- Must visit
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
One of the world’s most visited natural history museums, famous for dinosaur fossils, gemstones, and major family-friendly exhibits on Earth and life sciences.
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Matawan, NJ to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $25. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 22m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $25, and a flight costs an average of $85.
Distance: 182 miles (294 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$49 Average price | $182 Average price | $33 Average price Cheapest | $42 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 31m Average total duration 3h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 22m Average total duration Fastest 1h 22m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 4h 24m Average total duration 3h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 47m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Matawan, NJ to Washington, DC:
A bus is $17 (€13) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Matawan, NJ to Washington, DC costing on average $49 (€40).
A bus is $150 (€121) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Matawan, NJ to Washington, DC costing on average $182 (€147).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 1m.
Bus takes on average 3h 54m.
You'll arrive about 46m sooner (3h 1m by train vs 3h 47m by car). Tickets start at around $49 (€40) compared to roughly $42 (€34) 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.
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.
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.
Trains from Matawan, NJ to Washington, DC run on average 32 times per day, taking around 3h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $19 (€15) if you book in advance.
There are 30 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:00, the last at 21:15. The fastest train covers the 182 miles (294 km) distance in 2h 43m.
Distance 182 miles (294 km) |
Average train duration 3h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price $19 (€15) |
Trains per day 32 |
Direct trains 30 |
Fastest train 2h 43m |
First train 3:00 AM |
Last train 9:15 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of Washington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Washington trip today.
One of the world’s most visited natural history museums, famous for dinosaur fossils, gemstones, and major family-friendly exhibits on Earth and life sciences.
Premier art museum with masterworks from the Middle Ages to modern times, plus a celebrated sculpture garden and strong temporary exhibitions.
Iconic Smithsonian museum covering aviation and space exploration, with historic aircraft and spacecraft that make it a top draw in the city.
Washington’s signature civic landscape lined with museums and monuments, ideal for walking and the city’s top first-time visitor area.
Historic waterfront neighborhood known for cobblestone streets, rowhouses, shopping, and scenic walks along the canal and river.
Scenic walking area around the water framed by major memorials, especially famous during cherry blossom season.
Washington’s signature sausage, usually a coarse smoked pork-and-beef link served on a bun with chili, mustard, and onions. It is one of the city’s most iconic street foods.
A sweet, tangy, slightly spicy sauce closely associated with Washington carryout culture, commonly served with fried chicken and fries. It is a distinctive local condiment.
An oversized late-night pizza slice popular in nightlife areas of Washington, especially Adams Morgan. It is a recognizable local fast-food tradition.
An established, upscale-casual saloon near the White House known for oysters, crab cakes, and other classic Washington and Mid-Atlantic dishes.
Acclaimed Indian restaurant known for refined cooking and a polished dining room. A standout for one of Washington’s most celebrated restaurant experiences.
One of Washington’s best-known restaurants, offering classic French bistro fare in an elegant, energetic space that is popular with locals and visitors.
Prices are high by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining in central areas, though casual food is still manageable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, taxis about 10-15%, and hotel staff a few dollars.
Official public transport app
Union Station, Washington, DC -> Metro Center, Washington, DC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Matawan, NJ 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.

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