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Trains from Washington DC to Boston

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DC - Boston Amtrak Timetable

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Train Trip Information: Washington DC to Boston

There are 44 daily trains from Washington DC to Boston. Traveling by train from Washington DC to Boston usually takes around 33 hours and 22 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Acela train can make the trip in 6 hours and 40 minutes.

Distance394 mi (634 km)
Fastest train6h 40m
Lowest price£28.62
Trains per day27
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines3

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Washington to Boston

(Based on 21 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Salome

18 October 2021- Business

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Smooth. Cons: Wifi worked on the way to DC for most part and not at all on the way up... Not sure why... Tips: If going on a long trip bring a travel pillow.. If u don't like AC bring a blankie.

Pros: Smooth. Cons: Wifi worked on the way to DC for most part and not at all on the way up... Not sure why... Tips: If going on a long trip bring a travel pillow.. If u don't like AC bring a blankie.

5.0

Carrie

26 September 2021- Vacation

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: I got to see a lot of countryside. Tips: Book it!

Pros: I got to see a lot of countryside. Tips: Book it!

5.0

Nanwei

25 August 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Would like to take it again. Cons: Couldn't ask more for such serious bargain.

Pros: Would like to take it again. Cons: Couldn't ask more for such serious bargain.

5.0

Yeni

9 August 2021- Vacation

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Confort and fast. Cons: Food service with more staff. Tips: Arrive always on time or ahead of time.

Pros: Confort and fast. Cons: Food service with more staff. Tips: Arrive always on time or ahead of time.

5.0

Domenic

21 December 2019- Visiting family

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Spacious, easy. Cons: Price.

Pros: Spacious, easy. Cons: Price.

Washington DC to Boston Route Map

Washington Boston

DC to Boston train options

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

In the last month, £166.37 was the average price of a train ticket from Washington to Boston. Given how far apart Washington DC and Boston are from each other, there's no getting around the fact that most train tickets are on the pricier side. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 27 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around £61.48 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

£221£147£74MayMay

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Washington DC to Boston will vary between £154 and £218. Planning a train trip to Boston within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Washington over the next 7 days is £161. Make sure to book your trip as soon as possible as train fares tend to go up as you get closer to your travel date.

Monthly average prices

£143£114£86£57£29JJASONDJFMAM

If you are trying to decide when to travel from Washington DC to Boston by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for January. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just £87 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Washington DC to Boston in April, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to £141 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you have a high chance of scoring a ticket at a lower price.

Prices as travel date approaches

£225£180£135£90£453020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 27 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Boston from Washington will be about £61.48 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Washington DC to Boston?

There are 3 train lines with service from Washington to Boston. Amtrak is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 32 trains each day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak321d 21h 44m£201.15
Amtrak Acela56h 57m£203.86
Amtrak Northeast Regional88h 55m£115.43
  • Amtrak

    Amtrak

    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 32 Amtrak trains from Washington to Boston every day, as well as 45 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £29.

    AMT-0AMT-1AMT-2AMT-3AMT-4AMT-5AMT-6AMT-7AMT-8AMT-9
  • Amtrak Acela

    Amtrak Acela

    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 premiumly priced service, the average Acela train ticket for this route costs around .

  • Amtrak Northeast Regional

    Amtrak Northeast Regional

    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 8 daily train trips from Washington to Boston, the Northeast Regional is the busiest and most popular among all Amtrak routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to travel by train from Washington to Boston during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

In addition, federal law requires all train passengers to wear a face covering for the entire duration of the trip. Please make sure you are wearing a face mask or you may not be allowed to board the train.

Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.

Can you take a train all the way from Washington DC to Boston?

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Washington DC to Boston. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

How long is the train journey from Washington DC to Boston?

The train from DC to Boston has an average journey time of 33 hours and 22 minutes. All Amtrak trains are direct. However, travelers who take the Acela Express train can expect their trip to take just under 7 hours.

When are trains the most crowded?

Wednesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Washington DC to Boston. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Wednesday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Monday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.

When are the first and last trains of the day?

The earliest train departs Washington DC at 00:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 23:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Is there a direct train from Washington DC to Boston?

There are 44 scheduled trains on most days. 27 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, and follow that up with a drink (or two) at one of the many bars in the area.

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 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

Departure stations

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

  • Train Station - 1240 S Harrison Rd E

  • 11 W Baltimore Ave

  • Dingell Transit Ctr - 21201 Michigan Ave

  • 325 Depot St - Amtrak Station

  • 107 Bicentennial Dr

  • Gateway Station - 430 S 15th St

  • 459 North Burdick Street

  • 350 S Illinois St

  • Central Station

  • Union Station - 400 S Houston St

  • 350 Hoefgen St

  • 250 N Lamar Blvd

  • 1400 W Markham St

  • Union Station

Where is the train station in Boston?

Boston, MA - South Station - BOSSST-0

Image credit: Tony Hisgett

Link to image attribution

Arrival stations

South Station is the largest and busiest train station in Boston, and a major transportation hub for the greater New England area. South Station's 13 tracks are used by Amtrak, Acela, the MBTA commuter rail, and the MBTA subway system (a.k.a. the "T") with connections to the Boston Logan International Airport. You can also access intercity bus service in the adjacent South Station Bus Terminal. South Station's historic train terminal opened in 1899 right in downtown Boston, and is close to many points of interest like the Boston Common, the Freedom Trail, and the hip Seaport district. At the terminal, you'll find free WiFi, luggage storage, a 24-hour information booth, and 14 dining options, including that New England favorite, Dunkin'.

Train stations in Boston:

  • South Station

  • Back Bay Station - 145 Dartmouth St

Related reading

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