Washington, DC to Boston, MA train with Amtrak

Sun 06 Sept
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Amtrak
Amtrak
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Amtrak
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Washington, DC to Boston, MA

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 06 Sept

Cheapest price on 06 Sept

£199

Average ticket price on 06 Sept

£230

Fastest journey on 06 Sept

6 h 52 m

Average journey duration on 06 Sept

6 h 58 m

Trains on 06 Sept

32

Distance

634 km

Cheap tickets

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 £230 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £199.

Fast trains

On Sun 06 Sept, we found 32 trains from Washington, DC to Boston, MA, including 32 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 634 km distance in an average of 6 h 58 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 52 m .

The slowest trains will take 7 h 1 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.

  • Amtrak88 Northeast Regional
    11:257h52
    Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
    19:17Back Bay station, Boston, MA
    £1991One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak88 Northeast Regional
    11:257h58
    Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
    19:23South Station, Boston, MA
    £1991One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak160 Northeast Regional
    5:208h10
    Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
    13:30Back Bay station, Boston, MA
    £1991One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak160 Northeast Regional
    5:208h15
    Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
    13:35South Station, Boston, MA
    £1991One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak162 Northeast Regional
    6:168h00
    Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
    14:16Back Bay station, Boston, MA
    £1991One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Washington, DC to Boston, MA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Washington, DC to Boston, MA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the coach, with an average ticket price of £57 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 45m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.2 - 0.6kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £57, while a flight costs an average of £189.

Distance: 634 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight
Driving

£107

Average Price

£57

Average Price

Cheapest

£189

Average Price

£104

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

7h 16m

Average total duration

6h 46m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

10h 38m

Average total duration

10h 8m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 45m

Average total duration

Fastest

3h 45m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

7h 40m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.2 - 0.6kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.6 - 1.6kg

CO2 emissions

1.9 - 3.8kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Amtrak

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

American Airlines

Most popular airline

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from Washington, DC to Boston, MA is a coach with an average price of £57.

This is compared to other travel options from Washington, DC to Boston, MA:

A coach is £50 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Washington, DC to Boston, MA costing on average £107.

A coach is £132 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Washington, DC to Boston, MA costing on average £189.

The fastest way to travel from Washington, DC to Boston, MA is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 45m.

Other travel options to Boston, MA take longer:

Train takes on average 6h 46m.

Coach takes on average 10h 8m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Washington, DC and Boston, MA including taking a train, coach and flight.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.

You'll arrive about 54m sooner (6h 46m by train vs 7h 40m by car). Tickets start at around £107 compared to roughly £104 in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.

Direct services run with Amtrak, Amtrak.

Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.

Live departures

Washington, DC to Boston, MA train times

The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to Boston, MA trains for today, Saturday 5 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Amtrak2250 Acela4:48 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
6h52
11:40 Back Bay station, Boston, MA0 changesdirect
Amtrak2250 Acela4:48 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
7h00
11:48 South Station, Boston, MA0 changesdirect
Amtrak160 Northeast Regional5:20 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
8h10
13:30 Back Bay station, Boston, MA0 changesdirect
Amtrak160 Northeast Regional5:20 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
8h15
13:35 South Station, Boston, MA0 changesdirect
Amtrak162 Northeast Regional6:16 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
8h00
14:16 Back Bay station, Boston, MA0 changesdirect
Amtrak162 Northeast Regional6:16 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
8h06
14:22 South Station, Boston, MA0 changesdirect
Amtrak2252 Acela6:40 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
6h57
13:37 Back Bay station, Boston, MA0 changesdirect
Amtrak2252 Acela6:40 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
7h06
13:46 South Station, Boston, MA0 changesdirect
Amtrak2254 NextGen Acela7:46 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
7h29
15:15 South Station, Boston, MA0 changesdirect
Amtrak2254 NextGen Acela7:46 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
7h21
15:07 Back Bay station, Boston, MA0 changesdirect
Amtrak152 Northeast Regional8:10 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
8h18
16:28 South Station, Boston, MA0 changesdirect
Amtrak152 Northeast Regional8:10 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
8h12
16:22 Back Bay station, Boston, MA0 changesdirect
Amtrak164 Northeast Regional9:10 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
8h14
17:24 South Station, Boston, MA0 changesdirect
Amtrak164 Northeast Regional9:10 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
8h05
17:15 Back Bay station, Boston, MA0 changesdirect
Amtrak82 Northeast Regional10:12 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
8h20
18:32 South Station, Boston, MA0 changesdirect
Amtrak82 Northeast Regional10:12 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
8h14
18:26 Back Bay station, Boston, MA0 changesdirect
Amtrak2256 NextGen Acela10:55 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
7h05
18:00 South Station, Boston, MA0 changesdirect
Amtrak2256 NextGen Acela10:55 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
6h58
17:53 Back Bay station, Boston, MA0 changesdirect
Amtrak88 Northeast Regional11:25 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
7h58
19:23 South Station, Boston, MA0 changesdirect
Amtrak88 Northeast Regional11:25 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
7h52
19:17 Back Bay station, Boston, MA0 changesdirect
Amtrak2258 NextGen Acela12:52 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
7h02
19:54 Back Bay station, Boston, MA0 changesdirect
Amtrak2258 NextGen Acela12:52 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
7h08
20:00 South Station, Boston, MA0 changesdirect
Amtrak194 Northeast Regional13:01 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
8h12
21:13 Back Bay station, Boston, MA0 changesdirect
Amtrak194 Northeast Regional13:01 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
8h17
21:18 South Station, Boston, MA0 changesdirect
Amtrak2260 NextGen Acela14:55 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
7h01
21:56 Back Bay station, Boston, MA0 changesdirect
Amtrak2260 NextGen Acela14:55 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
7h09
22:04 South Station, Boston, MA0 changesdirect
Amtrak168 Northeast Regional15:17 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
8h09
23:26 South Station, Boston, MA0 changesdirect
Amtrak168 Northeast Regional15:17 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
8h03
23:20 Back Bay station, Boston, MA0 changesdirect
Amtrak2262 NextGen Acela16:05 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
7h07
23:12 Back Bay station, Boston, MA0 changesdirect
Amtrak2262 NextGen Acela16:05 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
7h19
23:24 South Station, Boston, MA0 changesdirect
Amtrak66 Northeast Regional22:00 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
11h58
9:58 Back Bay station, Boston, MA0 changesdirect
Amtrak66 Northeast Regional22:00 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
12h05
10:05 South Station, Boston, MA0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Washington, DC to Boston, MA by train, coach or flight

Compare train, coach and flight 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.

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Why should you book Washington, DC to Boston, MA trains with Omio?

Amtrak as well as Amtrak offer trains services from Washington, DC to Boston, MA.
Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets.

Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Amtrak, but also compare tickets for the likes of Amtrak to find the best option for your trip from Washington, DC to Boston, MA.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Amtrak with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Washington, DC to Boston, MA.

How far in advance should I book train tickets from Washington, DC to Boston, MA?

The best time to book your train from Washington, DC to Boston, MA is 70 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the Washington, DC to Boston, MA route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from Washington, DC to Boston, MA per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from Washington, DC to Boston, MA.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Washington, DC to Boston, MA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Washington, DC to Boston, MA run on average 31 times per day, taking around 6h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £37 but you can travel from only £25 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 7h 10m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £25
Distance
634 km
Average train duration
6h 46m
Cheapest ticket price
£37
Trains per day
31
Direct trains
27
Fastest train
7h 10m
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
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £25

Train companies: Amtrak from Washington, DC to Boston, MA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Washington, DC and Boston, MA from £25. 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 Amtrak Duration
7h 58m
Cheapest Amtrak Price
£37
Amtrak frequency
7 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 Boston, MA

Things to do in Boston, MA

Discover the best of Boston, MA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Boston, MA trip today.

  • Must visit

Museum of Fine Arts

Vast fine arts museum with global collections, notable paintings, ancient art and rotating exhibitions in the Fenway area.

  • Must visit

Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum

Atmospheric museum displaying Isabella Stewart Gardner’s art collection in a Venetian-style palace with a celebrated courtyard.

  • Recommended

Museum of Science

Engaging science museum on the Charles River with hands-on exhibits, a planetarium and live presentations for varied ages.

US dollar ($)

Boston is pricier than many US cities, with high hotel rates and restaurant prices, though public transport is fairly reasonable for visitors.

Average meal costs

Budget
$10-18 for fast food or casual takeaway.
Mid-range
$25-45 per person for a meal.
Fine dining
$80+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
$4-6 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tip 18-20% in restaurants, more for excellent service. Taxis usually 10-15%. In cafés, round up or add $1-2 for barista drinks.

FAQs: Washington, DC to Boston, MA train

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Washington, DC to Boston, MA can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £37, while the average price tends to be around £107.
The train journey from Washington, DC to Boston, MA covers a distance of 634 km and takes approximately 7h 10m. Trains run 31 per day.
The train distance from Washington, DC to Boston, MA is 634 km.
The first train from Washington, DC to Boston, MA leaves at 3:00.
The last train from Washington, DC to Boston, MA departs at 22:00.
Trains from Washington, DC to Boston, MA run approximately 31 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Washington, DC to Boston, MA.
Yes, there is a direct train between Washington, DC and Boston, MA. The service operates 27 times per day, provided by Amtrak, Amtrak.
To get from Washington, DC to Boston, MA, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Washington, DC to Boston, MA.
The train station in Washington, DC that goes to Boston, MA is Washington Union Station, Washington, DC, and it arrives at South Station, Boston, MA.
The cheapest way to get from Washington, DC to Boston, MA is by coach, costing approximately £25.
Booking trains from Washington, DC to Boston, MA in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Washington, DC to Boston, MA offers a blend of urban and natural scenery, passing through historical cities and picturesque landscapes, with views of the Atlantic coastline and charming New England towns.
A day trip from Washington, DC to Boston, MA is not feasible. The journey takes 7h 10m, covering a distance of 634 km. There are 33 trips per day by train.
In Boston, MA, explore the historic streets of Beacon Hill, take a scenic walk along the Charles River Esplanade, and visit the Boston Public Library. Enjoy a guided tour of the USS Constitution and discover Quincy Market's vibrant atmosphere. Don't miss the Freedom Trail, Fenway Park, the Museum of Fine Arts, Boston Common, and the New England Aquarium.
To fully explore Boston, MA, including its historical sites, cultural attractions, and diverse neighbourhoods, a stay of 3 to 4 days is generally recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Washington, DC to Boston, MA.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Washington, DC and Boston, MA

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.

Departure train stations in Washington
Arrival train stations in Boston

Which Washington, DC station do trains to Boston, MA leave from?

Trains from Washington, DC to Boston, MA leave from Union Station. The station is 3 km from Washington, DC city centre at 50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002, United States.
Union Station50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002, United States+1 202 2891908WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
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.

More options for your journey from Washington, DC to Boston, MA

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Most popular trains to and from Boston, MA and Washington, DC

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Boston, MA Washington, DC to Boston, MA train

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