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Cheap train tickets from Washington DC to Boston

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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DC - Boston Amtrak Timetable

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Is it better to travel by bus or train from Washington to Boston?

There are usually 39 daily bus trips from Washington to Boston.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
$113.71
Avg. Price
$191.27
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
39
Daily Trips
43
Duration
Duration
10h 43m
Duration
7h 49m

Trip Summary

There are usually 17 daily train trips available from Washington DC to Boston. Traveling by train from Washington DC to Boston usually takes 7 hours and 55 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Acela train can make the trip in 6 hours and 33 minutes.

Distance394 mi (634 km)
Fastest train6h 33m
Lowest price$67.77
Trains per day34
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Northeast Regional
Train lines3

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Washington to Boston

(Based on 46 ratings and reviews)

4.7

4.0

Francisco

December 22, 2024- Solo travel

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Confortable and enjoiabke Over all. Cons: Someone tried to take my bag and I had to Run after the guy. We have to be extra careful.

4.0

Justine

July 22, 2024- Visiting friends

Amtrak Acela

Pros: Free wifi, comfortable seats, train was right on time. Cons: Prices can be a little bit reduced. Tips: Highly recommend it.

5.0

Wasyl

June 4, 2024- Solo travel

Amtrak

4.0

Stevynn

May 2, 2024- Visiting friends

Amtrak Acela

Pros: I loved that an early morning train was available to Boston. I appreciated someone else doing the driving. Cons: The door between the cars had a ghost :) it kept opening on its own and the cabinet door was not secure. We kept closing it until a well train staff member came through and secured it shut. Thanks. Tips: If you get the table seat pray your fellow travelers are small. We are two big guys and two bigger guys joined us so that made the last leg of the trip a little less uncomfortable.

5.0

Nahid

January 27, 2024- Visiting family

Amtrak Northeast Regional

It was my first trip with train. The price and especially the professional service were great. I really enjoyed my trip, and will recommend traveling by train to my friends. Thank you for making my first train trip a memorable one.

Washington DC to Boston Route Map

Washington Boston
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What is the price of a train ticket from Washington DC to Boston?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Washington to Boston was $155.74. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $291.22 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to Boston by travel date

$454$303$151JanFeb

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Washington DC to Boston will cost between $118 and $443. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to Boston by month

$360$288$216$144$72FMAMJJASONDJ
Ticket prices for the train from Washington DC to Boston often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only $218. If you're thinking of traveling from Washington DC to Boston during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $339 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$469$375$281$187$943020100

By booking your train trip from Washington to Boston on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $291.22 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Washington DC to Boston?

There are 3 train lines with service from Washington to Boston. Amtrak Northeast Regional is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 10 trains each day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak26h 56m$324.55
Amtrak Acela56h 55m$306.41
Amtrak Northeast Regional108h 41m$213.06

  • Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 2 Amtrak trains from Washington to Boston every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $138.

  • The Acela is Amtrak’s flagship high-speed rail service. Connecting 15 cities along the Northeast Corridor of the United States, the Acela is Amtrak’s fastest running passenger train, developing a speed of up to 82.2 mph. Acela trains are equipped with free high-speed internet, power outlets and extra comfortable seats. In addition, all Acela passengers have access to the line’s signature Corridor Café where they can unwind and enjoy a freshly prepared meal with a glass of wine. There are 5 Acela trips from Washington to Boston every day, including the weekend. As it is Amtrak’s most premium service, the average Acela train ticket may cost more than other train lines.

  • The Northeast Regional is Amtrak’s passenger rail service that runs between Boston, MA and Virginia Beach, VA, connecting over 50 cities in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. While the line’s downtown-to-downtown train service makes traveling between the biggest cities in the Northeast convenient and hassle-free, the train’s amenities make the journey comfortable and relaxing as well. Amtrak passengers can enjoy large seats with extra legroom and power outlets, as well as free WiFi and clean bathrooms. With 10 daily train trips from Washington to Boston, the Northeast Regional is the busiest and most popular among all Amtrak routes.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Washington DC to Boston

The train from DC to Boston has an average journey time of 7 hours and 55 minutes. All Amtrak trains are direct. However, travelers who take the Acela train can expect their trip to take just under 7 hours.

Trains from Washington DC to Boston are the most crowded on Wednesday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs Washington DC at 4:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 10:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

There are 17 scheduled trains on most days. 34 of these are direct connections to Boston. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Boston to Washington DC.

City Information

Washington DC

Washington, DC is the capital of the United States, and as such, it offers many points of interest of governmental and historical value. DC is home to several iconic landmarks, including the White House where the U.S. president resides, the Capitol building that houses the meeting chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the National Mall, where you can stop by the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the World War II Memorial. One of the reasons Washington, DC is among the best destinations to visit with your family is because it is home to so many world-famous museums, including the Smithsonians – 16 museums scattered across the District, most of which are open every day of the week, and even better, every single one is free.

D.C. is not just about politics and museums, though. The city’s active nightlife fittingly ranks it among the biggest party hubs in the country. Head to the vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood to check out some of the finest restaurants that the nation’s capital has to offer, or join a food tour of Georgetown to get a taste of the area’s culture along with its cuisine.

Nested between Virginia and Maryland, Washington, D.C. is a key transportation hub with three nearby airports and several bus and train stations.

Boston

Boston is one of the oldest cities in the country, but it is kept young and fresh with the help of over 150,000 students who flock to the city’s prestigious universities every year. Beantown’s many sights and activities celebrate American history, prolific sports teams, and New England seafood. So let's spill the tea (into the harbor, if you will):

Boston's Freedom Trail is the best way to see the city on foot and visit some of the most iconic landmarks of the American Revolution: from Bunker Hill and the USS Constitution to the Old North Church and Faneuil Hall. The Freedom Trail officially begins in Boston Common, the oldest public park in the U.S. and a beautiful spot for walking, picnicking, or ice skating in the winter. Foodies will love tasting the Italian cuisine in the North End and the modern eateries of South End, while sports fans can tour Fenway Park, and art lovers can explore the expansive Museum of Fine Arts.

From Boston, travelers can easily get to the beachy summer destination of Cape Cod, or surrounding states like New Hampshire, Vermont, and Rhode Island. With four main train stations and several bus stops in the city, as well as Boston Logan Airport (which, by the way, has some excellent airport food), Boston is a central hub for travel throughout New England and beyond.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Washington DC?

Washington, DC - Union Station - DCAUST-0

Main departure station: Union Station

Opened more than 100 years ago in 1907, Union Station is the largest transportation hub in Washington, D.C. with almost 5 million travelers passing through it every year. As the official headquarters of Amtrak, Union Station is the main train station in the U.S. capital. It is also a major hub for intercity bus travel, serving as the main bus station in D.C. for a number of carriers, including Greyhound, BoltBus, Peter Pan Bus Lines and OurBus. Union Station offers easy transit connections to places all over D.C. with dedicated stops for the city’s metro, bus and streetcar services, as well as commuter rail for travelers to and from the surrounding areas. Additionally, with a full blown shopping mall on the premises, Union Station is also among the most popular shopping destinations in the nation's capital.

All train stations in Washington DC:

  • Union Station

Where is the train station in Boston?

Main arrival station: Back Bay Station - 145 Dartmouth St

Boston receives travelers from Washington DC at its two active train stations.

Train stations in Boston:

  • Back Bay Station - 145 Dartmouth St

  • South Station

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