Cheap train tickets from Washington, DC to Boston
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 18 daily train trips available from Washington DC to Boston. Traveling by train from Washington DC to Boston usually takes 8 hours and 17 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Acela train can make the trip in 6 hours and 46 minutes.
| Distance | 394 mi (634 km) |
| Fastest train | 6h 46m |
| Lowest price | $34.00 |
| Trains per day | 15 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Northeast Regional |
| Train lines | 3 |
Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:
Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:
Download our free app!
Find, compare & book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
4.8 Rating
5k Reviews
4.5 Rating
4.8k Reviews
Washington to Boston Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Washington to Boston?
There are usually 24 daily bus trips available from Washington, DC to Boston.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$266.72 | Avg. Price$87.00Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips18 | Daily Trips24 |
Duration | Duration8h 17mFaster | Duration10h 26m |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Washington to Boston (Based on 51 ratings and reviews)
5.0
5.0
4.0
4.0
4.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
4.0
5.0
5.0
5.0
4.0
5.0
Washington to Boston Route Map
There are several train options that can take you from Washington to Boston:
- Amtrak Northeast Regional: 10 daily trains from $34
- Amtrak Acela: 6 daily trains from $104
- Amtrak: 3 daily trains from $45
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, DC to Boston was $176.84. 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 $181.27 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to Boston by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Washington DC to Boston will cost between $107 and $274. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to Boston by month
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 September when the average ticket price is only $180. 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 $308 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
By booking your train trip from Washington, DC to Boston on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $181.27 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Washington to Boston?
There are multiple trains that travel from Washington to Boston, including Amtrak Northeast Regional, Amtrak Acela, Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 3 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Northeast Regional | 10 | 8h 42m | $224.01 |
| Amtrak Acela | 6 | 7h 5m | $348.17 |
| Amtrak | 3 | 10h 5m | $223.54 |
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, DC to Boston, the Northeast Regional is the busiest and most popular among all Amtrak routes.
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 Washington, DC 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.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Washington to Boston
There are 18 scheduled trains on most days. 15 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. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Washington DC to Boston for $20.
TRIPS PER DAY
18
DIRECT TRIPS
15
The train from DC to Boston has an average journey time of 8 hours and 17 minutes. All Amtrak trains are direct. However, travelers who take the Acela train can expect their trip to take just under 7 hours.
DISTANCE (MI)
394
DISTANCE (KM)
634
The earliest train departs Washington DC at 3:20am 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.
EARLIEST TRAIN
3:20am
LATEST TRAIN
10:00pm
Trains from Washington DC to Boston are the most crowded on Monday. 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.
MOST CROWDED
Monday
LEAST CROWDED
Sunday
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 does the train leave from in Washington?
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:
- Union Station
Where does the train arrive in Boston?
Main arrival station: Back Bay Station - 145 Dartmouth St
Boston receives travelers from Washington DC at its two active train stations.
All train stations in Boston:
- Back Bay Station - 145 Dartmouth St
- South Station
Need a return trip from Boston to Washington?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
More trains from Washington
- Washington, DC to Charlottesville Train$33+
- Washington, DC to Pittsburgh Train$104+
- Washington, DC to Chicago Train$208+
- Washington, DC to Atlanta Train$133+
- Washington, DC to Orlando Train$152+
- Washington, DC to Toronto Train$206+
- Washington, DC to Raleigh Train$56+
- Washington, DC to New Haven Train$137+
- Washington, DC to Miami Train$172+
- Washington, DC to Philadelphia Train$64+
- Washington, DC to Baltimore Train$22+
- Washington, DC to Newark, DE Train$32+
- Washington, DC to Newark Train$105+
- Washington, DC to New York Train$110+
- Washington, DC to Richmond Train$28+
- Washington, DC to New Rochelle Train$91+
- Washington, DC to Charlotte Train$88+
- Washington, DC to Norfolk Train$42+
Continue by train from Boston
Check out these popular routes
- Boston to New Rochelle Train$75+
- Philadelphia to Washington, DC Train$65+
- New York to Baltimore Train$100+
- New York to Philadelphia Train$57+
- Orlando to Miami Train$43+
- Philadelphia to New Rochelle Train$47+
- Toronto to Montreal Train$78+
- Washington, DC to New Rochelle Train$91+
- New York to Boston Train$124+
- Boston to New York Train$109+
- Providence to New York Train$111+
- Washington, DC to Philadelphia Train$64+
- Philadelphia to New York Train$54+
- New York to Washington, DC Train$116+
- Washington, DC to New York Train$110+
- Montreal to Toronto Train$65+
- Baltimore to New York Train$98+
- Philadelphia to Hudson Train$80+
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu's simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.