- Must visit
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
One of the world’s most visited natural history museums, known for dinosaur fossils, the Hope Diamond, and broad family-friendly exhibits.




Cheapest price
$174
Average price
$207
Fastest journey
2h 44m
Average duration
2h 55m
Trains per day
4
Distance
282 km
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from New Brunswick, 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 25m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $25, and a flight costs an average of $70.
Distance: 175 miles (283 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$108 Average price | $42 Average price Cheapest | $177 Average price | $54 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 30m Average total duration 3h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 48m Average total duration 4h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 25m Average total duration Fastest 1h 25m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 28m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 1.7kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from New Brunswick, NJ to Washington, DC:
A bus is $66 (€55) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from New Brunswick, NJ to Washington, DC costing on average $108 (€89).
A bus is $136 (€112) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from New Brunswick, NJ to Washington, DC costing on average $177 (€146).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 0m.
Bus takes on average 4h 18m.
You'll arrive about 28m sooner (3h 0m by train vs 3h 28m by car). Tickets start at around $108 (€89) compared to roughly $54 (€44) 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.
The table below shows live departures for New Brunswick, NJ to Washington, DC trains for today, Saturday, July 11. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
79 Carolinian | 7:51 AM New Brunswick Station, New Brunswick, NJ | 3h11 | 11:02 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
155 Northeast Regional | 9:46 AM New Brunswick Station, New Brunswick, NJ | 2h53 | 12:39 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
147 Northeast Regional | 1:34 PM New Brunswick Station, New Brunswick, NJ | 2h44 | 4:18 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 New Brunswick, NJ to Washington, DC run on average 4 times per day, taking around 3h 0m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $18 (€15) if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:00, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 175 miles (283 km) distance in 2h 50m.
Distance 175 miles (283 km) |
Average train duration 3h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $18 (€15) |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 2h 50m |
First train 5:00 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 4 days |
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, known for dinosaur fossils, the Hope Diamond, and broad family-friendly exhibits.
Flagship Smithsonian museum covering aviation and spaceflight, with iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and major interactive exhibits.
Premier art museum with strong collections from the Middle Ages to modern art, plus sculpture garden and rotating exhibitions.
The city’s grand ceremonial park lined with Smithsonian museums, memorials, and iconic government buildings.
Historic neighborhood of cobblestone streets, waterfront walks, rowhouses, and some of Washington’s most photogenic corners.
Scenic waterside loop famous for cherry blossoms and views of major memorials, especially popular for sunrise and spring visits.
Washington’s signature sausage, usually smoky and spicy, served on a bun with chili, mustard, and onions. It is one of the city’s most iconic street foods.
A sweet-tangy sauce closely associated with Washington carryout culture, often paired with fried chicken wings and fries. It is a local comfort-food staple.
Steamed or picked blue crab from the nearby Chesapeake region is deeply tied to local food traditions. It is especially popular in warmer months.
Celebrated upscale restaurant with creative small plates and a warm, energetic atmosphere. It is one of Washington’s best-known modern dining destinations.
A classic, long-running Washington institution known for oysters, crab cakes, and traditional American fare in an elegant historic atmosphere.
Bustling brasserie known for polished French classics, strong brunch, and a stylish dining room that is popular with both locals and visitors.
Prices are high for hotels and dining, especially downtown. Free museums help balance daily costs.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5.
Official public transport app
Union Station, Washington, DC -> Metro Center, Washington, DC
Traveling between New Brunswick, NJ and Washington, DC is a convenient journey thanks to Amtrak. The train service offers comfortable seating and scenic views along the way, making it an enjoyable experience for travelers. With multiple daily departures, you can easily find a schedule that fits your plans while enjoying the ease of rail travel in the Northeast Corridor.
Traveling from New Brunswick, NJ to Washington, DC takes approximately 2 hours and 53 minutes. There are 3 direct connections available each day between these two cities. Passengers will depart from New Brunswick Station, NJ and arrive at Union Station, DC.
The first daily train journey departs from New Brunswick at 09:30 AM and arrives in Washington, DC at 04:49 PM. This connection offers travelers a convenient option for exploring the vibrant culture and attractions of both cities throughout the day.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection from New Brunswick, NJ to Washington, DC is $16 (14.4€). The average ticket price typically hovers around $98 (88.2€), making it a budget-friendly option for travelers looking to explore these two cities on the East Coast.
The White House, completed in 1800, has served as the official residence and workplace of every U.S. president since John Adams, symbolizing the heart of American democracy. Its neoclassical architecture features iconic elements like the portico and oval office that reflect both power and accessibility to citizens. As you explore its historic rooms filled with rich artifacts, you'll feel a connection to pivotal moments in history where decisions shaping our nation were made.
The United States Capitol stands as a testament to America's legislative process; construction began in 1793 and it has been home to Congress ever since. This architectural marvel is not only significant for its role in governance but also for its stunning dome which represents unity among states while housing important artworks depicting key events from American history. Walking through this grand building will immerse you in the very essence of democratic ideals at work.
The Lincoln Memorial was dedicated in 1922 as an enduring tribute to President Abraham Lincoln's leadership during one of America’s most tumultuous times—the Civil War—and his commitment to equality for all people. The striking design features a seated statue of Lincoln surrounded by inscriptions from his famous speeches that resonate deeply with themes of freedom and justice today. Standing before this monumental figure inspires reflection on our nation's values while honoring those who fought tirelessly for civil rights.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from New Brunswick, 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.

Most New Brunswick, NJ to Washington, DC trains use the New Brunswick Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare New Brunswick, NJ and Washington, DC train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
New Brunswick Station is 1 km from New Brunswick city centre. Public transport options include:
New Brunswick Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Old Man Rafferty's, The Frog and The Peach
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at New Brunswick Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at New Brunswick Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at New Brunswick Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at New Brunswick Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at New Brunswick Station: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include The Heldrich Hotel, Hyatt Regency New Brunswick, Rutgers University Inn.
Union Station is 2 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: 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
Free Wi-Fi in the station courtesy of Amtrak. ATMs are there are 2 ATM machines located on Level G.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00, Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00. Information desks are located on the train concourse of Level G near the Amtrak Waiting Area.
Luggage storage is amtrak provides temporary luggage storage for $10 per bag for 24 hours for customers holding Amtrak tickets.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, escalators, wheelchair access. Accessible facilities including restrooms, parking, platforms, ticket office, waiting room.
Nearby hotels include Hyatt Recency Washington On Capitol Hill, Phoenix Park Hotel, Kimpton George Hotel.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need