Train travel is a less stressful option than driving or flying between the city of Boston and Washington, DC. These famous cities are conveniently and effectively connected by Amtrak’s Northeast Corridor services, which include the Northeast Regional and Acela Express. Everything you need to know about the Amtrak Boston to Washington DC route, including stops, schedules, travel time, and cost, will be covered in this page.
Amtrak Boston to Washington Route Details
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Route Name | Northeast Corridor (Boston to Washington, D.C.) |
| Primary Services | Northeast Regional (standard), Acela Express (high-speed) |
| Major Stations | Boston South Station (BOS), Providence (PVD), New Haven (NHV), New York Penn Station (NYP), Philadelphia 30th St (PHL), Baltimore Penn Station (BAL), Washington Union Station (WAS) |
| Distance | 457 miles (735 km) |
| Travel Time | Acela: 6.5–8 hours; Northeast Regional: 8–8.5 hours |
| Frequency | Acela: 15–20 daily departures; Northeast Regional: 20–25 daily departures |
| Onboard Amenities | Acela: Business/First Class, Wi-Fi, cafe, power outlets, complimentary meals (First Class); Regional: Business/Coach, Wi-Fi, cafe, power outlets |
| Ticket Pricing | Acela: 100–100–300+ (Business/First Class); Regional: 50–50–150+ (Coach/Business Class) |
| Key Features | Acela: Fewer stops, premium service, max speed 150 mph (241 km/h); Regional: More stops, budget-friendly |
| Additional Notes | Reserved seating on all trains; Acela offers lounge access (First Class); check Amtrak.com for dynamic pricing and schedules. |
| Booking Options | Available on Amtrak website, app, or at stations |
Key Stops of Amtrak Boston to Washington
The following key Amtrak stops for both Acela and Northeast Regional service between Boston, Massachusetts, and Washington, DC:
| Stop | City | State |
|---|---|---|
| Boston – South Station | Boston | Massachusetts |
| Back Bay Station | Boston | Massachusetts |
| Route 128 Station | Westwood | Massachusetts |
| Providence Station | Providence | Rhode Island |
| New Haven Station | New Haven | Connecticut |
| Stamford Station | Stamford | Connecticut |
| New York – Penn Station | New York City | New York |
| Newark Penn Station | Newark | New Jersey |
| Philadelphia – 30th St. | Philadelphia | Pennsylvania |
| Wilmington Station | Wilmington | Delaware |
| Baltimore – Penn Station | Baltimore | Maryland |
| Washington – Union Station | Washington, DC | District of Columbia |
Schedule of Amtrak Boston to Washington DC
Acela and Northeast Regional are Amtrak’s two main train services that provide frequent daily travel between Boston, Massachusetts, and Washington, DC. There are departures from early morning to evening, with varying timetables.
| Train Service | Departure Time (Boston) | Arrival Time (Washington, DC) | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Acela | 5:00 AM | 11:56 AM | 6h 56m |
| Acela | 6:00 AM | 12:52 PM | 6h 52m |
| Acela | 7:15 AM | 1:51 PM | 6h 36m |
| Northeast Regional | 5:05 AM | 1:35 PM | 8h 30m |
| Northeast Regional | 6:10 AM | 2:45 PM | 8h 35m |
| Northeast Regional | 7:20 AM | 3:55 PM | 8h 35m |
Cost of Amtrak Boston to Washington DC
Ticket costs for Amtrak’s several train routes between Boston, Massachusetts, and Washington, DC, vary according to the service type, time of booking, and class of travel. A list of the available choices is provided below:
| Train Service | Average Price (One-Way) | Lowest Available Fare | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Northeast Regional | $169.85 | $46 | Standard service with multiple daily departures. Booking in advance can secure lower fares. |
| Amtrak Acela | $267.49 | $95 | Premium high-speed service with fewer stops and higher fares. |
| Night Owl Fares | N/A | $20 | Discounted fares for select departures between 7 p.m. and 7 a.m. between Boston and New York. Limited availability. |
Amenities of Amtrak Boston to Washington
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected with complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the journey.
- Spacious Seating: Comfortable reclining seats with ample legroom and tray tables.
- Power Outlets & USB Ports: Available at every seat for charging devices.
- Quiet Car Option: Available on most trains for a noise-free travel experience.
- Restrooms Onboard: Clean and accessible restrooms throughout the train.
- Baggage Allowance: Carry-on and checked baggage options, depending on service type.
- Business & First-Class Options: Premium seating with extra comfort, complimentary beverages, and priority boarding (on Acela and select Northeast Regional trains).
Plan Your Trip for Amtrak Boston to Washington
- Choose Your Train: Select between the Acela (faster, premium) and Northeast Regional (economical, more stops).
- Book Early: Reserve tickets in advance for the best fares, especially during peak travel times.
- Check the Schedule: Review departure times and travel duration to find the most convenient option.
- Arrive Early: Get to the station at least 30 minutes before departure (or 45 minutes if you need assistance).
- Enjoy the Ride: Bring entertainment, grab a snack from the café car, and relax with scenic views along the route.
The End
Amtrak offers a stress-free and effective way to travel between Boston and Washington, DC, avoiding traffic and airport inconveniences. Amtrak continues to be the best option for passengers looking for comfort and convenience because of its various daily departures, cozy seats, and attractive scenery.
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FAQs for Amtrak Boston to Washington
The travel time ranges from 6 hours to 8 hours depending on the service
Major stops include New York City, Philadelphia, and Baltimore
Prices start at $48 for the Northeast Regional service
Acela Express is faster and more premium, while the Northeast Regional is economical and makes more stops.
Yes, Amtrak offers direct trains between Boston and Washington, DC, with no transfers required.
Tickets can be booked online or through the Amtrak app