- Must visit
National Air and Space Museum
Vast air and space museum displaying historic aircraft, spacecraft and interactive exhibits for all ages.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC
Showing times and prices for 26 Aug
Cheapest price
£9
Average price
£26
Fastest journey
2 h 24 m
Average duration
2 h 31 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
260 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC will cost around £26 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £9.
Fast trains
Of the 6 trains that leave Princeton, NJ for Washington, DC every day 6 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 260 km distance in an average of 2 h 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 24 m .
The slowest trains will take 2 h 38 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
0:382h24Princeton, NJ3:02Washington, DC£91One-way0 changes- 23:222h36Princeton, NJ1:58Washington, DC£221One-way0 changes
- 4:226h32Princeton, NJ10:54Washington, DC£231One-way0 changes
- 2:082h30Princeton, NJ4:38Washington, DC£231One-way0 changes
- 23:382h28Princeton, NJ2:06Washington, DC£231One-way0 changes
- 0:382h24Princeton, NJ3:02Washington, DC£91One-way0 changes
- 23:382h28Princeton, NJ2:06Washington, DC£231One-way0 changes
- 2:082h30Princeton, NJ4:38Washington, DC£231One-way0 changes
- 23:222h36Princeton, NJ1:58Washington, DC£221One-way0 changes
- 0:032h38Princeton, NJ2:41Washington, DC£581One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, flight and coach for Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £9. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 30m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £9, and a flight costs an average of £61.
Distance: 260 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£26 Average Price Cheapest | £29 Average Price | £117 Average Price |
3h 11m Average total duration 2h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 26m Average total duration 3h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 30m Average total duration Fastest 1h 30m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC train times
The table below shows live departures for Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC trains for today, Monday 24 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 111 Northeast Regional | 5:43 Princeton Junction Station at West Windsor, West Windsor Township, NJ | 2h48 | 8:31 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
| 111 Northeast Regional | 5:53 Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 2h38 | 8:31 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
| 89 Palmetto | 6:56 Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 2h50 | 9:46 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
| 113 Northeast Regional | 7:30 Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 2h31 | 10:01 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
| 79 Carolinian | 8:07 Princeton Junction Station at West Windsor, West Windsor Township, NJ | 5h13 | 13:20 Alexandria Station, Alexandria, VA | 0 changesdirect | |
| 79 Carolinian | 8:07 Princeton Junction Station at West Windsor, West Windsor Township, NJ | 2h55 | 11:02 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
| 641 Keystone Service · 171 Northeast Regional | 8:13 Princeton Junction Station at West Windsor, West Windsor Township, NJ | 9h07 | 17:20 Alexandria Station, Alexandria, VA | 1 change | |
| 641 Keystone Service · 185 Northeast Regional | 8:13 Princeton Junction Station at West Windsor, West Windsor Township, NJ | 4h45 | 12:58 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 change | |
| 79 Carolinian | 8:19 Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 2h43 | 11:02 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
| 183 Northeast Regional | 8:28 Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 2h36 | 11:04 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
| 141 Northeast Regional | 9:20 Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 2h27 | 11:47 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
| 185 Northeast Regional | 10:22 Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 2h36 | 12:58 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
| 95 Northeast Regional | 11:29 Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 2h36 | 14:05 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
| 119 Northeast Regional | 12:14 Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 2h38 | 14:52 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
| 125 Northeast Regional | 12:30 Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 2h47 | 15:17 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
| 131 Northeast Regional | 13:06 Princeton Junction Station at West Windsor, West Windsor Township, NJ | 2h42 | 15:48 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
| 171 Northeast Regional | 13:46 Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 2h42 | 16:28 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
| 19 Crescent | 15:01 Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 2h47 | 17:48 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
| 97 Silver Meteor | 15:34 Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 2h52 | 18:26 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
| 85 Northeast Regional | 16:02 Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 2h43 | 18:45 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
| 129 Northeast Regional | 17:19 Princeton Junction Station at West Windsor, West Windsor Township, NJ | 2h42 | 20:01 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
| 129 Northeast Regional | 17:30 Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 2h31 | 20:01 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
| 193 Northeast Regional | 18:45 Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 2h42 | 21:27 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
| 137 Northeast Regional | 19:24 Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 2h36 | 22:00 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
| 55 Vermonter | 19:38 Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 2h29 | 22:07 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
| 0:03 Princeton, NJ | 2h38 | 2:41 Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
| 0:38 Princeton, NJ | 2h24 | 3:02 Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
| Monday 24 August | |||||
| 175 Northeast Regional | 20:49 Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 2h30 | 23:19 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
| Tuesday 25 August | |||||
| 2:08 Princeton, NJ | 2h30 | 4:38 Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
| 4:22 Princeton, NJ | 6h32 | 10:54 Washington, DC | 0 changesdirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC by train, flight or coach
Compare train, flight and coach prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Tue
25 Aug
25 Aug
Wed
26 Aug
26 Aug
Thu
27 Aug
27 Aug
Fri
28 Aug
28 Aug
Sat
29 Aug
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Sun
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Mon
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31 Aug
Journey information
Overview: Train from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC
USAUSA
Trains from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC run on average 28 times per day, taking around 2h 41m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £9 if you book in advance.
There are 25 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:20, the last at 23:23. The fastest train covers the 260 km distance in 2h 24m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 260 km |
Average train duration 2h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price £9 |
Trains per day 28 |
Direct trains 25 |
Fastest train 2h 24m |
First train 0:20 |
Last train 23:23 |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 49 days |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Train companies: Amtrak from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Princeton, NJ and Washington, DC from £9. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 24m
Cheapest Price
£9
Amtrak frequency
28 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone
Complete guide to Washington, DC
Things to do in Washington, DC
Discover the best of Washington, DC — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Washington, DC trip today.
- Must visit
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Museum exploring the history, culture and contributions of African Americans through powerful exhibitions.
- Must visit
National Gallery of Art
Leading art museum with European and American masterpieces, sculpture garden and free permanent collection.
- Must visit
National Mall
Grand landscaped park linking memorials, museums and monuments, ideal for walking and classic city views.
- Must visit
Georgetown
Historic waterfront district with cobbled streets, canal paths, shops and scenic walks by the Potomac.
- Recommended
Adams Morgan
Vibrant neighbourhood known for murals, music venues, independent shops and one of the city’s liveliest streets.
Half-smoke
Half-smoke sausage, usually smoked pork and beef, served on a bun with chilli and toppings. It is a long-standing Washington street food linked to the city’s carry-outs.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Mumbo sauce
Mumbo sauce is a sweet, tangy, slightly spicy condiment popular with fried chicken and chips in Washington carry-outs. It is a distinctive local takeaway staple.
- Vegetarian
Jumbo slice
Jumbo slice is an oversized pizza slice sold late at night in Washington, especially around nightlife areas. It is a local post-night-out food ritual.
Iron Gate
Polished American dining with a focus on seasonal produce and Chesapeake influences. Sophisticated setting suited to a celebratory meal.
The Hamilton
Refined Mid-Atlantic seafood restaurant known for oyster dishes, crab, and seasonal ingredients. Elegant but approachable atmosphere in Penn Quarter.
Tryst
Beloved bakery and café serving Ethiopian coffee, pastries, and light meals. Relaxed community feel in Adams Morgan.
US dollar ($)
Washington is pricier than many US cities for hotels and dining near central sights, though museums are often free and public transport is reasonably priced.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $12-20 for fast food or casual takeaway.
- Mid-range
- $25-45 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- $80+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- $4-6 for a cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% in restaurants if service is not included, $1-2 per drink at bars, 10-15% for taxis, and spare change or up to 10% in cafés.
Metro Pulse
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- $2.25
- Day pass
- $13.00
To the city centre
Washington Union Station -> Metro Center, Washington, DC
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 5 min
- Tap contactless bank card, phone wallet, or SmarTrip at Metrorail faregates and Metrobus fareboxes.
- Metrorail fares vary by distance and time; $2.25 is the lowest full single fare, while longer trips cost more.
FAQs: Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Washington, DC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
The cost of a train ticket from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £9, while the average price tends to be around £35.
The train journey from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC covers a distance of 260 km and takes approximately 2h 24m. Trains run 28 per day.
The train distance from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC is 260 km.
The first train from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC leaves at 0:20.
The last train from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC departs at 23:23.
Trains from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC run approximately 28 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC.
Yes, there is a direct train between Princeton, NJ and Washington, DC. The service operates 26 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
To get from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC, you can choose from several travel options including train, flight and coach.
There is no night train service from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC.
The train station in Princeton, NJ that goes to Washington, DC is Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ, and it arrives at Washington Union Station, Washington, DC.
The cheapest way to get from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC is by train, costing approximately £9.
Booking trains from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC offers some scenic views, particularly as it travels through the countryside and along the rivers of New Jersey and Maryland. However, much of the route runs through urban and suburban areas, which may not provide continuous scenic landscapes throughout the entire journey.
A day trip from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 24m. However, with a frequency of 28 per day for trains, there are ample travel options. The distance is 260 km.
In Washington, DC, you can discover the National Gallery of Art, stroll through the historic Georgetown neighbourhood, visit the Library of Congress, explore the vibrant Eastern Market, and enjoy a performance at the Kennedy Centre. Best sights include the National Mall, the White House, the United States Capitol, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Lincoln Memorial.
For a comprehensive experience of Washington, DC, plan to spend about three to four days. This allows time to visit major attractions such as the National Mall, Smithsonian Museums, and landmarks like the Lincoln Memorial and the US Capitol.
Yes, you can take the train from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Princeton, NJ and Washington, DC
Most Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC trains use the Trenton Transit Center to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Princeton, NJ and Washington, DC train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Princeton
Arrival train stations in Washington
Which Washington, DC station do trains from Princeton, NJ arrive at?
Trains from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC most often arrive at Union Station. Some services arrive at Alexandria Station, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Washington, DC arrival station.
Union Station50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002, United States+1 202 2891908
City-centre transport
Getting to Union Station from Washington city centre
Union Station is 2 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:
BusD30 · 15m · £3 · every ~10 min
281, 481, 483, 484, 486 · 19m · £2 · every ~1 min
SubwayR · 5m · £2 · every ~27 min
Union Station train station facilities and services
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental and Information Desk.
Food and drink
Food options include: Shake Shack, McDonald’s, Starbucks, Potbelly Sandwich Shop, Chopt Creative Salad Co., Chipotle Mexican Grill, Thunder Grill, Johnny Rockets, Jamba Juice, Ladurée Union Station, & many more
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station courtesy of Amtrak. ATMs are there are 2 ATM machines located on Level G.
Tickets and information
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00, Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00. Information desks are located on the train concourse of Level G near the Amtrak Waiting Area.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is amtrak provides temporary luggage storage for $10 per bag for 24 hours for customers holding Amtrak tickets.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis.
Bike and car services
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, escalators, wheelchair access. Accessible facilities including restrooms, parking, platforms, ticket office, waiting room.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hyatt Recency Washington On Capitol Hill, Phoenix Park Hotel, Kimpton George Hotel.
Most popular train connections from Princeton, NJ
More options for your journey from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Washington, DC and Princeton, NJ
Most popular train connections to Washington, DC
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