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Trains from Boston to Washington DC

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Boston to DC Amtrak Timetable

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Boston to DC Train Info

There are 34 daily trains from Boston to Washington DC. Traveling by train from Boston to Washington DC usually takes around 8 hours and 39 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Acela train can make the trip in 6 hours and 35 minutes.

Distance394 mi (634 km)
Fastest train6h 35m
Lowest price£27.94
Trains per day29
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines3

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Boston to Washington

(Based on 19 ratings and reviews)

4.7

5.0

Kelvin

27 January 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: quite and calm. Cons: there were delays at most of the stops.

Pros: quite and calm. Cons: there were delays at most of the stops.

5.0

Malia

3 December 2021- Visiting friends

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Amtrak is timely and the station staff is helpful. This was my first train ride and I was very pleased with service level and easy booking! Tips: Arrive early! We boarded 15 mins early on my trip and many passengers advised me this is normal. Eat beforehand, ther...

Pros: Amtrak is timely and the station staff is helpful. This was my first train ride and I was very pleased with service level and easy booking! Tips: Arrive early! We boarded 15 mins early on my trip and many passengers advised me this is normal. Eat beforehand, there may be shops available but they tend to be pricey. Also, bring a neck pillow or blanket. Winter travel can be cooler and the seats are spacious but more static.

More

5.0

Angela

14 August 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Chance to sleep during the trip. Cons: Turn off the lights to a dim…they were not as dim as I would have wanted. Aircon was on too high. Tips: Arrive 15-30 mins before. Train leave ON TIME.

Pros: Chance to sleep during the trip. Cons: Turn off the lights to a dim…they were not as dim as I would have wanted. Aircon was on too high. Tips: Arrive 15-30 mins before. Train leave ON TIME.

5.0

Laura

12 August 2021- Vacation

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: I loved not having to drive and not needing to deal with the hassle of the airport. It was super chill to sit on the train and catch up on work and fun stuff. Cons: Can't think of anything. Tips: Can't think of anything.

Pros: I loved not having to drive and not needing to deal with the hassle of the airport. It was super chill to sit on the train and catch up on work and fun stuff. Cons: Can't think of anything. Tips: Can't think of anything.

5.0

Cayla

2 August 2021- Visiting friends

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: More comfortable than a plane or car. Cons: Wifi was sort of bad. Tips: You don’t have to get there super early! I got there too early and had to wait for a while.

Pros: More comfortable than a plane or car. Cons: Wifi was sort of bad. Tips: You don’t have to get there super early! I got there too early and had to wait for a while.

Boston to Washington DC Route Map

Boston Washington

Boston to DC train options:

See more details

How much is a train ticket from Boston to DC?

Typically £112.55 is the average price you should expect to pay for a train ticket to Washington DC. Considering the long haul nature of the trip to Washington DC and taking into account ease of train travel tickets this price is a great deal It’s easy to find a coach ticket at this price or lower when you use Wanderu to book your trip online in advance of your travel date.

Average prices by travel date

£204£136£68MayJun

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Boston to Washington DC will vary between £94 and £195. Planning a train trip to Washington within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Boston over the next 7 days is £118. 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

£140£112£84£56£28JJASONDJFMAM

If you are trying to decide when to travel from Boston to Washington DC 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 £89 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Boston to Washington DC in November, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to £136 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

£180£144£108£72£363020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 28 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Washington from Boston will be about £77.50 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which trains can you take from Boston, MA to Washington, DC?

The main Amtrak services from Boston to DC are the Northeast Regional train and the Acela Express train. While the Acela is the fastest option, it's also more expensive. Amtrak's Northeast Regional train is the more popular service and has a more flexible schedule.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak2111h 53m£131.56
Amtrak Acela66h 51m£186.77
Amtrak Northeast Regional68h 5m£108.50
  • 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 21 Amtrak trains from Boston to Washington every day, as well as 32 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £38.

    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 6 Acela trips from Boston to Washington 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 6 daily train trips from Boston to Washington, the Northeast Regional is the busiest and most popular among all Amtrak routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there a train from Boston to DC?

Yes, Amtrak operates trains between Boston, MA and Washington, DC. The Amtrak Northeast Regional and Acela trains each make about a dozen trips per day from Boston to DC. The same is true for the reverse direction, with trains from DC to Boston.

Is it safe to travel by train from Boston to Washington 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 Boston to Washington DC?

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Boston to Washington DC. 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 ride from Boston to DC?

On average, an Amtrak Northeast Regional train takes 8 hours and 39 minutes to travel from Boston to Washington, DC. However, the fastest Acela Express train takes only 6 hours and 35 minutes to reach DC. In total, the route is 394 miles long.

What is the busiest day for trains from Boston to DC?

Thursday is usually the day of the week when trains are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Thursday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.

On the other hand, Sunday is typically the least busy day for train travel on this route. If you are looking for less crowded trains to Washington DC, book your ticket for the last day of the week.

When are the first and last trains of the day?

The earliest train departs Boston at 03:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 16:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

How many train departures serve Washington DC each day?

There are 34 scheduled trains on most days. 29 of these are direct connections to Washington DC. 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 Washington DC to Boston.

City Information

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.

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.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Boston?

Boston, MA - South Station - BOSSST-0

Image credit: Tony Hisgett

Link to image attribution

Departure 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'.

All train stations in Boston:

  • South Station

  • Back Bay Station - 145 Dartmouth St

  • 100 Thompsons Pt Rd

  • Concord Transportation Center

  • Exit 8 Transportation Center

  • Portsmouth Transp Ctr - 185 Grafton Rd

  • 13 Batchelder Rd

  • Brunswick Visitors Center

  • Bangor Transportation Center

  • Washington St at Railroad Sq

  • 33 Chestnut St

  • UNH Durham Transit Ctr - 3 Depot Rd

  • 60 Lincoln St at Railroad Ave

  • Transp Ctr - 119 Canal St

  • 138 Main St - Saco Island

Where is the train station in Washington DC?

Washington, DC - Union Station - DCAUST-0

Arrival 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.

Train stations in Washington DC:

  • Union Station

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