Newark to Washington DC train

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Newark - Washington DC Train Timetable

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Trip Summary

There are 31 daily trains from Newark to Washington DC. Traveling by train from Newark to Washington DC usually takes around 3 hours and 3 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Acela train can make the trip in 2 hours and 28 minutes.

Distance198 mi (318 km)
Fastest train2h 28m
Lowest price€13.98
Trains per day39
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Northeast Regional
Train lines9

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Newark to Washington

(Based on 48 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Calia

19 December 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak Vermonter

Pros: Two seats for me when my neighbor left. Cons: Best prices. Tips: Stairs high to get in so don’t take too big suitcases.

Pros: Two seats for me when my neighbor left. Cons: Best prices. Tips: Stairs high to get in so don’t take too big suitcases.

5.0

Maura

6 November 2022- Visiting friends

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Everything from booking to boarding and riding was easy and smooth. Cons: Can't think of anything.

Pros: Everything from booking to boarding and riding was easy and smooth. Cons: Can't think of anything.

5.0

Edith

8 October 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Cons: Nono. Tips: No.

Cons: Nono. Tips: No.

5.0

Gary

19 September 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Comfortable and stress-free way to travel. Cons: The train was sold out so some people had a hard time finding a seat. Also, amtrak didn't give me my points. Tips: Arrive early.

Pros: Comfortable and stress-free way to travel. Cons: The train was sold out so some people had a hard time finding a seat. Also, amtrak didn't give me my points. Tips: Arrive early.

5.0

Peter

14 August 2022- Business

Amtrak Silver Service

Comfortable, fast , efficient.

Comfortable, fast , efficient.

Newark to Washington DC Route Map

Newark Washington

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

€110.91 is the average price of a bus ticket from Newark to Washington DC. Any tickets cheaper than €110.91 can be considered a good deal. It’s easy to find a bus 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

€182€121€61MarApr

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Newark to Washington DC will vary between €99 and €180. Planning a train trip to Washington within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Newark over the next 7 days is €120. 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

€163€130€98€65€33AMJJASONDJFM

If you are trying to decide when to travel from Newark 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 €82 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Newark to Washington DC in April, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to €144 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

€210€168€126€84€423020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Washington from Newark will be about €81.26 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Newark to Washington DC?

There are 9 train lines with service from Newark to Washington. Amtrak Northeast Regional is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 16 trains each day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak22h 59m€167.29
Amtrak Acela82h 40m€218.70
Amtrak Cardinal13h 7m€136.40
Amtrak Carolinian13h 3m€108.07
Amtrak Crescent13h 26m€152.72
Amtrak Northeast Regional163h 12m€114.48
Amtrak Palmetto13h 11m€103.49
Amtrak Silver Service23h 11m€149.57
Amtrak Vermonter13h 6m€107.65
  • 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 2 Amtrak trains from Newark to Washington every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €38.

  • 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 8 Acela trips from Newark 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 Cardinal

    Amtrak Cardinal

    The Amtrak Cardinal is a long distance passenger rail service from New York to Chicago, connecting a total of 31 cities. As one of Amtrak's most scenic train routes, the Cardinal is a popular train line connecting the Northeast to the Southeast, and offers top-notch comfort thanks to its seats with extra legroom, free WiFi, power outlets, and snacks available for purchase in the Cardinal Café. There are usually 1 Cardinal trips from Newark to Washington per day, with an average trip length of 3 hours and 7 minutes.

  • Amtrak Carolinian

    Amtrak Carolinian

    The Amtrak Carolinian is a passenger train service which connects New York City and Washington, DC to some of the most charming destinations in North Carolina. The Carolinian runs an average of 1 trips per day between Newark and Washington, all of which include seats with extra legroom, free WiFi, power outlets, and snacks available in the Café car. The average Amtrak Carolinian ticket price for this route is , and the trip usually lasts around 3 hours and 3 minutes.

  • Amtrak Crescent

    Amtrak Crescent

    The Crescent is Amtrak’s passenger train service that runs from New York to New Orleans by way of Atlanta. As an overnight service, the Crescent offers a variety of amenities and accommodation options. There’s also a café car where you can enjoy freshly prepared meals and a variety of soft and alcoholic beverages. Like all Amtrak trains, the Crescent offers free WiFi, power outlets and extra legroom. Train trips from Newark to Washington take about 3 hours and 26 minutes and the cost of a one-way train ticket on the Crescent starts from €129.

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

  • Amtrak Palmetto

    Amtrak Palmetto

    The Palmetto is an Amtrak train service that runs a total of 829 miles from New York City to Savannah, GA, connecting 20 cities from the Northeast to the Southeast along the way. Traveling from Newark to Washington is comfortable and relaxing on the Palmetto, thanks to the train’s free WiFi, power outlets, and seating with extra legroom. You can pick from 1 daily departures along this route, with train ticket pricing at an average of on the Palmetto.

  • Amtrak Silver Service

    Amtrak Silver Service

    The Silver Service is an Amtrak train line that runs from New York City to Miami, connecting the largest cities in the Mid-Atlantic region with key destinations in the South and many places across the Sunshine State. Two trains, the Silver Meteor and Silver Star, collectively comprise the Silver Service. The trains come equipped with a variety of sleeper cars that travelers taking an overnight train can choose from, as well as a variety of amenities like free WiFi, power outlets, and a café car. One-way train tickets for the Silver Service from Newark to Washington start from €107 and the average train journey lasts about 3 hours and 11 minutes.

  • Amtrak Vermonter

    Amtrak Vermonter

    The Vermonter is an Amtrak passenger train that connects St. Albans, VT to Washington, D.C. by way of New York City. The journey is renowned for the beautiful scenic views that it presents as it passes through the Green Mountains and the Berkshires. Aboard the Vermonter, passengers can enjoy free WiFi, power outlets at every seat and extra legroom. You can also grab a bite to eat or enjoy a refreshing beverage from the train’s café. There are 1 Vermonter trains traveling from Newark to Washington every day, with prices starting from €14.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the cheapest train from Newark to Washington, DC?

The cheapest trains from Newark to DC are typically the Amtrak Cardinal, Amtrak Palmetto and the Amtrak Carolinian, each of which averages around $114.

What is the fastest train from Newark to DC?

The fastest train from Newark to DC is the Amtrak Acela. On the Acela, the average trip duration is just 2 hours 41 minutes.

Is there a bus from Newark to Washington, DC?

There are 3 buses that drive between Newark and DC: BoltBus, Greyhound and OurBus. Tickets average just $16, and the typical travel time is 4.5 and 5 hours.

Is it safe to travel by train from Newark 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.

Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations.

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.

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

The distance between Newark and Washington DC is approximately 198 miles, or 318 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 3 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 28 minutes. Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.

When are trains the most crowded?

"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 Newark at 03:00 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.

How many train departures serve Washington DC each day?

There are 31 scheduled trains on most days. 39 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 Newark.

City Information

Newark

Newark, NJ - NWK-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Newark, NJ - NWK-1

Image credit: Unsplash

Newark, NJ - NWK-2

Image credit: Unsplash

As the most populous city in New Jersey, Newark offers some excellent museums, parks and restaurants that you can enjoy year-round. Art lovers should stop by the famous Newark Museum to enjoy a rich collection of works by American artists and sculptors. History buffs should check out the New Jersey Historical Society for ongoing exhibitions documenting the state’s rich history.

Located by the Passaic River, Newark offers various places where you can enjoy a relaxing stroll by the water. For the best views, head over to the city’s Riverfront Park near the hip Ironbound neighborhood. If you’re seeking more outdoor enjoyment, check out Branch Brook Park where you will find various lakes and plenty of cherry blossoms.

Newark is one of the biggest travel hubs in the United States, which makes it very easily accessible via all types of transportation. The Newark Liberty International Airport is one of the three airports that serves the New York City metro area, and its close proximity to Newark’s Penn Station makes it easy to reach from anywhere via bus or train.

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 Newark?

Newark Penn Station - NWKPNS-0

Image credit: Ken Lund

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Newark Penn Station

Not to be confused with the Penn Station in New York City just 10 miles away, Newark’s Penn Station is a vital regional transportation hub which serves the greater New York City and New Jersey area. Located a few blocks East of the central business district in Newark, Penn Station opened in 1935, when its Art Deco architecture was at the height of fashion - see if you can spot the Zodiac signs decorating the chandeliers! Travelers can access Amtrak intercity passenger trains running on the busy Northeast Corridor between Washington D.C. and Boston, as well as intercity buses like Greyhound and Fullington Trailways. Local transit available at Penn Station includes Newark Light Rail, Port Authority Trans-Hudson (PATH) rapid transit linking Newark to Manhattan, and NJ Transit commuter trains serving coastal and central New Jersey.

All train stations in Newark:

  • Newark Penn Station

  • Newark Intl Airport

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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