Boston to Washington by Train

Travel from Boston South Station in Boston, MA to Washington Union Station in Washington, DC on the Northeast Regional. Approximately 473 miles in 9h 38m.

About this trip

The Northeast Regional connects Boston and Washington directly, with no transfer required. The train operates up to 50 daily round trips end-to-end and segment service, and the segment between these two stations is one of 186 origin-destination pairs we catalog on this route.

Coverage of approximately 473 rail miles takes about 9h 38m on a typical schedule. Actual travel time varies with the specific train number, time of day, equipment used, and seasonal speed restrictions. Trains may run faster on the daylight schedules and slower at peak demand on shared-use trackage. A more granular schedule comparison can be found in independent corridor timetable reviews updated each season.

Things to look out for: Connecticut shoreline between New Haven and New London; the dramatic Susquehanna River crossing at Havre de Grace.

Fares and ticketing

One-way fares between Boston and Washington typically run between $23 and $181. The lower end represents Saver-bucket advance-purchase coach fares, while the upper end approximates same-day walk-up fares or premium-class buckets. Sleeping car accommodations on overnight runs of the Northeast Regional, when offered, are sold separately from rail fare and increase total ticket cost substantially.

RailRover does not sell tickets. To book this trip, visit the operating carrier (Amtrak) directly. Discounted fares are typically available with advance purchase, on midweek departures, and through loyalty programs. Several travelers track historical fare patterns on the corridor fare-watch newsletter to time their bookings.

Stations along the way

Between Boston and Washington, the Northeast Regional calls at the following stations. Some trains may operate as "limited-stop" schedules and skip certain intermediate calls; check the published timetable for your departure.

• Boston South Station — Boston, MA BOS
• Route 128 — Westwood, MA RTE
• Providence — Providence, RI PVD
• Kingston — Kingston, RI KIN
• Westerly — Westerly, RI WLY
• Mystic — Mystic, CT MYS
• New London Union Station — New London, CT NLC
• Old Saybrook — Old Saybrook, CT OSB
• New Haven Union Station — New Haven, CT NHV
• Bridgeport — Bridgeport, CT BRP
• Stamford — Stamford, CT STM
• New Rochelle — New Rochelle, NY NRO
• Moynihan Train Hall — New York, NY NYP
• Newark Penn Station — Newark, NJ NWK
• Newark Liberty International Airport — Newark, NJ EWR
• Metropark — Iselin, NJ MET
• New Brunswick — New Brunswick, NJ NBK
• Princeton Junction — West Windsor, NJ PJC
• Trenton Transit Center — Trenton, NJ TRE
• William H. Gray III 30th Street Station — Philadelphia, PA PHL
• Joseph R. Biden Jr. Railroad Station — Wilmington, DE WIL
• Newark, DE — Newark, DE NRK
• Aberdeen — Aberdeen, MD ABE
• Baltimore Penn Station — Baltimore, MD BAL
• BWI Marshall Airport — Linthicum, MD BWI
• New Carrollton — New Carrollton, MD NCR
• Washington Union Station — Washington, DC WAS

Getting to Boston South Station and from Washington Union Station

Both stations are accessible by local public transit, taxi, and rideshare. Boston South Station sits in Boston, MA; arrival at Washington Union Station places you in Washington, DC. Transfers from the platform to onward bus, light rail, or rideshare are well marked at the major hubs along this route. For specific transit connections at either station, see our station guides linked above.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the train from Boston to Washington take?

Approximately 9h 38m on a typical schedule, covering about 473 miles.

Is there a direct train?

Yes — the Northeast Regional operates up to 50 daily round trips end-to-end and segment service with no required transfer for this city pair.

How much does the ticket cost?

Approximately $23 to $181 for a one-way coach ticket. Premium classes and sleeping car accommodations cost more.

Can I bring a bicycle or pet?

Most long-distance and corridor trains accept checked or carry-on bicycles and small pets in carriers, with route-specific rules. Confirm with Amtrak at the time of booking.