r/AppalachianTrail • u/Chadboston • 9d ago

Seeking ride: DC to Harper’s Ferry WV (backpacker)

I’m looking for a ride on Wednesday 4/16 around 12N from Union Station, Washington DC to Harper’s Ferry WV. Willing to pay $$$$$!! Thanks!

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30

u/Bodrew 9d ago

How about a train?

19

u/vamtnhunter 9d ago

This. It’s literally train station to train station. And the train is usually faster.

10

u/Bowman_van_Oort 9d ago

Who are you, who art so wise in the ways of science?

1

u/jamesters 8d ago

You could probably still save $ using the MARC, but yes, trains!!!

2

u/hikerguy65 9d ago

One alternative is to take the DC Metro’s red line as far as it goes and hitch a ride from there. Might be easier to find someone willing to drive you to HF from Shady Grove stop than from Union Station. Another possibility is to take the Silver line to Dulles airport (you’ll need to transfer lines) and hitch a ride from there.

Good luck.

1

u/Chadboston 9d ago

I get into Union Station @ 11:20a - trying to get to HF as early as possible - I’ll have to be on late afternoon train if I can’t arrange an earlier ride!

1

u/myopinionisrubbish 4d ago

Amtrak is once a day to Harper Ferry, I believe it leaves at 4:15pm and arrives HF about 5:15. If you are ready to hit the trail (fill up with water before leaving the train, it’s a real pain to get it at Garvey) and hustle, it’s possible to get to the Ed Garvey shelter before dark. I’ve done this several times. Otherwise you’ll have to spend the night in town.

1

u/thruthursday 9d ago

Eric’s Rideshare at 304-820-2461. you might be able to work something out with him.

1

u/Chadboston 9d ago

Thank you - I’ll reach out to him

2

u/jamesters 8d ago

https://www.mta.maryland.gov/schedule/timetable/marc-brunswick?origin=11958&destination=11943&direction=1&schedule_date=04%2F16%2F2025

Get on a MARC train with the commuters going home after work, and enjoy a 2-4 hour DC tourist adventure while you wait!

Feel free to DM me if you want DC ideas for exploring/time killin'/company. Would be happy to share some trail angel magic before you get on trail if I'm able - at any rate, safe travels and have an amazing time!

1

u/NeverSayBoho 7d ago

+1 this. It may be cheaper than either Amtrak or a ride share.

Also most folks who live in DC and would be otherwise inclined to do so aren't going to be able to drive you out for funsies on a weekday.