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Boston to Washington DC train

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Boston - Washington DC Train Timetable

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Trip Summary

There are 16 daily trains from Boston to Washington DC. Traveling by train from Boston to Washington DC usually takes around 7 hours and 43 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Acela train can make the trip in 6 hours and 32 minutes.

Distance394 mi (634 km)
Fastest train6h 32m
Lowest priceUS$37.00
Trains per day33
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Northeast Regional
Train lines3

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Boston to Washington

(Based on 39 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Mohammadmehdi

16 February 2024- Visiting family

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pretty good.

5.0

Elizabeth

6 January 2024- Couples trip

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Peaceful and I didn’t need to drive. Cons: Nothing comes to mind for improvements. Tips: Bring a book and enjoy.

4.0

Alice

16 October 2023- Visiting family

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Car was generally clean, comfy, and spacious. Employees were very friendly. Cons: Improving bathroom cleanliness and minimizing delays/late arrivals would be great! Tips: Make sure to wear comfy clothes and eat before getting on board if you can.

5.0

Simone Iman

29 August 2023- Business

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: I could sit in a seat of my choosing. Cons: I am a person who has a disability. I would have liked more help getting my suitcase on board. Tips: Be on the platform at least 30 minutes before departing and have a ticket out and ready.

4.0

Raymond

24 August 2023- Vacation

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Signs could be better at Boston South St station .Station staff could have been more helpful but worked out fine in the end. Cons: As above foreign travellers so more than over there would have been better. Tips: Look out for upgrades.

Boston to Washington DC Route Map

Boston Washington

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

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Boston to Washington was US$151.43. Tickets for this route are somewhat expensive, given the distance between Boston and Washington DC. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Washington DC if you book your train tickets at least 28 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra US$124.17.

Average prices by travel date

US$255US$170US$85MarApr

The average cost of a one-way train trip from Boston to Washington DC is expected to fluctuate between US$103 and US$251 in the next 30 days. If you’re planning a train trip to Washington in the upcoming week, the cheapest price in the next 7 days for a ticket from Boston is US$122.

Monthly average prices

US$200US$160US$120US$80US$40AMJJASONDJFM

Ticket prices for the train from Boston to Washington DC often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in August when the average ticket price is only US$152,

If you're thinking of traveling from Boston to Washington DC during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$200 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

US$275US$220US$165US$110US$553020100

Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Boston to Washington. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 28 days before departure, you can save around US$124.17. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!

Which train should you take from Boston to Washington DC?

There are 3 train lines with service from Boston to Washington. Amtrak Northeast Regional is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 8 trains each day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak38h 45mUS$275.70
Amtrak Acela76h 50mUS$217.73
Amtrak Northeast Regional88h 24mUS$160.70
  • 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 3 Amtrak trains from Boston to Washington every day, as well as 8 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from US$75.

  • 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 7 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 .

  • 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 Boston to Washington, the Northeast Regional is the busiest and most popular among all Amtrak routes.

Frequently Asked Questions

The distance between Boston and Washington DC is approximately 394 miles, or 634 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 7 hours and 43 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 6 hours and 32 minutes.

Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.

On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Boston to Washington DC on Monday. Tickets for Monday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Tuesday. Tuesday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.

The earliest train departs Boston at 05:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 20:00. 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 16 scheduled trains on most days. 33 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 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.

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.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Boston?

Boston, MA - South Station - BOSSST-0

Image credit: Tony Hisgett

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: South Station

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

Where is the train station in Washington DC?

Washington, DC - Union Station - DCAUST-0

Main arrival 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.

Train stations in Washington DC:

  • Union Station

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Need a return trip from Washington DC to Boston?

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