Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC train with Amtrak

Sat, Mar 14
+ Add return
Amtrak
NJ Transit
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
NJ Transit
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC

Showing times and prices for Mar 15

Cheapest price

$64

Average price

$262

Fastest journey

2 h 26 m

Average duration

2 h 29 m

Trains per day

19

Distance

260 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Princeton, 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 Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC will cost around $262 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $64.

Fast trains

Of the 19 trains that leave Princeton, NJ for Washington, DC on Sun, Mar 15, 18 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sun, Mar 15 the direct trains cover the 260 km distance in an average of 2 h 29 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 26 m .

On Sun, Mar 15 the slowest trains will take 2 h 30 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.

Amtrak79 Carolinian
08:07AM2h55
Princeton Junction Station at West Windsor, West Windsor Township, NJ
11:02AMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC
$641One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak79 Carolinian
07:51AM3h11
New Brunswick Station, New Brunswick, NJ
11:02AMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC
$651One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak65 Northeast Regional
12:22AM6h07
Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
06:29AMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC
$831One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak109 Northeast Regional
06:31AM2h30
Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
09:01AMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC
$1581One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak89 Palmetto
06:56AM2h40
Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
09:36AMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC
$1581One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Princeton, 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 24m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $25, and a flight costs an average of $64.

Distance: 161 miles (260 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

$41

Average price

$35

Average price

Cheapest

$155

Average price

3h 11m

Average total duration

2h 41m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 26m

Average total duration

3h 56m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 24m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 24m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

-

CO2 emissions

0.8 - 1.6kg

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC train times

The table below shows live departures for Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC trains for today, Saturday, March 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 4:25 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak147 Northeast Regional5:48 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
2h24
8:12 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak19 Crescent7:01 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
2h46
9:47 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak161 Northeast Regional7:03 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
2h26
9:29 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak97 Silver Meteor7:31 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
2h49
10:20 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak163 Northeast Regional9:05 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
2h27
11:32 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak159 Northeast Regional10:03 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
2h40
12:43 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak135 Northeast Regional11:03 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
2h34
1:37 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak57 Vermonter11:57 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
2h31
2:28 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
Sunday, March 15
amtrak107 Northeast Regional12:03 AM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
2h31
2:34 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak165 Northeast Regional12:46 AM New Brunswick Station, New Brunswick, NJ
2h52
3:38 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak165 Northeast Regional1:00 AM Princeton Junction Station at West Windsor, West Windsor Township, NJ
2h38
3:38 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak165 Northeast Regional1:08 AM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
2h30
3:38 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak65 Northeast Regional4:22 AM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
6h07
10:29 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak109 Northeast Regional10:31 AM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
2h30
1:01 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak89 Palmetto · 51 Cardinal10:56 AM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
3h18
2:14 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC1 transfer
amtrak89 Palmetto10:56 AM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
2h40
1:36 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak51 Cardinal11:42 AM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
2h32
2:14 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak79 Carolinian11:51 AM New Brunswick Station, New Brunswick, NJ
3h11
3:02 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak79 Carolinian12:07 PM Princeton Junction Station at West Windsor, West Windsor Township, NJ
2h55
3:02 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak79 Carolinian12:19 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
2h43
3:02 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak101 Northeast Regional12:42 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
2h30
3:12 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak153 Northeast Regional1:03 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
2h30
3:33 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak155 Northeast Regional1:46 PM New Brunswick Station, New Brunswick, NJ
2h53
4:39 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak103 Northeast Regional1:47 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
2h29
4:16 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak155 Northeast Regional2:00 PM Princeton Junction Station at West Windsor, West Windsor Township, NJ
2h39
4:39 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak143 Northeast Regional2:48 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
2h31
5:19 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Princeton, NJ 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.

Sun
Mar 15
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Journey information

Overview: Train from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC run on average 29 times per day, taking around 2h 41m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $12 (€10) if you book in advance.

There are 26 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:20, the last at 23:23. The fastest train covers the 161 miles (260 km) distance in 2h 23m.

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
Distance
161 miles (260 km)
Average train duration
2h 41m
Cheapest ticket price
$12 (€10)
Trains per day
29
Direct trains
26
Fastest train
2h 23m
First train
00:20
Last train
23:23
Cheapest month
Dec
Cheapest day
Wed
High season
Jul - Sep
Low season
Jan - Mar
Busiest day
Thu
Least busy day
Wed
Best day to book ahead
49 days
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

Train companies: Amtrak, NJ Transit from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC trainsAmtrak, NJ Transit trains will get you between Princeton, NJ and Washington, DC from $12 (€10). 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
2h 23m
Cheapest Price
$12 (€10)
Amtrak frequency
29 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

NJ Transit

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 52m
Cheapest Price
$236 (€193)
NJ Transit frequency
2 a day

FAQs: Trains from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Princeton, 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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $12 (€10), while the average price is around $41 (€34).
The train from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC takes 2h 23m and runs 29 per day.
The distance by train from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC is 161 miles (260 km).
The first train from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC leaves at 12:20 AM.
The last train from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC leaves at 11:23 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC.
Yes, there is a direct train from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC. This service operates 26 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC.
The train station in Princeton, NJ that goes to Washington, DC is Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ, which connects to Washington Union Station, Washington, DC.
The cheapest way to get from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC is by train, with a cost of around $12 (€10).
The train journey from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC offers a mix of urban and natural scenery. Passengers can enjoy views of the Delaware River, passing through historic towns and lush greenery, especially during the warmer months, though much of the route primarily showcases suburban and urban landscapes.
A day trip from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC is not feasible as the journey takes 2h 23m one way. There are 28 train trips available per day for this route.
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 Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC

Princeton
Washington
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00
  • Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi in the station courtesy of Amtrak.
Lockers
Lockers
  • Amtrak provides temporary luggage storage for $10 per bag for 24 hours for customers holding Amtrak tickets.
Dining
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
Accessibility
  • Elevators, escalators, wheelchair access. Accessible facilities including restrooms, parking, platforms, ticket office, waiting room.
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hyatt Recency Washington On Capitol Hill
  • Phoenix Park Hotel
  • Kimpton George Hotel
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00
  • Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00
Information Desk
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
HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Washington, DCPrinceton, NJ to Washington, DC train

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