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Trains from Newark to Washington DC

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Newark - Washington DC Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are 26 daily trains from Newark to Washington DC. Traveling by train from Newark to Washington DC usually takes around 3 hours and 7 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Acela train can make the trip in 2 hours and 36 minutes.

Distance198 mi (318 km)
Fastest train2h 36m
Lowest price$29.00
Trains per day34
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Northeast Regional
Train lines9

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Newark to Washington

(Based on 33 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Pamela T

May 12, 2022- Business

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Staff was gracious and efficient Travel was on time. Efficient. Cons: The loudspeaker was very loud for all announcement.

Pros: Staff was gracious and efficient Travel was on time. Efficient. Cons: The loudspeaker was very loud for all announcement.

5.0

miheret

April 26, 2022- Vacation

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Everything great. Cons: Good. Tips: No.

Pros: Everything great. Cons: Good. Tips: No.

5.0

Ernesto

February 13, 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak Carolinian

Pros: Easy ness of finding and getting a train that met my needs. Cons: I would like to see one person per 2 seats as there was a woman next to me coughing and it made me a little concerned.

Pros: Easy ness of finding and getting a train that met my needs. Cons: I would like to see one person per 2 seats as there was a woman next to me coughing and it made me a little concerned.

5.0

Robert

January 23, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: No hassels with amtrack. Cons: Nothing for amtrack. Penn station, Newark felt dirty. Waiting areas by the tracks were very dirty. Popcorn spilled on the seats. Drinks spilled on the floor. Had to tiptoe through the tulips so to speak. Union station, Washington DC...

Pros: No hassels with amtrack. Cons: Nothing for amtrack. Penn station, Newark felt dirty. Waiting areas by the tracks were very dirty. Popcorn spilled on the seats. Drinks spilled on the floor. Had to tiptoe through the tulips so to speak. Union station, Washington DC was the opposite: clean and kept. Tips: No.

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4.0

Paula

January 16, 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: I enjoyed the how clear the boarding locations were and the staff on the Amtrak train. Cons: ETA time estimations for arrival times! Tips: double check both your platform and the specific train number you’re boarding it should be very helpful!

Pros: I enjoyed the how clear the boarding locations were and the staff on the Amtrak train. Cons: ETA time estimations for arrival times! Tips: double check both your platform and the specific train number you’re boarding it should be very helpful!

Newark to Washington DC Route Map

Newark Washington

Train service from Newark to Washington DC

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

In the last month, $103.89 was the average price of a train ticket from Newark to Washington. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 29 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $80.56 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

$180$120$60MayMay

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Newark to Washington DC will vary between $80 and $173. 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 $91. 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

$150$120$90$60$30JJASONDJFMAM

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 $83 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Newark to Washington DC in November, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to $130 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

$175$140$105$70$353020100

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 $80.56 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 13 trains each day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak13h 9m$128.31
Amtrak Acela82h 45m$221.70
Amtrak Cardinal13h 13m$173.33
Amtrak Carolinian13h 3m$117.68
Amtrak Crescent13h 28m$162.16
Amtrak Northeast Regional133h 16m$114.39
Amtrak Palmetto13h 15m$135.42
Amtrak Silver Service13h 13m$148.69
Amtrak Vermonter13h 11m$139.19
  • 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 1 Amtrak trains from Newark to Washington every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $29.

    AMT-0AMT-1AMT-2AMT-3AMT-4AMT-5AMT-6AMT-7AMT-8AMT-9
  • 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 13 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 28 minutes and the cost of a one-way train ticket on the Crescent starts from $131.

  • 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 13 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 $110 and the average train journey lasts about 3 hours and 13 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 $29.

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.

In addition, federal law requires all train passengers to wear a face covering for the entire duration of the trip. Please make sure you are wearing a face mask or you may not be allowed to board the train.

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 7 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 36 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?

Trains departing from Newark to Washington DC tend to have the most passengers on Monday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Monday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Sunday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

When are the first and last trains of the day?

The earliest train departs Newark at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Is there a direct train from Newark to Washington DC?

There are 26 scheduled trains on most days. 34 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, and follow that up with a drink (or two) at one of the many bars in the area.

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.

All train stations in Washington DC:

  • Union Station

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