The Union Station, designed to be the entrance to Washington, D.C., has welcomed people to the most important city in the world for over 90 years. The Union Station?s marble floors echo with the footsteps of over 32 million visitors annually. This magnificent building has also played host to 17 presidents and countless foreign dignitaries. The Union Station is also recognized as a premier shopping mall, as well as a venue for world-class exhibitions and international cultural events. Visitors will find 30 stores at Union Station featuring everything from men?s and women?s fashion to jewelry, decorative arts and toys. Gray Line, Old Town Trolley and Tourmobile sightseeing tours depart from the Union Station. This celebrated landmark has also made appearances in the silver screen a number of times.

In 1907, the formation of Union Station began and by 1908 the construction was completed. It was planned to be the largest station in the world during its inception. The Union Station was designed by Daniel Burnham with its Beaux-Arts style and Roman architecture inspired arches, while American Renaissance themes are depicted on the building sculptures. In 1988, the Station was renovated to help regain its lost splendor. Today, it is the most extensive multi-modal transportation center in D.C., providing service to tens of thousands of daily Amtrak, regional commuter rail riders and Metro passengers.

Union Station is the rail station for Amtrak, Maryland Rail Commuter Service and Virginia Railway Express, though it is as much a public living room for the city as it is a transit hub that daily serves thousands of commuters and visitors. It is a place where city workers take their lunch breaks alongside members of Congress, and where restaurant patrons watch crisscrossing travelers unfold in front of them. The Food Court is a great place to enjoy a snack or take the whole family for a quick and inexpensive meal.