5.0
Pros: Nice peaceful and comfortable. Cons: None. Tips: None.
4.0
Pros: Comfy, safe, good service. Cons: The Internet did not work in my car and the crew couldn’t fix it. I had to change cars to get into one with working Internet!
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Trip Summary
2 trains operate daily from Washington DC to Essex. The train trip from Washington DC to Essex is usually about 12 hours and 56 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak Vermonter train can get you there in as little as 12 hours and 8 minutes.
| Distance | 436 mi (701 km) |
| Fastest train | 12h 8m |
| Lowest price | $82.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Vermonter |
| Train lines | 2 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Washington to Essex Junction
(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
4.5
Which train should you take from Washington DC to Essex?
2 train services operate from Washington to Essex Junction. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 13h 49m | $172.35 |
| Amtrak Vermonter | 1 | 12h 20m | $129.31 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from Washington to Essex Junction every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $100.
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 Washington to Essex Junction every day, with prices starting from $82.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Washington DC and Essex is approximately 436 miles, or 701 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 12 hours and 56 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 12 hours and 8 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.
Tuesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Washington DC to Essex. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Tuesday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Sunday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Washington DC at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:00am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Washington DC twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to Essex faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Essex 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, 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.
Essex
Image credit: Unsplash
Essex is a town in northeast Vermont adjacent to Burlington. The legal breakdown of cities, towns, and villages gets a bit complicated here, because the village of Essex Junction used to be within the town of Essex. However, in 2022, the village separated from the town and became the city of Essex Junction. Don't worry, locals (probably) won't quiz you on that. Essex Junction is functionally the downtown area of Essex, so you'll likely be spending most of your time in the local cafés and shops in Essex Junction.
Essex is a fantastic place for nature lovers and outdoorsy people, due to mountain biking trails on Saxon Hill and idyllic fishing on Colchester Pond. Many of Essex's parks have pools and ponds, too. Aside from the impressive parks, trails, and natural areas, you can also check out the Vermont National Guard Library & Museum and Fort Ethan Allen Museum for some local history.
Essex is known for having a vibrant scene for foodies, and beer lovers frequent the many brewing companies and brewpubs. Go all out with the cooking classes and incredible restaurants at the Essex Resort and Spa, set against the idyllic Green Mountains.
The Essex Amtrak station is one of the last stops on the Amtrak Vermonter route from Washington, D.C. Taking the train to Essex is a breeze whether you're traveling from Baltimore, Philadelphia, or New York. Essex Junction is located within five miles of the Burlington International Airport and shares VTrans local transportation with the rest of Vermont. Green Mountain Transit also provides transportation services to Essex.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Washington DC?
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 DC:
Union Station
Where is the train station in Essex?
Main arrival station: 29 Railroad Ave
Essex has one train station.
All train stations in Essex:
29 Railroad Ave
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