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Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC train with Amtrak

Wed, Jan 28
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Amtrak
NJ Transit
Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
iryo
1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
NJ Transit
Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
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 Jan 28

Cheapest price

$19

Average price

$67

Fastest journey

2 h 21 m

Average duration

2 h 25 m

Trains per day

31

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 $67 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $19.

Fast trains

Of the 31 trains that leave Princeton, NJ for Washington, DC on Wed, Jan 28, 29 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Wed, Jan 28 the direct trains cover the 260 km distance in an average of 2 h 25 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 21 m .

On Wed, Jan 28 the slowest trains will take 2 h 29 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.

Amtrak67 Northeast Regional
12:22AM6h32
Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
06:54AMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC
$191One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak89 Palmetto
06:56AM2h40
Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
09:36AMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC
$321One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak119 Northeast Regional
12:00PM2h28
Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
02:28PMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC
$421One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak129 Northeast Regional
05:30PM2h31
Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
08:01PMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC
$421One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak85 Northeast Regional
04:02PM2h32
Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
06:34PMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC
$421One-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 €18. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 27m. 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 €18, and a flight costs an average of €57.

Distance: 161 miles (260 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

€80

Average price

€32

Average price

Cheapest

€185

Average price

3h 12m

Average total duration

2h 42m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 49m

Average total duration

4h 19m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 27m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 27m

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, Tuesday, January 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 8:56 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak85 Northeast Regional9:02 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
2h32
11:34 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak129 Northeast Regional10:05 PM New Brunswick Station, New Brunswick, NJ
2h56
1:01 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak129 Northeast Regional10:19 PM Princeton Junction Station at West Windsor, West Windsor Township, NJ
2h42
1:01 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak129 Northeast Regional10:30 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
2h31
1:01 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
Wednesday, January 28
amtrak55 Vermonter12:38 AM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
2h24
3:02 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak175 Northeast Regional1:49 AM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
2h30
4:19 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak67 Northeast Regional5:22 AM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
6h32
11:54 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak111 Northeast Regional10:30 AM New Brunswick Station, New Brunswick, NJ
2h52
1:22 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak111 Northeast Regional10:43 AM Princeton Junction Station at West Windsor, West Windsor Township, NJ
2h39
1:22 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak111 Northeast Regional10:53 AM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
2h29
1:22 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak89 Palmetto · 51 Cardinal11:56 AM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
3h18
3:14 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC1 transfer
amtrak89 Palmetto11:56 AM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
2h40
2:36 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak113 Northeast Regional12:30 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
2h23
2:53 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak51 Cardinal12:42 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
2h32
3:14 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak79 Carolinian12:51 PM New Brunswick Station, New Brunswick, NJ
3h11
4:02 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak641 Keystone Service · 185 Northeast Regional1:13 PM Princeton Junction Station at West Windsor, West Windsor Township, NJ
4h39
5:52 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC1 transfer
amtrak79 Carolinian1:16 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
2h46
4:02 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak183 Northeast Regional1:17 PM Princeton Junction Station at West Windsor, West Windsor Township, NJ
2h47
4:04 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak183 Northeast Regional1:28 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
2h36
4:04 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak141 Northeast Regional2:20 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
2h21
4:41 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak185 Northeast Regional3:22 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
2h30
5:52 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak95 Northeast Regional4:29 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
2h36
7:05 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak119 Northeast Regional5:00 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
2h28
7:28 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak125 Northeast Regional5:30 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
2h34
8:04 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak131 Northeast Regional5:52 PM New Brunswick Station, New Brunswick, NJ
2h53
8:45 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak131 Northeast Regional6:06 PM Princeton Junction Station at West Windsor, West Windsor Township, NJ
2h39
8:45 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak131 Northeast Regional6:15 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
2h30
8:45 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak171 Northeast Regional6:46 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
2h39
9:25 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak19 Crescent8:01 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
2h46
10:47 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
amtrak97 Silver Meteor8:34 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ
2h46
11:20 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect

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.

Wed
Jan 28
Thu
Jan 29
Fri
Jan 30
Sat
Jan 31
Sun
Feb 01
Mon
Feb 02
Tue
Feb 03

Journey information

Overview: Train from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC

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Icon of train

Trains from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC run on average 28 times per day, taking around 2h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $13 (€10) if you book in advance.

There are 26 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:20, the last at 23:13. The fastest train covers the 161 miles (260 km) distance in 2h 29m.

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 42m
Cheapest ticket price
$13 (€10)
Trains per day
28
Direct trains
26
Fastest train
2h 29m
First train
00:20
Last train
23:13
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 $13 (€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 31m
Cheapest Price
$13 (€10)
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
$247 (€194)
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 $13 (€10), while the average price is around $101 (€80).
The train from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC takes 2h 29m and runs 28 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 11:13 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 $13 (€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 29m 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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