- 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 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
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.
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.
88 Northeast Regional
88 Northeast Regional
160 Northeast Regional
160 Northeast Regional
162 Northeast Regional
2250 Acela
2252 Acela
2256 NextGen Acela
2250 Acela
2260 NextGen AcelaOmio 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
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 |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() 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.
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.
Other travel options to Boston, MA take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 46m.
Coach takes on average 10h 8m.
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.
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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2250 Acela | 4:48 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 6h52 | 11:40 Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
2250 Acela | 4:48 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 7h00 | 11:48 South Station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
160 Northeast Regional | 5:20 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 8h10 | 13:30 Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
160 Northeast Regional | 5:20 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 8h15 | 13:35 South Station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
162 Northeast Regional | 6:16 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 8h00 | 14:16 Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
162 Northeast Regional | 6:16 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 8h06 | 14:22 South Station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
2252 Acela | 6:40 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 6h57 | 13:37 Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
2252 Acela | 6:40 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 7h06 | 13:46 South Station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
2254 NextGen Acela | 7:46 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 7h29 | 15:15 South Station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
2254 NextGen Acela | 7:46 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 7h21 | 15:07 Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
152 Northeast Regional | 8:10 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 8h18 | 16:28 South Station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
152 Northeast Regional | 8:10 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 8h12 | 16:22 Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
164 Northeast Regional | 9:10 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 8h14 | 17:24 South Station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
164 Northeast Regional | 9:10 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 8h05 | 17:15 Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
82 Northeast Regional | 10:12 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 8h20 | 18:32 South Station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
82 Northeast Regional | 10:12 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 8h14 | 18:26 Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
2256 NextGen Acela | 10:55 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 7h05 | 18:00 South Station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
2256 NextGen Acela | 10:55 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 6h58 | 17:53 Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
88 Northeast Regional | 11:25 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 7h58 | 19:23 South Station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
88 Northeast Regional | 11:25 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 7h52 | 19:17 Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
2258 NextGen Acela | 12:52 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 7h02 | 19:54 Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
2258 NextGen Acela | 12:52 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 7h08 | 20:00 South Station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
194 Northeast Regional | 13:01 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 8h12 | 21:13 Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
194 Northeast Regional | 13:01 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 8h17 | 21:18 South Station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
2260 NextGen Acela | 14:55 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 7h01 | 21:56 Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
2260 NextGen Acela | 14:55 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 7h09 | 22:04 South Station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
168 Northeast Regional | 15:17 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 8h09 | 23:26 South Station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
168 Northeast Regional | 15:17 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 8h03 | 23:20 Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
2262 NextGen Acela | 16:05 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 7h07 | 23:12 Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
2262 NextGen Acela | 16:05 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 7h19 | 23:24 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 | |
66 Northeast Regional | 22:00 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 12h05 | 10:05 South Station, Boston, MA | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
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.
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 |
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