Union Station is an architectural delight, and it has so many entrances! The one thing is that it's tricky to get to H St from there -- the secret is going up the escalator in the back and walking that path along the bus lot. The stores have changed multiple times over the years, and I'd say what I visit the most is probably the Uniqlo. Can't wait to see how this place continues to develop as time goes on. As for the interior of the metro itself, it's straightforward and has all the necessary signage. read more

I parked my car here and kind at the pret a manger inside. It really is beautiful architecture. It's wonderful for a nice stroll. There are so many wonderful shops and boutiques !!! It's a wonderful place to take photos too, and I highly recommend it and I look forward to coming back again ! read more

Union Station Metro - Train Stations Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Spectacular architecture, easy visible signage, and the restoration is nearly complete. Shocking paucity of men's and women's restrooms. The MARC trains from D.C. to Baltimore leave about every 90 minutes, and they're jam packed. Additionally, while waiting in line with several hundred people, uneducated visitors jump the line to board. A one-way ticket from Union Station, D.C. to Penn Station, Baltimore is $9. The commuter trains are clean and comfortable. You can purchase tickets in advance, online. read more

Union Station Metro - Main lobby: marble and gold leaf. - Train Stations Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Union station is hit or miss. I've been there when it's clean and empty, and some days it's full of homeless people and poo on the floor. You can drive up and get dropped off right out front which is super quick and convenient instead of flying. The building is beautiful, there's lots of shops and restaurants, they decorated nicely for Christmas. Trains were on time except for one delay, the board clearly shows which train is at which gate. Please, please clean up the station. I get it, it's cold out and people have nowhere to go but people waiting for their trains shouldn't have to stand amongst human waste and be harassed for money constantly. read more

Union Station Metro - Train Stations Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This was our station stop to transfer to Union Station. Trains run often. We found a seat with no issue. Once you disembark follow the sign to Union Station which is home to Amtrak, buses and car rentals. read more

Union Station Metro - Station - Train Stations Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Haven't really been in a long time. There are no immediate seats for Amtrak. The Amtrak seating was moved to an enclosed area on the same floor. Nothing spectacular about this place. Good for Metro and Amtrak transport read more

I use this drop primarily when I need to transfer to a bus or use Amtrak. I really appreciate the signage guiding me to Amtrak specifically. It's super helpful in knowing where to go, especially since travel can be a stressful endeavor read more

I love Union station. It's one of my favorite places in DC from an architectural standpoint. Functionally it could use some work -- more seating, more patrolling for unhoused people who pee on the floor, better restaurant options--but it really is a beautiful place. read more

Union Station Metro - Train Stations Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

It works. WMATA has made some improvements. Was pleased the new trains were running. The older ones chairs make my back scream. They are running trains more effectively. Yes you'll have to deal with Union Station here, but it could be worse. Signage is better. Also kudos on replacing the old PA system. Now you can mostly understand station announcements. Not many benches to sit on waiting for a train. The new turnstiles have increased productivity. If you need to visit this side of DC, this station gets a passing grade. read more

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I've traveled through here several time via VRE and Amtrak. It's truly a sight to see. Very spacious and always bustling with people. Right out it side you can see the White House and can even walk toward it within a few minutes or so. It's really centrally located. They have plenty of food shops and places inside. read more

Union Station Metro - Inside area to catch a train (near the McDonalds) - Train Stations Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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Caught the metro at Union Station today and it's extremely convenient for those of us who take the MARC, it was clean and not a long wait, would suggest this line to anybody who want to explore the city and not worry about parking. read more

I'm here all the time for buisness travel. The station itself is really pretty. The architecture on the inside reminds you of something you might see in Europe. There are plenty of shops and restaurants you can go to if you need to kill some time or grab a bite to eat. Don't let the stunning architecture and elevated shops fool you though. This place can be sketchy!! Once the sun goes down this place is over run with crazy/ weird people. There are also lots of pigeons both inside and outside the building. read more

I always love seeing the updates to the Union Station. They have expanded more shops, chocolate stores, gift shops, and insert affordable fast food into the modern swanky metro station. The chipotle and Cava are fancy on the exterior you would nearly miss it! I am proud of this effort, it elevates the Metro Station be in European, which is a big compliment in my book! read more

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Beautiful edifice! This landmark is not just a transportation hub, but it's also a hidden treasure cove of shops and eateries. read more

Union Station Metro - Departures - Train Stations Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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If you live or work in DC, I feel like you'll have an encounter with the Metro at some point. I worked in DC and would usually take the Metro from Union Station to get back and forth to work. It's certainly nothing fancy about this station. It's pretty much a self-serve experience. You buy your Smartrip card at one of the machines. This card is your entrance and exit from the train. The trains will get you around the city fairly quickly. However, the frequency of the trains can be inconsistent. You can't count on a train leaving at the exact same time every day. Although I am no longer working in DC, I'm glad I got the experience of getting familiar with the Metro system. It will make my future visits to DC much easier to navigate. read more

Union Station Metro - Train Stations Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

Arrived to drop off and parked in the 20 minute parking but couldn't due to "construction." A worker walked past me to my car and asked knowingly if I was parked in the drop off spot. I was barked at that I couldn't park in the area and needed to move my car immediately by a worker around 2am and then he threatened to call security on me. In this matter what I did not appreciate was his manner, tone and body language towards me. When I told the worker I'd just be dropping off my brother he told me to either move my car or he was getting security. It was very off putting as there was no signs and he was rude for no reason. As he said that a nice security officer did show and let me know there was construction happening and instructed me to park on the H st bridge. This worker was in a ski mask and wouldn't tell me his name. read more

Focusing on the Metro Station and only the Metro Station, this serves its purpose almost flawlessly. There are multiple entrances/exits for this stop that can make for a quick escape. The entrance facing Massachusetts is quite possible the most convenient. There are more turnstiles here to allow for flow to continue in all directions. The entrance facing First is a bit smaller with less turnstiles, but exits right out onto the street. As for the tourist trap thing, it is only that if you continue into the train station. There are multiple opportunities to avoid having to deal with this. Especially because most people using this stop aren't using this to be a tourist. They are using it to make their way to work. I use this almost every day. Is it sketchy? Yes, it is, I have seen many things while coming and going. Is it reliable? Yes. read more

I am updating my review since Union Station has changed quite a bit since the pandemic. The vibrant stores are mostly gone. Victoria's Secret closed a few years ago. Border Book's was replaced by H&M, which is now gone. Swatch was one of my favorite stores in Union Station. It closed before the pandemic. I used to enjoy sitting in the main hall, people watching and taking pictures of the beautiful statues and architecture. The seating is all gone. Starbucks is also gone. I used to enjoy going to the movies at Union Station. With the exception of taking metro or Amtrak, I don't visit Union Station as often as I used to. Talks of a renovation being completed by 2040 don't really help us now. read more

I use the Union Station Metro often. I do that because I go in and out of Union Station proper, to/from New York City. I have to check on my elderly father, who is by himself. For anyone not familiar with Washington, D.C., I can attest you can rely on the Metro if you are transiting to Amtrak. I have not missed a train, and I have ridden the Metro in order to board Amtrak at least a dozen times since the pandemic. I do not always do it, because my preferred departure time on either Acela or the regular service is too early, and the Metro isn't running then. But you can look up the arrival of the Metro, and if you are not sauntering you need only ten minutes to make it to the Amtrak (that is if you are an experienced traveler, ambulatory without issues, and willing to tolerate risk; if those conditions are not satisfied, you'll want a good twenty minutes -- but you can make it, without running, from the Metro track to the Amtrak boarding area in six minutes, and I've timed it to be sure). Tourists consulting Yelp might wonder about safety. This assessment depends on who you are and your perception of the danger from strangers. I can say I also routinely ride the other way, arriving on Amtrak and then taking Metro, and that includes after 11pm, close to the time they would be shutting down for the night. I recognize I am an able bodied male who probably does not look like a mark, and I am willing to venture places and at times that others would warn against. I did once see a crime, once in 30 years, and it was non violent. It was an unusual robbery of change. A gentleman -- well, that is the wrong word here -- was "helping" a lady who was trying to get coins back after buying a paper ticket, back when the cards where cards and they were paper (not plastic, so this is eons ago). He snatched her change, which had to have been less than $20, despite her protestation she needed no assistance, and he ran off. It all happened so fast nobody could intervene. I felt guilty, but I was a bit baffled about what happened. I overheard their exchange. My initial thought was, my wife would not wish me to challenge her independence, because I thought, erroneously and obviously so once what would transpire had happened, they were a couple who were together, and he was just being officious. Other than that, however, I have not had any sense of any issue at Union Station. That is all the more so now that they have overnight security guards posted at the front. I recommend the Union Station Metro. read more

Union Station Metro - Train Stations Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

This station stays busy ,with that being said, pay attention to your surroundings. Although it's clean and well lit just be on point. The station will connect you the Marc trains and Amatrak. There's signs posted to direct you to where you need to be. This is the red line station, located close to downtown DC. You can catch the DC Circulator to get you downtown, it's free last time, I used it. Walking to downtown can take 15 to 20 minutes. You will see a lot musicans and dancers all over, and you will see a lot panhandling. A lot of homelessness outside by the station which usually they keep to themselves, police or metro officials do nothing to deter them. Inside U.S they have small shops and a food court on the bottom floor. I say avoid, not the best, and avoid UNOs pizza. Outside you will see a lot of taxis, ubers. The station managers are visible, not the friendliest but try to help . read more

A lot of Metro stations aren't that interesting to look at. In addition to how it looks, it also helps it's ratings to have a good convenient location. The Union Station Metro station is good because of the convenience of getting from Union Station. Most times it's pretty clean. You also have convenient access to eating and shopping. It serves the Red Line. It's the only Metro that stops. While this is the only one, there's many other systems onto which you can transfer. Most notably right by this station is the Maryland Area Regional Commuter system. This is commonly referred to as MARC, and is a good way to get between Baltimore and Washington. It takes you right to BWI. That airport is the farthest away from DC, but this makes it much more convenient to get there. Other than MARC transfers, there's not much else right in the station itself. Inside Union Station there's lots of restaurants and stores. Plan ahead and check the schedules if you're making a transfer so you know when to go there. read more

Union Station Metro - Train Stations Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

As far as the train it was great but the professionalism and customer service is trash. They don't know how to talk to people in the waiting area of Amtrak. They talk to people as if they on the street and not at a job. You get paid to be here and the way they were I definitely won't be back in the waiting area to wait for my train... the professionalism is non existent you ask one question and they get smart, LOUD and cocky with you. Other than that the train ride was great! read more

Marc Train Awful. Delayed and the staff has no training on how to handle delays. Not prepared for change of plans. Nightmare how they mess up your plans. read more

Nice shops and restaurants but there are a lot of homeless people with mental conditions that can make you feel uncomfortable.

MARC Train Service is a commuter rail system whose service areas include Harford County, Maryland; Baltimore City; Washington D.C.; Brunswick, Maryland; Frederick, Maryland and Martinsburg, West Virginia. The MARC train does not run on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day. During my most recent trip to Washington DC, my husband, our little girl dog and I took the MARC train from DC's Union Station to Baltimore, MD. In terms of the pet policy, small dogs that are in a closed carrier are allowed on MARC trains. And of course service dogs and therapy animals are also allowed on board (and do not need to be contained in a pet carrier). Pets ride free of charge. One way from DC to Baltimore (and vise versa) only cost $8/ person. We took our trip back from Baltimore to DC on the same day. The MARC train has 2 stories of seats with plenty of large windows to look out (it was nice to see all of the trees and greenery as we took the ~45 minute train ride). There are (unisex) restrooms available on the train. No WiFi on board and very few outlets. Our seats were comfortable enough, but the padding on the chairs are thin. We found our trip to be enjoyable for the most point. If I lived in this area, I would probably take the train more often. read more

The young lady, Pat went the extra mile to help me and my family transport to the Museum. We were visiting from Colorado and we missed the last trolley, she called a trolley driver to come pick us up and take us to the museum. She made our day, we were able to see most of the museum. read more

It's located under Union Station and then the red line is above the other levels. It's clean and not too busy. The metro on the red line runs every ten and the other 20 so make sure you plan out your rides. They have an app Metro and Bus that shows all the locations and how full the metro is. I highly recommend downloading it as it helps keep track of the lines, has all the routes, and will even tell you how full. It also give a good timeline when it's running late. read more

It's amazing that 100 people were waiting to load the train, no announcement was made to indicate a delay. We had to walk that long walk which I have now coined 'the green mile' from the gate c entrance to halfway down the entire track leaving from union station, yes that's far. Then to have us stand another 5 brutal minutes in the burling windy cold was not my expectation. Please only allow patrons to leave gate only when train is ready for boarding. Thx read more

This Metro stop is a tourist trap. Only the red line goes through here but there are plenty of escalators taking you up to the main floor where outside people are selling tours, food, and then some. Union Station (reviewed separately) has been built up immensely since I first took a train trip here many years ago. Across the street the is National Post office museum which would make sense since a lot of the mail traveled the railroads in earlier times. The station is clean and well lit. The railroad lines still in operation are the MARC and the VRE. You are steps away from the Capitol building and if you go a little farther will reach the National Building museum. Expect large crowds at this station due to all the hustle and bustle going on within Union Square, the food and shoppes inside of it and of course people going to nearby museums or on tours. read more

Union Station Metro - Platform - Train Stations Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

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My first MARC train experience is a good one! I know, it is weird. I have rode on the NEC several times and never got a chance to ride Maryland's version of New Jersey Transit, Long Island Railroad, Metro North, okay you get it, it is Maryland's commuter train. MARC stands for Maryland Area Regional Commuter. It operates 3 lines between Martinsburg, WV and Washington, DC; the Camden Line (one of the country's oldest still-operating passenger rail lines, dating back to when the Baltimore & Ohio (B&O) Railroad owned it, the Brunswick Line, which operates over the CSX main line into Washington, DC, and the Penn Line, which operates between Washington, DC and Perryville, MD, along Amtrak's Northeast Corridor. All 3 lines terminate in Washington, DC, at Union Station. The busiest line is the Penn Line, with most trains operating between Baltimore, MD and Washington, DC. In addition, it is the only line that MARC services that provides weekend service. This was the line that I used. I rode a super express train between Washington, DC and Baltimore, and it is FAST. Forty minutes after departing Washington, DC, I was in Baltimore, with no stops in between. That is impressive. Later, I found out that MARC has operating speeds up to 125 mph, making it the fastest commuter rail operator in the United States! Overall, the trains are quiet and smooth, and even on the return trip, which only took an hour for the local, I found the trains to be on-time and the experience quite fun. Ticket prices are based on zones, in other words, the further out you want to go, the more you pay. That is fine, most commuter rail networks work that way. You can also buy your ticket on the train, but be prepared to pay more if you want to do that. Now I have to try the other two lines. If the Penn Line was any indication, I am excited for riding the other two MARC lines. Now if only they can get weekend service on the Brunswick and Camden Lines... read more

When flying out of BWI & Amtrak is not conducive for me, the MARC is the cheapest commuter train to take & all for $8. The Ticket Kiosks is such a convenient, especially if you are running late & or there's a long line at the Ticket Counter. I seemed to be on a newer train as the seats, flooring & technology aspects were upgraded. Same friendly onboard service, more charging outlets - which is a plus & again, the seats were really comfortable. It makes the mini trip more enjoyable. Keep in mind weekend service is only on the Penn Line. read more

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Bottom Line: A commuter train that is generally reliable and always comfortable and clean. The Maryland Area Regional Commuter (MARC) train operates on four different lines serving a handful of Maryland counties and Washington DC. With the exception of the Penn Line that serves Baltimore and DC, this commuter service only runs on the weekdays. The MARC is a diesel-electric train that is operated in part by Amtrak. Tickets can be bought at a kiosk in the station, at the Amtrak ticket counter or onboard the train, as a last resort. Transactions on the train are cash only and carry a $5 premium. Weekly and monthly passes can be purchased too. The MARC train itself is very relaxing. The ride is way smoother than the Metro and you can definitely fall asleep as the ride is peaceful, particularly in the quiet car. Either your ticket will be taken in advance of boarding or, while onboard, the conductor will come and punch your ticket. There is no food or drink for sale on the MARC. As far as I know, you can sip and munch on the train but be cognizant of smelly foods and don't make a mess! I point this out since its a federal time to eat or drink on the Metro system. If you are in the quiet car, be sure to be quiet so commuters and regulars can snooze or work in peace. read more

Most of the DC tours originate at Union Station. Before we began our tour, I decided to take a peek inside this historic train station. The architecture is really amazing! Built in the early 1900s and modeled after Roman bath houses the inside is truly a work of art. The lower level has a large food court and upper level has department chains you can pick up needed items. Outside, there is the statue of Columbus and a sphere of the round earth. The station is really busy with people waiting for taxis,uber or their loved ones to pick them up. There is of course homeless people there asking for donations. One could easily spend there day in this area just walking and taking in the scenery. I loved this station even though it is super busy and never a dull moment for drivers trying to get into the circle. Come visit this place, even just for a quick bite to eat whenever you are in DC. read more

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This has been my savior every time I travel. Just a mile away from my house so I don't even have to worry about parking etc. The trains have been always on time. Maybe I have been lucky with the schedule but I have heard that the schedule gets wonky at times. Amtrak is the only train that runs after 11pm until 1:30 am. The next schedule is around 4pm. Metro is well maintained. Very clean and staff is very helpful if you're lost. read more

If only all stations could be this clean and easy to navigate. Great signage, easy to follow directions and route maps. In addition there are booth attendants to assist if needed. Trains are actually on time quite often. The architecture and design are sleek and modern. read more

The only reason my review isn't 5-stars is because the last two times I've been on the Marc, it has been standing room only. Dude. That's a long commute while standing. Also....train is consistently delayed in the morning. Other than that...I LOVE this commuter train! Odenton stop is literally 3 miles from my house. After driving 40 minutes to the Greenbelt station for almost 3 months (GoodBYE BWP), I was SO stoked to find Marc! Every train doesn't stop at every stop, so make sure you know how to get where you're going! Pay attention to the announcements! Make sure you've got a ticket! Download CharmPass on your phone and you won't have to wait at a kiosk to purchase a ticket. read more

Marc Train. On their website they describe a delay of 5 hours as "Late". No information provided. Train travelling at 15 mph. No announcements given read more

Well... I guess this is government subsidized transportation at its best. The tickets are really cheap, unless you buy after boarding. In that case they will add a $5 surcharge. One thing that did fascinate me, when somebody bought a ticket, was the use of hand punches. It might be outdated, and a punch or two on the ticket the conductor was giving out would have been quite normal. But no.... he was punching holes like crazy... I'm telling you, the ticket was more or less a cellulose based Swiss cheese. I was counting over 20 punches, and over two minutes spent on a single ticket - searching for the right spot, punching... searching for the next... story goes on. I almost wanted to buy a ticket on the train as a souvenir. But my logic dictates that a thin slice of swizz cheeze isn't worth 5 dollars. The conductors I met was polite. One guy was super nice and witty towards all the passengers - he even let an old man with financial difficulties ride for free. A nice gesture. The trains themselves were old, but clean. Some cars where double deckers, others had single decks. But all the cars were inconsistent, from different eras. Not to mention that you had to be spider man to climb up the ledge if you wanted to board from some stations. The platforms weren't elevated. Imagine and old lady or gentleman jumping up that 2 feet ledge. The train was averaging a delay of 7-8 minutes the week I used the service, not too bad, though. But one time my train scheduled to depart from Union Station at 7.40 am was cancelled. Not so good. Due to the low cost fare I do feel obligated to recommend the MARC trains. Just remember that they don't run late in the pm. At least not the service from Union Station to Baltimore. read more

Union Station Metro - Train Stations Near Me - Washington, DC, District of Columbia

So, I live in NY, which means I'm used to horrid looking, under kept subway station and trains. I got to Union Station in DC and though, this is wrong, a regular station shouldn't look this good. Plus, the trains are so clean and the chairs are cushioned. I thought I had died and went to subway heaven. But then again, maybe New York has lowered my standards. One thing that New York subway is definitely better at is the train conductors. There is no why these people in DC would pass in NY to operate a train. I mean, several times during my ride, the train would stop, the doors would open and as people are about to walk in the train would jerk forward. That happened twice at a single stop once. I wish I could mush up DC's train station beauty and NY train driving skills and make a master baby subway, with lower travel costs, of course. read more

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When I stepped out of the bus terminal then passing the train station and find our way to the front, I was amazed how clean, nice and beautiful Union Station DC is. I felt I was inside a museum - loved the ceilings, the details of the walls are intricate and the architecture of the building is awesome. There is a handful of eateries and shops inside the station that surprised me. I would love to travel back using this station. read more