- Must visit
Museum of Fine Arts
Vast fine arts museum with global collections, notable paintings, ancient art and rotating exhibitions in the Fenway area.
Cheapest price on 21 Oct
£109
Average ticket price on 21 Oct
£263
Fastest journey on 21 Oct
7 h
Average journey duration on 21 Oct
7 h 27 m
Trains on 21 Oct
22
Distance
634 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Washington, DC to Boston, MA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Washington, DC to Boston, MA will cost around £263 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £109.
On Wed 21 Oct, we found 22 trains from Washington, DC to Boston, MA, including 18 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 634 km distance in an average of 7 h 27 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h .
The slowest trains will take 7 h 45 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.
1082 Northeast Regional
1088 Northeast Regional
1164 Northeast Regional
1088 Northeast Regional
1164 Northeast Regional
2150 Acela [NextGen]
2150 Acela [NextGen]
2148 Acela [NextGen]
2148 Acela [NextGen]
1160 Northeast RegionalTrains from Washington, DC to Boston, MA run on average 29 times per day, taking around 8h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £28 but you can travel from only £19 by coach.
There are 27 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:00, the last at 22:00. The fastest train covers the 634 km distance in 6h 33m.
Distance 634 km |
Average train duration 8h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price £28 |
Trains per day 29 |
Direct trains 27 |
Fastest train 6h 33m |
First train 3:00 |
Last train 22:00 |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 70 days |
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to Boston, MA trains for today, Tuesday 20 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2148 Acela [NextGen] | 7:45 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 7h36 | 15:21 Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
2148 Acela [NextGen] | 7:45 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 7h44 | 15:29 South Station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
2150 Acela [NextGen] | 8:45 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 7h08 | 15:53 South Station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
2150 Acela [NextGen] | 8:45 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 7h00 | 15:45 Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
1164 Northeast Regional | 9:15 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 8h00 | 17:15 Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
1164 Northeast Regional | 9:15 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 8h14 | 17:29 South Station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
1082 Northeast Regional | 10:30 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 8h10 | 18:40 Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
1082 Northeast Regional | 10:30 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 8h17 | 18:47 South Station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
1088 Northeast Regional | 11:27 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 8h18 | 19:45 South Station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
1088 Northeast Regional | 11:27 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 8h12 | 19:39 Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
1194 Northeast Regional | 13:05 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 8h26 | 21:31 South Station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
1194 Northeast Regional | 13:05 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 8h20 | 21:25 Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
1168 Northeast Regional | 15:25 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 8h11 | 23:36 South Station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
1168 Northeast Regional | 15:25 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 8h06 | 23:31 Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
66 Northeast Regional | 22:00 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 12h05 | 10:05 South Station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
66 Northeast Regional | 22:00 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 11h58 | 9:58 Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
| Wednesday 21 October | |||||
6076 Connecting Bus · 1150 Northeast Regional | 2:20 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 9h12 | 11:32 Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 1 change | |
6076 Connecting Bus · 1144 Northeast Regional · 1160 Northeast Regional | 2:20 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 10h50 | 13:10 Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 2 changes | |
6076 Connecting Bus · 1144 Northeast Regional · 1160 Northeast Regional | 2:20 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 10h57 | 13:17 South Station, Boston, MA | 2 changes | |
6076 Connecting Bus · 1150 Northeast Regional | 2:20 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 9h17 | 11:37 South Station, Boston, MA | 1 change | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Boston, MA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Boston, MA trip today.
Vast fine arts museum with global collections, notable paintings, ancient art and rotating exhibitions in the Fenway area.
Atmospheric museum displaying Isabella Stewart Gardner’s art collection in a Venetian-style palace with a celebrated courtyard.
Engaging science museum on the Charles River with hands-on exhibits, a planetarium and live presentations for varied ages.
Linear park through central Boston with gardens, monuments and historic edges, ideal for a relaxed city walk.
Historic pedestrian-friendly route connecting major Revolutionary sites across Boston, Charlestown and the North End.
Revived waterfront district with harbour walks, green spaces, public art and contemporary architecture along the Seaport.
Creamy soup of clams, potatoes and salt pork. A New England staple closely tied to Boston’s maritime history.
Slow-baked beans sweetened with molasses and often salt pork. The dish helped give Boston its historic nickname, Beantown.
A chilled seafood roll of lobster meat in a toasted split-top bun, usually with butter or mayonnaise. A classic summer New England treat.
Stylish seafood restaurant on the waterfront, popular for oysters, lobster rolls and harbour views in a polished setting.
Refined dining room serving contemporary New England seafood with elegant presentation and a formal atmosphere.
Busy Italian bakery and café in the North End, best known for cannoli, lobster tails and strong coffee in a lively setting.
Boston is pricier than many US cities, with high hotel rates and restaurant prices, though public transport is fairly reasonable for visitors.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, more for excellent service. Taxis usually 10-15%. In cafés, round up or add $1-2 for barista drinks.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Washington, DC to Boston, MA 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 Boston, MA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Washington, DC to Boston, MA trains use the Union Station to South Station station pair, with some services arriving at Back Bay Station. Use this guide to compare Washington, DC and Boston, MA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Union Station is 2 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:
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 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
Free Wi-Fi in the station courtesy of Amtrak. ATMs are there are 2 ATM machines located on Level G.
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 storage is amtrak provides temporary luggage storage for $10 per bag for 24 hours for customers holding Amtrak tickets.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, escalators, wheelchair access. Accessible facilities including restrooms, parking, platforms, ticket office, waiting room.
Nearby hotels include Hyatt Recency Washington On Capitol Hill, Phoenix Park Hotel, Kimpton George Hotel.
South Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Legal Sea Foods, Tavern in the Square
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at South Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at South Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at South Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at South Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at South Station: Elevators, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include InterContinental Boston, The Langham, Boston, Boston Harbor Hotel.
Back Bay Station is 1 km from Boston city centre. Public transport options include:
Back Bay Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Sorellina, Atlantic Fish Company
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Back Bay Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Back Bay Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Back Bay Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Back Bay Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Back Bay Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Copley Square Hotel, The Westin Copley Place, Fairmont Copley Plaza.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need