresh yourself with this sweet, frozen dessert in various flavors.
  9. Lebanon Bologna: Sample this distinctively smoked, fermented, and cured beef sausage.

Day Trips from Harrisburg:

  1. Hershey: Visit the "Sweetest Place on Earth," home to Hersheypark and The Hershey Story Museum.
  2. Gettysburg: Explore the historic battlefield and learn about the pivotal Civil War battle at the Gettysburg National Military Park.
  3. Lancaster: Discover the rich culture of the Pennsylvania Amish country and explore its charming towns and countryside.
  4. Carlisle: Experience the heritage of this historic town, known for its car shows and military history.
  5. York: Tour the "Factory Tour Capital of the World" and delve into the city's industrial heritage.
  6. Reading: Enjoy the scenic beauty and outdoor activities of the surrounding Berks County.
  7. Lititz: Visit this charming town, famous for its pretzels, chocolate, and rich Moravian heritage.
  8. Harpers Ferry: Explore the historic city at the confluence of the Potomac and Shenandoah rivers.

Travel Tips for Harrisburg:

Navigating Harrisburg is convenient with its public transit options and walkable downtown area. The city offers a diverse culinary scene, from traditional Pennsylvania Dutch fare to modern cuisine. As always, remain vigilant in crowded and tourist-heavy areas. Whether you are shopping for local goods or unique antiques, Harrisburg has various options to explore.

For easy and efficient travel arrangements from Washington, D.C., to Harrisburg, consider utilizing Virail. Compare prices and schedules from various providers and find the best fit for your itinerary. Start your journey by visiting Virail today.

Show full descriptionHide full description

Compare prices and tickets from Washington, DC to Harrisburg, PA

Cheap train tickets from Washington, DC to Harrisburg, PA
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 Harrisburg, PA.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Washington, DC to Harrisburg, PA, 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 Harrisburg, PA.

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 Harrisburg, PA travel

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

Price as departure date approaches

Train companies may charge higher ticket prices as the date of departure approaches. Prices in the next days can range from around $78.70 to $175.89 but may be subject to change. Our advice is to book as early as possible to potentially save up to 55% on your trip!

Best time to book cheap train tickets from Washington, DC to Harrisburg, PA

The cheapest Washington, DC - Harrisburg, PA train tickets can be found for as low as $57.85 if you’re lucky, or $107.07 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as $142.28.

Find the best day to travel to Harrisburg, PA by train

When travelling to Harrisburg, PA 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 Harrisburg, PA
Compare services on board when travelling from Washington, DC to Harrisburg, PA 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 Harrisburg, PA CO2 Emissions by Train

Ecology
Train
10.78kg
Bus
11.55kg
Flight
30.8kg
Car
24.64kg
What are the CO2 emissions from Washington, DC to Harrisburg, PA by train? The CO2 emissions from taking the train between Washington, DC and Harrisburg, PA are 10.78kg.
How much CO2 do I save by taking the train between Washington, DC and Harrisburg, PA? By taking the train between Washington, DC and Harrisburg, PA you will save 20.02kg CO2 emissions compared to a flight, 0.77kg compared to a bus and 13.86kg compared to a car.

Anything we can improve?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a train ticket from Washington, DC to Harrisburg, PA?
A train ticket from Washington, DC to Harrisburg, PA is $132.49. 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 $48.09.
What's the cheapest train ticket from Washington, DC to Harrisburg, PA?
The cheapest ticket you can get from Washington, DC to Harrisburg, PA is $48.09. 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 Harrisburg, PA by train?
Washington, DC to Harrisburg, PA is 95.7 mi.
How long does the train between Washington, DC and Harrisburg, PA take?
Washington, DC to Harrisburg, PA is on average 6 hr 1 min. However the fastest option will get you there in 3 hr 48 min.
How many train connections per day go from Washington, DC to Harrisburg, PA?
Washington, DC to Harrisburg, PA has 14 connection(s) per day on average.
What time does the first train from Washington, DC to Harrisburg, PA leave?
The earliest train from Washington, DC to Harrisburg, PA departs at 5:05 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 Harrisburg, PA depart?
The latest train from Washington, DC to Harrisburg, PA departs at 6:35 PM. 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 Harrisburg, PA 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 $48.09 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 Harrisburg, PA by train?
The fastest journey time by train between Washington, DC and Harrisburg, PA is 3 hr 48 min.
Is there a direct train from Washington, DC to Harrisburg, PA?
Yes, there is a direct train between Washington, DC and Harrisburg, PA.
What are the CO2 emissions for Washington, DC to Harrisburg, PA by train?
The train journey from Washington, DC to Harrisburg, PA creates 10.78kg of CO2 emissions.

Go local from Washington, DC

Trending routes

Weekend getaways from Washington, DC

Other destinations from Washington, DC

Main routes to Harrisburg, PA

Related routes

Other popular routes