- Must visit
Boxwood Hall State Historic Site
Small museum and archive focused on local heritage, architecture, and community stories in Elizabeth.
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Washington, DC to Elizabeth, NJ 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 Elizabeth, NJ will cost around $21 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $19.
On Thu, Nov 05, we found 2 trains from Washington, DC to Elizabeth, NJ, including 2 direct services.
On Thu, Nov 05 the direct trains cover the 311 km distance in an average of 4 h 58 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 11 m .
On Thu, Nov 05 the slowest trains will take 6 h 45 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.

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Trains from Washington, DC to Elizabeth, NJ run on average 58 times per day, taking around 3h 2m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $19 if you book in advance.
There are 58 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:20, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 193 miles (311 km) distance in 2h 21m.
Distance 193 miles (311 km) |
Average train duration 3h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price $19 |
Trains per day 58 |
Direct trains 58 |
Fastest train 2h 21m |
First train 3:20 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 56 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Washington, DC to Elizabeth, NJ.
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to Elizabeth, NJ trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, November 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:15 AM Washington, DC | 3h11 | 4:26 AM Elizabeth, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:00 AM Washington, DC | 6h45 | 8:45 AM Elizabeth, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
Discover the best of Elizabeth, NJ — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Elizabeth, NJ trip today.
Small museum and archive focused on local heritage, architecture, and community stories in Elizabeth.
Local history museum preserving documents, objects, and exhibits about Elizabeth and Union County's past.
Historic house museum associated with patriot Elias Boudinot, offering guided interpretation of colonial Elizabeth.
Elizabeth's revitalized downtown core with shops, civic buildings, transit links, and frequent community activity.
Neighborhood green space with lawns, playgrounds, and a relaxed local atmosphere for a short outdoor break.
Waterfront park with paths, sports fields, and open views near Newark Bay, popular for walks and recreation.
Italian hot dogs are a North Jersey classic: fried hot dogs tucked into pizza bread with peppers, onions, and potatoes. Elizabeth locals prize the hearty street-food style.
Portuguese grilled sardines reflect Elizabeth’s strong Portuguese community. Simply charcoal-grilled and served with potatoes, they are a traditional summer favorite.
Rodizio-style barbecue is central to Brazilian dining in the area, with gaucho servers bringing skewered meats table-side. It is a local staple in Elizabeth’s Brazilian scene.
Well-known local Italian-American landmark celebrated for its Italian hot dogs and no-frills fast-food style service.
Traditional Portuguese and Spanish restaurant known for seafood, grilled meats, and classic Iberian dishes in a polished, old-school setting.
Casual Portuguese barbecue spot popular for grilled chicken, seafood, and homestyle sides in a relaxed neighborhood atmosphere.
Moderate for the New York metro area. Hotels can be costly, but everyday dining and NJ Transit are usually cheaper than in Manhattan.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants if service is not included. For taxis, round up or add 10-15%. Cafes often have tip jars; $1-2 is common for drinks.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Elizabeth, NJ.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Washington, DC to Elizabeth, NJ 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 Elizabeth, NJ, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Washington, DC to Elizabeth, NJ trains use the Union Station to station pair. Use this guide to compare Washington, DC and Elizabeth, NJ train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Union Station is 2 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: 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
Free Wi-Fi in the station courtesy of Amtrak. ATMs are there are 2 ATM machines located on Level G.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00, Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00. Information desks are located on the train concourse of Level G near the Amtrak Waiting Area.
Luggage storage is amtrak provides temporary luggage storage for $10 per bag for 24 hours for customers holding Amtrak tickets.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, escalators, wheelchair access. Accessible facilities including restrooms, parking, platforms, ticket office, waiting room.
Nearby hotels include Hyatt Recency Washington On Capitol Hill, Phoenix Park Hotel, Kimpton George Hotel.
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