- Must visit
Museum of Fine Arts, Boston
One of the largest art museums in the United States, known for major collections spanning ancient to contemporary art.
Cheapest price
$263
Average price
$464
Fastest journey
6 h 48 m
Average duration
6 h 56 m
Trains per day
32
Distance
634 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Washington, DC to Boston, MA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Washington, DC to Boston, MA will cost around $464 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $263.
Of the 32 trains that leave Washington, DC for Boston, MA on Mon, May 25, 30 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, May 25 the direct trains cover the 634 km distance in an average of 6 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 48 m .
On Mon, May 25 the slowest trains will take 7 h 3 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.
66 Northeast Regional
66 Northeast Regional
166 Northeast Regional
166 Northeast Regional
2274 NextGen Acela
2274 NextGen Acela
2274 NextGen Acela
2256 Acela
2252 NextGen Acela
2250 NextGen AcelaOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Washington, DC to Boston, MA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $45. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 42m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $45, and a flight costs an average of $96.
Distance: 393 miles (634 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$226 Average price | $87 Average price Cheapest | $291 Average price | $142 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 12m Average total duration 5h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 22m Average total duration 9h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 42m Average total duration Fastest 3h 42m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 40m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.6 - 1.6kg CO2 emissions | 1.9 - 3.8kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
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 Washington, DC to Boston, MA:
A bus is $140 (€113) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Washington, DC to Boston, MA costing on average $226 (€183).
A bus is $204 (€165) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Washington, DC to Boston, MA costing on average $291 (€235).
Other travel options to Boston, MA take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 42m.
Bus takes on average 9h 52m.
You'll arrive about 1h 58m sooner (5h 42m by train vs 7h 40m by car). Tickets start at around $226 (€183) compared to roughly $142 (€115) 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, 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 Washington, DC to Boston, MA trains for today, Sunday, May 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
160 Northeast Regional | 5:20 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 8h15 | 1:35 PM South Station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
160 Northeast Regional | 5:20 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 8h10 | 1:30 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
162 Northeast Regional | 6:20 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 8h02 | 2:22 PM South Station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
162 Northeast Regional | 6:20 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 7h56 | 2:16 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
98 Silver Meteor · 164 Northeast Regional | 7:13 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 10h11 | 5:24 PM South Station, Boston, MA | 1 transfer | |
98 Silver Meteor · 164 Northeast Regional | 7:13 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 10h02 | 5:15 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 1 transfer | |
2248 Acela | 7:48 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 7h20 | 3:08 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2248 Acela | 7:48 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 7h27 | 3:15 PM South Station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
152 Northeast Regional | 8:20 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 8h08 | 4:28 PM South Station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
152 Northeast Regional | 8:20 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 8h02 | 4:22 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2250 NextGen Acela | 8:38 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 7h18 | 3:56 PM South Station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2250 NextGen Acela | 8:38 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 7h03 | 3:41 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
164 Northeast Regional | 9:10 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 8h05 | 5:15 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
164 Northeast Regional | 9:10 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 8h14 | 5:24 PM South Station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
82 Northeast Regional | 10:18 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 8h14 | 6:32 PM South Station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
82 Northeast Regional | 10:18 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 8h08 | 6:26 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2252 NextGen Acela | 10:54 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 7h03 | 5:57 PM South Station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
2252 NextGen Acela | 10:54 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 6h57 | 5:51 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
88 Northeast Regional | 11:25 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 7h52 | 7:17 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
88 Northeast Regional | 11:25 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 7h58 | 7:23 PM South Station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
194 Northeast Regional | 1:01 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 8h12 | 9:13 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
194 Northeast Regional | 1:01 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 8h17 | 9:18 PM South Station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
168 Northeast Regional | 3:21 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 7h59 | 11:20 PM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
168 Northeast Regional | 3:21 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 8h05 | 11:26 PM South Station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
66 Northeast Regional | 10:00 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 11h58 | 9:58 AM Back Bay station, Boston, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
66 Northeast Regional | 10:00 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 12h05 | 10:05 AM South Station, Boston, MA | 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 Washington, DC to Boston, MA run on average 31 times per day, taking around 5h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $74 (€60) but you can travel from only $45 (€37) by bus.
There are 28 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:00, the last at 22:00. The fastest train covers the 393 miles (634 km) distance in 8h 2m.
Distance 393 miles (634 km) |
Average train duration 5h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $74 (€60) |
Trains per day 31 |
Direct trains 28 |
Fastest train 8h 2m |
First train 3:00 AM |
Last train 10:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Boston — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Boston trip today.
One of the largest art museums in the United States, known for major collections spanning ancient to contemporary art.
A distinctive Venetian-style museum with art, architecture, and a celebrated courtyard; one of Boston’s most memorable cultural sites.
A major science museum with interactive exhibits, family-friendly displays, and a planetarium on the Charles River.
Boston’s best-known walking route linking many of the city’s historic sites, ideal for first-time visitors.
The oldest public park in the United States and a central green space for strolling, events, and city views.
A beautifully landscaped historic garden known for its lagoon, footbridge, flowers, and Swan Boats.
A creamy soup with clams, potatoes, and onions, closely associated with Boston and the wider New England coast.
A classic New England sandwich of lobster meat in a toasted split-top bun, often served warm with butter or chilled with mayo.
Slow-cooked beans traditionally baked with molasses and salt pork; the dish helped give Boston its nickname, Beantown.
Highly regarded Cambridge-area restaurant near Boston known for refined Eastern Mediterranean cooking and a warm, upscale atmosphere.
Small, famous North End seafood spot celebrated for lobster rolls, oysters, and polished raw bar service.
Iconic North End pastry shop best known for cannoli and other Italian-American desserts in a lively, casual atmosphere.
Boston is expensive by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining, though casual eats and transit are manageable.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants; 20%+ for great service. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff and delivery drivers.
Traveling between Washington, DC and Boston, MA is a convenient journey made easy by 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 choose a schedule that fits your plans perfectly. Whether you're heading to explore historical landmarks in D.C. or enjoy the vibrant culture of Boston, Amtrak provides a reliable connection between these two iconic cities.
Traveling from Washington, DC to Boston, MA takes approximately 8 hours and 2 minutes. There are 17 connections available each day on this route, all of which are direct services. Passengers will depart from Union Station in DC and arrive at either Back Bay Station or South Station in Boston.
The first daily train journey departs from Washington, DC at 12:10 PM and the last departure is scheduled for 8:02 PM. This connection offers travelers a convenient way to explore the vibrant culture and historical landmarks of both cities throughout the day.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Washington, DC and Boston, MA is $106 (95.4€). The average ticket price tends to be around $181 (162.9€), making it a convenient option for travelers looking to explore these vibrant cities along the East Coast.
Welcome to Boston Common, the oldest public park in America, established in 1634. This historic green space has served as a gathering place for citizens throughout centuries, from Revolutionary War rallies to modern-day concerts and events. Its unique features include beautiful walking paths, tranquil ponds, and iconic monuments that tell the story of our nation's fight for freedom.
As we stroll along the Freedom Trail, you'll discover a 2.5-mile path lined with significant sites that chronicle America's revolutionary history. This trail connects 16 historical landmarks—from churches to museums—each offering insight into pivotal moments leading up to independence. What makes it truly special is how it seamlessly blends education with exploration; you can walk through history while enjoying Boston's vibrant atmosphere.
Finally, we'll visit the Paul Revere House, where this legendary patriot lived during his famous midnight ride in 1775. As one of the few remaining structures from colonial times in downtown Boston, its significance lies not only in its connection to Revere but also as a symbol of American resilience and spirit during tumultuous times. The house offers an intimate glimpse into life during the Revolution with original artifacts and engaging exhibits that bring Paul's remarkable story alive.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Washington, DC to Boston, MA 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 Boston, MA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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