US President-elect Barack Obama has arrived in Washington, wrapping up a one-day "whistle stop" inaugural train journey from Philadelphia to the US capital.

U.S. President-elect Barack Obama (2nd R), his wife Michelle (R), Vice President-elect Joe Biden (L) and his wife Jill board their train at a station in Wilmington, Delaware, January 17, 2009. They are on a train trip to Washington to kick off several days of inauguration festivities with Obama being sworn in as the 44th President of the United States on January 20. [Jim Young/REUTERS]

Obama's more than 200-kilometer inaugural train journey came to an end at Union Station in Washington, DC at dusk on Saturday. Braving the sub-zero temperatures, crowds of supporters and well-wishers gathered at the platform to welcome the next President of their country.

Marilyn Wardtluszcz, Washington resident, said, "Oh, my God, it's so amazing. Yeah, just to see his smile and just to say there is hope for America. Yeah, go Obama."

Linda Williams, Obama Supporter, said, "I come all the way from Texas just for that. It's wonderful and it's a blessing that we were able to make this true."

In Washington, a top adviser to Obama said on Saturday that the soon-to-be president will convene a meeting of high-ranking military officers to discuss the Iraq war and other issues on his first full day in office.

Prior to his arrival in Washington, Obama stopped over in Baltimore, Maryland. He told people there that he's fully aware of the challenges ahead.