Rail Records & Books

I visited Rail Records & Books at Union Station on 11/18/25 around 12:45–1:15 PM. I entered excited to support a local record and book shop, but the experience was disappointing. The attendant showed no greeting or engagement, and then played music so loudly that it became difficult to browse. When I politely asked if the volume could be lowered or switched to something lighter, she stared at me and didn’t respond. The atmosphere became so uncomfortable that I left without making a purchase.nnA more welcoming and customer-friendly staff member would greatly improve the experience.

Decent selection, but the high markups for used compact discs is very ridiculous. You can get anything in here for much cheaper in other CD stores. However, it is Union Station so I guess that explains the prices.

Amazing atmosphere with neat and organized DVDs and tapes I remember having as a child with comic books, vinyl albums and other amazing vintage memories and physical median10/10

A Must-Visit for Music and Book Lovers at Union Station!nnAs a music lover and vinyl enthusiast, I was thrilled to discover Rail and Records at Union Station. It’s exactly the kind of local, independent shop that makes DC’s creative scene shine. The vibe is welcoming and curated with care—there’s something for every kind of music fan, from rare finds to timeless classics.nnThey were incredibly helpful, knowledgeable, and clearly passionate about music. He took the time to walk me through some hidden gems and made the whole experience personal and fun.nnIf you’re in the area—whether you’re a collector or just curious—don’t miss this place. Support local, spin vinyl, and soak in the good energy.

Fun place to hang out while waiting for a train to depart. Prices were a little on the high side but the staff were cool, the selection was unique and in lieu of a listening station they'll just put the record on the PA.