Cheap train tickets from Boston to Washington, DC
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Boston to DC Train Info
There are usually 17 daily train trips available from Boston to Washington DC. Traveling by train from Boston to Washington DC usually takes 8 hours and 33 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Acela train can make the trip in 6 hours and 54 minutes.
| Distance | 394 mi (634 km) |
| Fastest train | 6h 54m |
| Lowest price | $34.00 |
| Trains per day | 14 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Northeast Regional |
| Train lines | 3 |
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Boston to Washington Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Boston to Washington?
There are usually 28 daily bus trips available from Boston to Washington, DC.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$260.76 | Avg. Price$92.36Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips17 | Daily Trips28 |
Duration | Duration8h 33mFaster | Duration10h 27m |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Boston to Washington (Based on 47 ratings and reviews)
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There are several train options that can take you from Boston to Washington:
- Amtrak Northeast Regional: 8 daily trains from $34
- Amtrak Acela: 6 daily trains from $104
- Amtrak: 3 daily trains from $63
How much is a train ticket from Boston to DC?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Boston to Washington, DC was $179.74. 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 $168.18 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Boston to Washington DC by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Boston to Washington DC will cost between $111 and $334. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Boston to Washington DC by month
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 September when the average ticket price is only $181. If you're thinking of traveling from Boston to Washington DC during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $324 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 Boston to Washington, DC on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $168.18 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Boston to Washington?
There are multiple trains that travel from Boston to Washington, 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 | 8 | 8h 37m | $220.96 |
| Amtrak Acela | 6 | 7h 4m | $324.08 |
| Amtrak | 3 | 11h 57m | $245.23 |
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, DC, 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 Boston to Washington, DC 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.
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, DC every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $63.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Boston to Washington
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.
There are 17 scheduled trains on most days. 14 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. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Boston to Washington DC for $20.
TRIPS PER DAY
17
DIRECT TRIPS
14
On average, an Amtrak Northeast Regional train takes 8 hours and 33 minutes to travel from Boston to Washington, DC. However, the fastest Acela train takes only 6 hours and 54 minutes to reach DC. In total, the route is 394 miles long.
DISTANCE (MI)
394
DISTANCE (KM)
634
The earliest train departs Boston at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:51pm. 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
5:00am
LATEST TRAIN
6:51pm
Trains from Boston to Washington DC are the most crowded on Friday. 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
Friday
LEAST CROWDED
Sunday
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 does the train leave from in Boston?
Main departure station: Back Bay Station - 145 Dartmouth St
There are two stations in Boston where you can board the train to Washington DC.
All train stations in Boston:
- Back Bay Station - 145 Dartmouth St
- South Station
Where does the train arrive in Washington?
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.
All train stations in Washington:
- Union Station
Need a return trip from Washington to Boston?
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