Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ train with Amtrak

Wed 25 Feb
+ Add return
Amtrak
Amtrak Acela
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
West Midlands Trains
1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Amtrak Acela
Great Western Rail
Avanti West Coast
West Midlands Trains
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ

Showing times and prices for 26 Feb

Cheapest price

£14

Average price

£46

Fastest journey

2 h 23 m

Average duration

2 h 37 m

Trains per day

4

Distance

260 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ 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 Princeton, NJ will cost around £46 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £14.

Fast trains

Of the 4 trains that leave Washington, DC for Princeton, NJ every day 4 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 37 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 23 m .

The slowest trains will take 3 h 8 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.

Amtrak
02:152h29
Washington, DC
04:44Princeton, NJ
£141One-way
0 changes
Amtrak
00:122h28
Washington, DC
02:40Princeton, NJ
£231One-way
0 changes
Amtrak
01:303h08
Washington, DC
04:38Princeton, NJ
£581One-way
0 changes
Amtrak
22:052h23
Washington, DC
00:28Princeton, NJ
£881One-way
0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £19. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 17m. 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 coach costs an average of £19, and a flight costs an average of £48.

Distance: 260 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight

£43

Average Price

£29

Average Price

Cheapest

£118

Average Price

2h 53m

Average total duration

2h 23m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 10m

Average total duration

3h 40m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 17m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 17m

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

Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ train times

The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ trains for today, Tuesday 24 February. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 07:40
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
amtrak160 Northeast Regional10:25 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
2h31
12:56 Princeton Junction Station at West Windsor, West Windsor Township, NJ0 changesdirect
amtrak160 Northeast Regional10:25 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
2h21
12:46 Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ0 changesdirect
amtrak162 Northeast Regional11:20 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
2h27
13:47 Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ0 changesdirect
amtrak54 Vermonter12:30 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
2h21
14:51 Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ0 changesdirect
amtrak152 Northeast Regional13:22 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
2h30
15:52 Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ0 changesdirect
amtrak164 Northeast Regional14:20 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
2h41
17:01 New Brunswick Station, New Brunswick, NJ0 changesdirect
amtrak164 Northeast Regional14:20 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
2h28
16:48 Princeton Junction Station at West Windsor, West Windsor Township, NJ0 changesdirect
amtrak118 Northeast Regional15:05 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
2h29
17:34 Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ0 changesdirect
amtrak82 Northeast Regional15:30 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
2h26
17:56 Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ0 changesdirect
amtrak88 Northeast Regional16:27 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
2h20
18:47 Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ0 changesdirect
amtrak140 Northeast Regional17:25 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
2h22
19:47 Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ0 changesdirect
amtrak194 Northeast Regional18:05 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
2h27
20:32 Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ0 changesdirect
amtrak156 Northeast Regional19:35 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
2h27
22:02 Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ0 changesdirect
amtrak20 Crescent19:45 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
2h58
22:43 Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ0 changesdirect
amtrak168 Northeast Regional20:25 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
2h20
22:45 Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ0 changesdirect
amtrak146 Northeast Regional21:25 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
2h22
23:47 Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ0 changesdirect
amtrak142 Northeast Regional22:24 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
2h27
00:51 Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ0 changesdirect
amtrak158 Northeast Regional23:10 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
2h33
01:43 Princeton Junction Station at West Windsor, West Windsor Township, NJ0 changesdirect
amtrak158 Northeast Regional23:10 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
2h47
01:57 New Brunswick Station, New Brunswick, NJ0 changesdirect
amtrak158 Northeast Regional23:10 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
2h23
01:33 Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ0 changesdirect
amtrak00:12 Washington, DC
2h28
02:40 Princeton, NJ0 changesdirect
amtrak90 Palmetto00:57 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
2h26
03:23 Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ0 changesdirect
amtrak01:30 Washington, DC
3h08
04:38 Princeton, NJ0 changesdirect
amtrak128 Northeast Regional02:15 Washington Union Station, Washington, DC
2h20
04:35 Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ0 changesdirect
amtrak02:15 Washington, DC
2h29
04:44 Princeton, NJ0 changesdirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ 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.

Wed
25 Feb
Thu
26 Feb
Fri
27 Feb
Sat
28 Feb
Sun
01 Mar
Mon
02 Mar
Tue
03 Mar
Wed
04 Mar
Thu
05 Mar
Fri
06 Mar
Sat
07 Mar
Sun
08 Mar
Mon
09 Mar
Tue
10 Mar

Why should you book Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ trains with Omio?

Amtrak as well as Amtrak Acela offer trains services from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ.
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 Acela to find the best option for your trip from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ.
  • 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 Princeton, NJ.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ run on average 26 times per day, taking around 2h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £9 if you book in advance.

There are 24 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 20m.

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 23m
Cheapest ticket price
£9
Trains per day
26
Direct trains
24
Fastest train
2h 20m
First train
00:20
Last train
23:23
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, Amtrak Acela from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ trainsAmtrak, Amtrak Acela trains will get you between Washington, DC and Princeton, NJ 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 20m
Cheapest Price
£9
Amtrak frequency
9 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

Amtrak Acela

About
Amtrak Acela is the flagship high-speed train service operated by Amtrak, the national rail operator of the United States. Running along the Northeast Corridor, Acela connects major cities such as Washington, D.C., Baltimore, Philadelphia, New York City, Providence, and Boston. It is the fastest train service in the U.S., reaching speeds of up to 150 mph (250 km/h). Passengers can choose between Business Class and First Class. Both offer seat reservations, free Wi-Fi, power outlets, adjustable lighting, conference tables, and large tray tables, with spacious seating and extra legroom. Business Class includes complimentary snacks and beverages, while First Class offers larger seats, complimentary meals, and access to premium lounges. Food and drinks are also available for purchase at Café Acela. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–New York City, New York City–Boston, and Philadelphia–Washington, D.C.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 7m
Cheapest Price
£385
Amtrak Acela frequency
3 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
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
Coach Class: Not included, can be purchased. Business/First Class: Included
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

FAQs: Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ 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 Princeton, NJ, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £9, while the average price tends to be around £43.
The train journey from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ covers a distance of 260 km and takes approximately 2h 20m. Trains run 26 per day.
The train distance from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ is 260 km.
The first train from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ leaves at 0:20.
The last train from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ departs at 23:23.
Trains from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ run approximately 26 times per day.
Yes, there is a high-speed train service from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ.
Yes, there is a direct train between Washington, DC and Princeton, NJ. The service operates 24 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
To get from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ.
The train station in Washington, DC that goes to Princeton, NJ is Washington Union Station, Washington, DC, and it arrives at Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ.
The cheapest way to get from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ is by train, costing approximately £9.
Booking trains from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ 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 Princeton, NJ offers a mix of urban and suburban views, passing through cities like Baltimore and Philadelphia before reaching the more scenic landscapes of New Jersey, with glimpses of the Delaware River and surrounding greenery.
A day trip from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ is not feasible as the travel duration is 2h 20m and the distance is 260 km. However, there are 25 train trips available per day.
To fully experience Princeton, NJ, a stay of two to three days is recommended. This allows time to explore the Princeton University campus, visit the Princeton University Art Museum, and enjoy the local dining and shopping options.
Yes, you can take the train from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in Washington, DC and Princeton, NJ

Washington
Princeton
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00
  • Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi in the station courtesy of Amtrak.
Lockers
Lockers
  • Amtrak provides temporary luggage storage for $10 per bag for 24 hours for customers holding Amtrak tickets.
Dining
Dining
  • 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
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, escalators, wheelchair access. Accessible facilities including restrooms, parking, platforms, ticket office, waiting room.
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hyatt Recency Washington On Capitol Hill
  • Phoenix Park Hotel
  • Kimpton George Hotel
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00
  • Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located on the train concourse of Level G near the Amtrak Waiting Area.
Public transport options for Union Station
  • Metro lines: Red
  • Bus lines: D6, D8, 80, 96,
  • Train lines: Acela, Capitol Limited, Cardinal, Carolinian, Crescent, Fredericksburg Line, MARC Brunswick, MARC Camden, MARC Penn, Manassas Line, Northeast Regional, Palmetto, Silver Service/Palmetto, Vermonter

More options for your journey from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ

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

Most popular train connections to Princeton, NJ

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Princeton, NJ Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone