- 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 strong family-friendly exhibits on Earth and life sciences.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC
Showing times and prices for Jun 15
Cheapest price
$67
Average price
$158
Fastest journey
2 h 25 m
Average duration
2 h 27 m
Trains per day
30
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 $158 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $67.
Fast trains
Of the 30 trains that leave Princeton, NJ for Washington, DC on Mon, Jun 15, 29 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 15 the direct trains cover the 260 km distance in an average of 2 h 27 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 25 m .
On Mon, Jun 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.
129 Northeast Regional5:05 PM2h57New Brunswick Station, New Brunswick, NJ8:02 PMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$671One-way0 transfers- 129 Northeast Regional5:30 PM2h32Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ8:02 PMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$851One-way0 transfers
- 119 Northeast Regional12:00 PM2h32Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ2:32 PMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$851One-way0 transfers
- 183 Northeast Regional8:28 AM2h48Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ11:16 AMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$851One-way0 transfers
- 85 Northeast Regional4:02 PM2h36Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ6:38 PMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$851One-way0 transfers
- 141 Northeast Regional9:20 AM2h25Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ11:45 AMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$2961One-way0 transfers
- 113 Northeast Regional7:30 AM2h25Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ9:55 AMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$1601One-way0 transfers
- 55 Vermonter7:38 PM2h28Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ10:06 PMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$851One-way0 transfers
- 173 Northeast Regional5:03 PM2h29Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ7:32 PMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$2891One-way0 transfers
- 131 Northeast Regional1:15 PM2h30Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ3:45 PMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$1211One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, 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 30m. 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 $68.
Distance: 161 miles (260 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$48 Average price | $35 Average price Cheapest | $182 Average price | $48 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 11m Average total duration 2h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 26m Average total duration 3h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 30m Average total duration Fastest 1h 30m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 19m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 1.6kg 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.
The cheapest way to travel from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC is a bus with an average price of $35 (€29).
This is compared to other travel options from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC:
A bus is $13 (€10) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC costing on average $48 (€39).
A bus is $147 (€119) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC costing on average $182 (€148).
The fastest way to travel from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 30m.
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 41m.
Bus takes on average 3h 56m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Princeton, NJ and Washington, DC including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's meaningfully faster than driving, and the time saved usually justifies the price.
You'll arrive about 38m sooner (2h 41m by train vs 3h 19m by car). Tickets start at around $48 (€39) compared to roughly $48 (€39) 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.
Live departures
Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC train times
The table below shows live departures for Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC trains for today, Sunday, June 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 89 Palmetto | 6:56 AM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 2h48 | 9:44 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 89 Palmetto · 51 Cardinal | 6:56 AM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 3h18 | 10:14 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 1 transfer | |
| 51 Cardinal | 7:42 AM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 2h32 | 10:14 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 | |
| 79 Carolinian | 8:07 AM Princeton Junction Station at West Windsor, West Windsor Township, NJ | 3h02 | 11:09 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 79 Carolinian | 8:19 AM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 2h50 | 11:09 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 153 Northeast Regional | 9:03 AM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 2h29 | 11:32 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 | |
| 103 Northeast Regional | 9:47 AM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 2h33 | 12:20 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 155 Northeast Regional | 10:00 AM Princeton Junction Station at West Windsor, West Windsor Township, NJ | 2h39 | 12:39 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 143 Northeast Regional | 10:49 AM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 2h40 | 1:29 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 105 Northeast Regional | 1:08 PM New Brunswick Station, New Brunswick, NJ | 2h50 | 3:58 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 105 Northeast Regional | 1:26 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 2h32 | 3:58 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 145 Northeast Regional | 1:51 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 2h28 | 4:19 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 19 Crescent | 3:01 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 2h46 | 5:47 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 189 Northeast Regional | 5:03 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 2h32 | 7:35 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 149 Northeast Regional | 6:03 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 2h42 | 8:45 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 135 Northeast Regional | 7:03 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 2h38 | 9:41 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 57 Vermonter | 7:57 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 2h35 | 10:32 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 165 Northeast Regional | 8:46 PM New Brunswick Station, New Brunswick, NJ | 2h54 | 11:40 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 165 Northeast Regional | 9:00 PM Princeton Junction Station at West Windsor, West Windsor Township, NJ | 2h40 | 11:40 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 165 Northeast Regional | 9:08 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 2h32 | 11:40 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 139 Northeast Regional | 10:18 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 2h27 | 12:45 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, June 15 | |||||
| 67 Northeast Regional | 12:22 AM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 6h32 | 6:54 AM 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 prices and tickets Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC
USAUSA
Trains from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC run on average 28 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 24m.
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 28 |
Direct trains 26 |
Fastest train 2h 24m |
First train 12:20 AM |
Last train 11:23 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 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 from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC trainsAmtrak 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 24m
Cheapest Price
$12 (€10)
Amtrak frequency
28 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
Complete guide to Washington
Things to do in Washington
Discover the best of Washington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Washington trip today.
- Must visit
National Museum of African American History and Culture
Flagship Smithsonian museum exploring African American history, culture, and community through powerful permanent exhibitions and major national narratives.
- Must visit
National Gallery of Art
Premier art museum with masterworks from the Middle Ages to the modern era, plus sculpture garden and rotating exhibitions in two landmark buildings.
- Must visit
National Mall
Washington’s essential civic promenade lined with museums and monuments, ideal for first-time visitors and the city’s top walking experience.
- Must visit
Georgetown
Historic waterfront neighborhood known for charming streets, rowhouses, shopping, and canal-side walks; a classic area for exploring on foot.
- Must visit
Tidal Basin
Scenic reservoir loop famous for memorials and cherry blossoms, especially photogenic at sunrise, sunset, and spring bloom season.
Half-Smoke
Washington’s signature sausage, typically smoky and spicy, served on a bun with mustard, onions, and chili. It is one of the city’s most iconic street foods.
Mumbo Sauce With Fried Chicken And Wings
A sweet-tangy sauce strongly associated with Washington carryout culture, often paired with fried chicken or wings. It is a distinctive local comfort-food staple.
- Gluten-free
Chesapeake Blue Crab
Sweet blue crab from the Chesapeake region, commonly served steamed and heavily seasoned. It reflects the Mid-Atlantic seafood traditions closely tied to Washington.
Old Ebbitt Grill
A celebrated historic restaurant near the White House, known for oysters, crab cakes, and classic Washington political dining ambiance.
Rasika
Widely acclaimed Indian restaurant with a polished atmosphere, famous for refined cooking and one of Washington’s best-known dining rooms.
Le Diplomate
Well-known French brasserie in Logan Circle, valued for its classic menu, energetic scene, and stylish long-established popularity.
United States Dollar
Prices are high by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining in central areas, though casual food is still manageable.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 10-18 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- USD 25-45 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 80+ per person before drinks and tip.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for a regular café coffee.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants with table service. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or 10-15% for taxis, and USD 1-2 per bag for hotel staff.
DC Metro and Bus
Get the appOfficial public transport app
Prices
- Single ticket
- USD 2.25
- Day pass
- USD 13.00
To the city center
Union Station, Washington, DC -> Metro Center, Washington, DC
- Distance
- 2 km
- Travel time
- 10 min
- SmarTrip is the official fare system for Metrorail and Metrobus, and mobile wallet payment is supported through the official app. On buses, you cannot pay cash; use SmarTrip or contactless fare media.
- Metrorail fares vary by time and distance, so the lowest fare is not always the fare you will pay. Check service alerts before traveling, especially on weekends.
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.
Train ticket prices from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $12 (€10), while the average price is around $48 (€39).
The train from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC takes 2h 24m 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 11:23 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 24m 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.
Since neither Princeton, NJ nor Washington, DC are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Washington, DC include Baltimore, MD, Wilmington, DE, Fredericksburg, VA, Newark, DE, Quantico, VA.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Washington, DC, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas like the National Mall and Metro stations. Common scams include overpriced taxi rides and unofficial tour operators. It's advisable to use licensed transportation services and stay aware of surroundings, particularly at night or in less busy neighborhoods.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC
Princeton
Washington
Amenities at train station
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
Hotel
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Deskinformation
Ticket Office Hours
- Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00
- Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00
Distance to city center
2 kmWifi
- Free Wi-Fi in the station courtesy of Amtrak.
Lockers
- Amtrak provides temporary luggage storage for $10 per bag for 24 hours for customers holding Amtrak tickets.
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
- Elevators, escalators, wheelchair access. Accessible facilities including restrooms, parking, platforms, ticket office, waiting room.
Hotel
- Hyatt Recency Washington On Capitol Hill
- Phoenix Park Hotel
- Kimpton George Hotel
Ticket Office
- Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00
- Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00
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
Most popular train connections from Princeton, NJ
More options for your journey from Princeton, NJ to Washington, DC
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Washington, DC and Princeton, NJ
Most popular train connections to Washington, DC
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