A comprehensive guide to Union Station in Washington, D.C. by TPG

With its majestic Beaux-Arts design and grand scale, Washington D.C.'s Union Station harmonizes beautifully with the capital's landscape. Constructed in 1907 as part of the McMillan plan, which also shaped many of the city's notable monuments, including the Lincoln Memorial, Union Station has established itself as a premier attraction for tourists and locals alike. It has even featured prominently in the film 'Mr. Smith Goes to Washington' and the iconic TV series 'The West Wing.'

Union Station continues to operate as a vital transportation center. It ranks as the second-busiest Amtrak station in the nation, accommodating over 37 million visitors each year. Additionally, it provides service for the MARC Train Service and VRE (Virginia Railway Express) commuter lines, making it the busiest Metro station in the city.

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Here’s a guide to navigating your way around the station.

How to Get There

One of the greatest advantages of departing from Union Station is its accessibility. Situated at 50 Massachusetts Avenue, NE, it’s a short stroll to many of the city’s major attractions and hotels. The station also provides direct access to the Metro's Red Line, with entry points on both the ground and lower levels.

For those driving, the Union Station Parking Garage next door offers 24/7 parking. This facility also serves as a central hub for various bus lines, including BoltBus, Greyhound, Megabus, and Peter Pan. Taxis and ride-hailing services are readily available—simply request a drop-off at the main hall of Union Station.

Navigating the Area

Union Station is divided into three levels, making it straightforward for first-time visitors to explore. The ground floor features Amtrak and MARC tracks, with VRE track entrances located one flight down. Additionally, you'll discover a variety of retail and dining options that extend to the lower and mezzanine levels.

If you're in the mood for a meal before your journey, you'll find plenty of choices, such as Cava, Ladurée, &pizza, and Juice Press. Keep in mind that dining venues may be temporarily closed or have reduced hours due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Amtrak Services

Thanks to its prime location on the East Coast, Union Station attracts travelers from all over. Northbound routes lead to New York, Boston, and Philadelphia, while southbound journeys reach Richmond, Charlotte, or Raleigh. For a longer adventure, consider trips to Cincinnati or Chicago.

At Union Station, all Amtrak-related services can be found just beyond the Main Hall, including ticket sales, customer support, baggage check-in, and a waiting area with unreliable Wi-Fi. (Travelers should note that aside from ClubAcela—accessible only to Acela business-class passengers for a fee and United Club Infinite Card holders—the lounges at Union Station are quite limited.)

However, this is expected to change. Amtrak plans to revamp its concourse by constructing a new 10,000-square-foot lounge that will enhance passenger movement and boarding efficiency. Additional restrooms, a new entrance, and increased natural light are also part of the renovation plans, which are anticipated to be completed in 2022.

MARC Train Services

As the first of the region's commuter rail services, MARC operates between Washington, D.C. and various stations in Maryland. Two of its three lines (Camden and Brunswick) run only on weekdays, while the Penn line to Baltimore is also available on weekends. The most convenient way to purchase tickets is through the CharmPass app or at the on-site vending machines. The MARC waiting area is located near Gate A.

VRE (Virginia Railway Express)

VRE operates as a commuter rail service from the Northern Virginia suburbs to downtown Washington, D.C., running on two lines: Manassas and Fredericksburg. Tickets are available for online purchase or at self-service kiosks. If you opt for a Step-Up ticket, you can also board the Amtrak trains listed on VRE's schedule. The VRE waiting area can be found near Gate G.

Key Takeaway

In the mid-20th century, as train travel waned, Union Station fell into disrepair. To address this, Congress enacted the Union Station Redevelopment Act in 1981, which facilitated a $160 million restoration project. Since then, Union Station has faced various challenges, including an earthquake, but it is now undergoing improvements and is ready to cater to the needs of 21st-century train travelers with ongoing modernization efforts.