- 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.
Cheapest price
$93
Average price
$122
Fastest journey
2 h 53 m
Average duration
3 h 1 m
Trains per day
4
Distance
283 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from New Brunswick, NJ 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 New Brunswick, NJ to Washington, DC will cost around $122 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $93.
Of the 4 trains that leave New Brunswick, NJ for Washington, DC on Wed, May 27, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, May 27 the direct trains cover the 283 km distance in an average of 3 h 1 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 53 m .
On Wed, May 27 the slowest trains will take 3 h 18 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.
129 Northeast Regional
111 Northeast Regional
79 Carolinian
131 Northeast Regional
131 Northeast Regional
111 Northeast Regional
129 Northeast Regional
79 CarolinianOmio 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 $72.
Distance: 175 miles (283 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$110 Average price | $43 Average price Cheapest | $181 Average price | $55 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 $68 (€55) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from New Brunswick, NJ to Washington, DC costing on average $110 (€89).
A bus is $138 (€112) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from New Brunswick, NJ to Washington, DC costing on average $181 (€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 $110 (€89) compared to roughly $55 (€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 tomorrow, Wednesday, May 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
111 Northeast Regional | 5:30 AM New Brunswick Station, New Brunswick, NJ | 2h56 | 8:26 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
79 Carolinian | 7:51 AM New Brunswick Station, New Brunswick, NJ | 3h18 | 11:09 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
131 Northeast Regional | 12:52 PM New Brunswick Station, New Brunswick, NJ | 2h53 | 3:45 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
129 Northeast Regional | 5:05 PM New Brunswick Station, New Brunswick, NJ | 2h57 | 8:02 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 $19 (€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 $19 (€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, 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
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.

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