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The cheapest and fastest trains from Cambridge, MA to Washington, DC
Showing times and prices for May 15
Cheapest price
$187
Average price
$325
Fastest journey
6 h 46 m
Average duration
6 h 50 m
Trains per day
38
Distance
632 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Cambridge, MA to Washington, DC is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Cambridge, MA to Washington, DC will cost around $325 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $187.
Fast trains
Of the 38 trains that leave Cambridge, MA for Washington, DC on Fri, May 15, 28 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, May 15 the direct trains cover the 632 km distance in an average of 6 h 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 46 m .
On Fri, May 15 the slowest trains will take 6 h 53 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.
449 Lake Shore Limited · 475 Amtrak Hartford Line · 65 Northeast Regional12:57 PM17h32Back Bay station, Boston, MA6:29 AMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$1871One-way2 transfers- 449 Lake Shore Limited · 475 Amtrak Hartford Line · 65 Northeast Regional12:50 PM17h39South Station, Boston, MA6:29 AMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$1881One-way2 transfers
- 65 Northeast Regional6:51 PM11h38Back Bay station, Boston, MA6:29 AMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$1991One-way0 transfers
- 65 Northeast Regional6:45 PM11h44South Station, Boston, MA6:29 AMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$1991One-way0 transfers
- 177 Northeast Regional · 6077 AMTRAK5:30 PM9h30South Station, Boston, MA3:00 AMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$2541One-way1 transfer
2155 NextGen Acela7:20 AM6h46Back Bay station, Boston, MA2:06 PMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$3341One-way0 transfers- 2159 NextGen Acela9:15 AM6h48Back Bay station, Boston, MA4:03 PMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$4031One-way0 transfers
- 2155 NextGen Acela7:15 AM6h51South Station, Boston, MA2:06 PMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$3341One-way0 transfers
- 2163 Acela11:11 AM6h51Back Bay station, Boston, MA6:02 PMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$5051One-way0 transfers
- 2159 NextGen Acela9:10 AM6h53South Station, Boston, MA4:03 PMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$4031One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Cambridge, MA to Washington, DC
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Cambridge, MA to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $56. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 42m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $56, and a flight costs an average of $76.
Distance: 392 miles (632 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$205 Average price | $229 Average price | $98 Average price Cheapest |
8h 26m Average total duration 7h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 42m Average total duration Fastest 1h 42m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 30m Average total duration 10h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |  Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Cambridge, MA to Washington, DC is a bus with an average price of $98 (€78).
This is compared to other travel options from Cambridge, MA to Washington, DC:
A bus is $107 (€86) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Cambridge, MA to Washington, DC costing on average $205 (€165).
A bus is $131 (€105) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Cambridge, MA to Washington, DC costing on average $229 (€184).
The fastest way to travel from Cambridge, MA to Washington, DC is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 42m.
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 56m.
Bus takes on average 10h 0m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Cambridge, MA and Washington, DC including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cambridge, MA to Washington, DC among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around $205 (€165) compared to roughly $129 (€103) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-76.29 (€-61.17). The journey takes 7h 56m versus 7h 13m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Cambridge, MA to Washington, DC train times
The table below shows live departures for Cambridge, MA to Washington, DC trains for today, Thursday, May 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2:26 PM Cambridge, MA | 8h08 | 10:34 PM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9:35 PM Cambridge, MA | 9h25 | 7:00 AM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, May 15 | |||||
| 2151 NextGen Acela | 5:00 AM South Station, Boston, MA | 6h59 | 11:59 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2151 NextGen Acela | 5:05 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 6h54 | 11:59 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 95 Northeast Regional | 6:10 AM South Station, Boston, MA | 7h55 | 2:05 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 95 Northeast Regional | 6:15 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 7h50 | 2:05 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2155 NextGen Acela | 7:15 AM South Station, Boston, MA | 6h51 | 2:06 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2155 NextGen Acela | 7:20 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 6h46 | 2:06 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 171 Northeast Regional · 97 Silver Meteor | 8:12 AM South Station, Boston, MA | 10h12 | 6:24 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
| 171 Northeast Regional | 8:12 AM South Station, Boston, MA | 8h23 | 4:35 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 171 Northeast Regional | 8:18 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 8h17 | 4:35 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 171 Northeast Regional · 97 Silver Meteor | 8:18 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 10h06 | 6:24 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
| 2159 NextGen Acela+19 Crescent | 9:10 AM South Station, Boston, MA | 8h37 | 5:47 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
| 2159 NextGen Acela+97 Silver Meteor | 9:10 AM South Station, Boston, MA | 9h14 | 6:24 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
| 2159 NextGen Acela | 9:10 AM South Station, Boston, MA | 6h53 | 4:03 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2159 NextGen Acela | 9:15 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 6h48 | 4:03 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2159 NextGen Acela+97 Silver Meteor | 9:15 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 9h09 | 6:24 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
| 2159 NextGen Acela+19 Crescent | 9:15 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 8h32 | 5:47 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
| 93 Northeast Regional | 9:20 AM South Station, Boston, MA | 8h05 | 5:25 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 93 Northeast Regional | 9:26 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 7h59 | 5:25 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Cambridge, MA to Washington, DC by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, 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 Cambridge, MA to Washington, DC trains with Omio?
Amtrak as well as Amtrak offer trains services from Cambridge, MA to Washington, DC.
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 Cambridge, MA to Washington, DC.
- 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 Cambridge, MA to Washington, DC.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Cambridge, MA to Washington, DC
USAUSA
Trains from Cambridge, MA to Washington, DC run on average 32 times per day, taking around 7h 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $75 (€60) but you can travel from only $56 (€45) by bus.
There are 26 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:20, the last at 22:00. The fastest train covers the 392 miles (632 km) distance in 6h 41m.
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
Bus from $56 (€45)
Distance 392 miles (632 km) |
Average train duration 7h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $75 (€60) |
Trains per day 32 |
Direct trains 26 |
Fastest train 6h 41m |
First train 3:20 AM |
Last train 10:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 1 day |
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
Bus from $56 (€45)
Train companies: Amtrak from Cambridge, MA to Washington, DC trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Cambridge, MA and Washington, DC from $56 (€45). 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
7h 56m
Cheapest Price
$75 (€60)
Amtrak frequency
20 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 Washington D.C.
Things to do in Washington D.C.
Discover the best of Washington D.C. — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Washington D.C. trip today.
- Must visit
National Gallery of Art
Prestigious art museum housing a vast collection of European and American art.
- Must visit
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Comprehensive museum portraying African American life, history, and culture.
- Must visit
National Mall
Expansive park area hosting iconic monuments, museums, and political events.
- Recommended
U Street Corridor
Vibrant area known for its nightlife, music, and African American heritage.
- Recommended
Georgetown
Charming neighborhood featuring historic architecture, high-end shops, and dining.
Half-Smoke
A spiced sausage typically made of half beef and half pork, smoked and served with chili on a bun. Iconic to Washington, DC.
- Gluten-free
Maryland Blue Crab
Fresh blue crabs from the Chesapeake Bay, often steamed with Old Bay seasoning. A regional favorite.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Mumbo Sauce
A tangy, sweet, and spicy sauce originally from Chicago but popularized in DC, often served with fried chicken or fries.
Blue Duck Tavern
A Michelin-starred restaurant featuring farm-to-table American cuisine in a contemporary setting.
Old Ebbitt Grill
A historic bar and restaurant known for oysters and classic American dishes. Popular with politicians and tourists.
Founding Farmers DC
A farmer-owned restaurant offering American comfort food and sustainable practices in a charming setting.
United States Dollar
As the capital city, costs in Washington, D.C. can be high, with accommodation and dining generally more expensive than other US cities.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $10-15 for fast food or street food.
- Mid-range
- $25-45 per person for a meal.
- Fine dining
- $75+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- $3-5 for cappuccino.
Tipping culture
15-20% in restaurants, round up taxis, not expected in cafes.
DC Metro and Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- USD 2.25
- Day pass
- USD 13.00
To the city center
Union Station, Washington, DC -> Metro Center, Washington, DC
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- Tap a contactless card or mobile wallet directly at Metrorail faregates and on Metrobus; SmarTrip in Apple Wallet or Google Wallet also works.
- Metrobus fare is USD 2.25 and transfers between Metrobus and Metrorail are calculated automatically with SmarTrip or contactless payment.
FAQs: Trains from Cambridge, MA to Washington, DC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Cambridge, MA to Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from Cambridge, MA to Washington, DC can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $75 (€60), while the average price is around $189 (€152).
The train from Cambridge, MA to Washington, DC takes 6h 41m and runs 32 per day.
The first train from Cambridge, MA to Washington, DC leaves at 3:20 AM.
The distance by train from Cambridge, MA to Washington, DC is 392 miles (632 km).
The last train from Cambridge, MA to Washington, DC leaves at 10:00 PM.
Yes, there is a high-speed train from Cambridge, MA to Washington, DC.
Yes, there is a direct train from Cambridge, MA to Washington, DC. This service operates 26 times per day, provided by Amtrak, Amtrak.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Cambridge, MA to Washington, DC.
The train station in Cambridge, MA that goes to Washington, DC is Back Bay station, Boston, MA, which connects to Washington Union Station, Washington, DC.
The cheapest way to get from Cambridge, MA to Washington, DC is by bus, with a cost of around $56 (€45).
The train journey from Cambridge, MA to Washington, DC offers occasional scenic views, particularly through sections of the Connecticut River and parts of the Northeast Corridor, though much of the route passes through urban and suburban areas.
A day trip from Cambridge, MA to Washington, DC is not feasible due to the travel duration of 6h 41m and the distance of 392 miles (632 km). However, there are 36 trains available per day for this journey.
In Washington, DC, you can discover the National Gallery of Art, stroll through the historic Georgetown neighborhood, visit the world's largest library at the Library of Congress, explore the vibrant Eastern Market, and enjoy a performance at the Kennedy Center. Key sights include the National Mall, the White House, the United States Capitol, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Lincoln Memorial.
To explore Washington, DC's main attractions such as the National Mall, museums, and monuments, a stay of three to four days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Cambridge, MA to Washington, DC.
Since neither Cambridge, MA nor Washington, DC are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Washington, DC include Baltimore, MD, Wilmington, DE, Fredericksburg, VA, Newark, DE, Quantico, VA.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Cambridge, MA to Washington, DC among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Washington, DC, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas like the National Mall and Metro stations. Common scams include overpriced taxi rides and unofficial tour operators. It's advisable to use licensed transportation services and stay aware of surroundings, particularly at night or in less busy neighborhoods.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Cambridge, MA to Washington, DC
Cambridge
Washington
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
Hotel
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00
- Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00
Distance to city center
2 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station courtesy of Amtrak.
Lockers
- Amtrak provides temporary luggage storage for $10 per bag for 24 hours for customers holding Amtrak tickets.
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
- Elevators, escalators, wheelchair access. Accessible facilities including restrooms, parking, platforms, ticket office, waiting room.
Hotel
- Hyatt Recency Washington On Capitol Hill
- Phoenix Park Hotel
- Kimpton George Hotel
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00
- Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00
Information Desk
- Located on the train concourse of Level G near the Amtrak Waiting Area.
Public transit 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
Most popular train connections from Cambridge, MA
More options for your journey from Cambridge, MA to Washington, DC
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Washington, DC and Cambridge, MA
Most popular train connections to Washington, DC
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