- Must visit
Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art
The oldest continuously operating public art museum in the U.S., with major European, American, and contemporary collections in a landmark building.
Cheapest price
$283
Average price
$390
Fastest journey
6 h 18 m
Average duration
6 h 30 m
Trains per day
9
Distance
488 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Washington, DC to Hartford, CT 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 Hartford, CT will cost around $390 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $283.
Of the 9 trains that leave Washington, DC for Hartford, CT on Sun, Jul 19, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jul 19 the direct trains cover the 488 km distance in an average of 6 h 30 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 18 m .
On Sun, Jul 19 the slowest trains will take 6 h 40 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.
160 Northeast Regional · 460 Amtrak Hartford Line
98 Silver Meteor · 164 Northeast Regional · 464 Amtrak Hartford Line
146 Northeast Regional
54 Vermonter
140 Northeast Regional
88 Northeast Regional · 488 Valley Flyer
160 Northeast Regional · 460 Amtrak Hartford Line
164 Northeast Regional · 464 Amtrak Hartford Line
146 Northeast Regional
54 VermonterOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Washington, DC to Hartford, CT among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $49. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 20m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $49, and a flight costs an average of $207.
Distance: 303 miles (488 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$152 Average price | $80 Average price Cheapest | $385 Average price | $113 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 7m Average total duration 6h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 12m Average total duration 7h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 20m Average total duration Fastest 1h 20m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Washington, DC to Hartford, CT:
A bus is $71 (€59) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Washington, DC to Hartford, CT costing on average $152 (€125).
A bus is $304 (€250) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Washington, DC to Hartford, CT costing on average $385 (€316).
Other travel options to Hartford, CT take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 37m.
Bus takes on average 7h 42m.
Tickets start at around $152 (€125) compared to roughly $113 (€92) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-39.15 (€-32.15). The journey takes 6h 37m versus 6h 8m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to Hartford, CT trains for today, Saturday, July 18. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
160 Northeast Regional · 460 Amtrak Hartford Line | 5:20 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 6h24 | 11:44 AM Hartford Union Station, Hartford, CT | 1 transfer | |
54 Vermonter · 464 Amtrak Hartford Line | 7:28 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 8h16 | 3:44 PM Hartford Union Station, Hartford, CT | 1 transfer | |
54 Vermonter | 7:28 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 6h40 | 2:08 PM Hartford Union Station, Hartford, CT | 0 transfersDirect | |
164 Northeast Regional · 464 Amtrak Hartford Line | 9:10 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 6h34 | 3:44 PM Hartford Union Station, Hartford, CT | 1 transfer | |
88 Northeast Regional · 488 Valley Flyer | 11:25 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 6h18 | 5:43 PM Hartford Union Station, Hartford, CT | 1 transfer | |
140 Northeast Regional | 12:15 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 7h08 | 7:23 PM Hartford Union Station, Hartford, CT | 0 transfersDirect | |
146 Northeast Regional | 4:17 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 6h35 | 10:52 PM Hartford Union Station, Hartford, CT | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Washington, DC to Hartford, CT run on average 9 times per day, taking around 6h 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $62 (€51) but you can travel from only $49 (€40) by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:20, the last at 22:00. The fastest train covers the 303 miles (488 km) distance in 6h 16m.
Distance 303 miles (488 km) |
Average train duration 6h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price $62 (€51) |
Trains per day 9 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 6h 16m |
First train 3:20 AM |
Last train 10:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Hartford — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Hartford trip today.
The oldest continuously operating public art museum in the U.S., with major European, American, and contemporary collections in a landmark building.
This acclaimed historic house museum preserves Mark Twain’s ornate home and brings his writing, family life, and era vividly to life.
A literary and social history museum in Harriet Beecher Stowe’s home, exploring abolition, reform, and the author’s Hartford years.
Hartford’s signature downtown park offers lawns, monuments, a carousel, and year-round events beside major civic landmarks.
This scenic riverfront park and trail system is ideal for walking, skyline views, events, and access to the Connecticut River.
Hartford’s historic center mixes civic buildings, theaters, public art, and walkable streets that reveal the city’s commercial heritage.
Steamed cheeseburger is a central Connecticut classic: ground beef and melted cheese are steamed, creating an unusually tender burger tied to nearby regional diners.
New Haven-style apizza is Connecticut’s famous coal-fired thin-crust pizza, beloved statewide for its char, chew, and minimalist toppings.
White clam pizza, created in New Haven, pairs clams, garlic, olive oil, and herbs on a cheeseless pie. It is one of Connecticut’s signature foods.
Long-running local favorite for Puerto Rican and Latin Caribbean comfort food, especially roast pork, rice, and mofongo in a casual space.
Upscale New England restaurant known for refined seafood, steaks, and polished service in a historic downtown setting.
Elegant restaurant in the Wadsworth setting, serving seasonal American dishes with a cultured, special-occasion atmosphere.
Moderate for U.S. city travel: hotels and dining are mid-priced, transit is limited, and downtown costs are usually lower than Boston or New York.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and 10-15% for taxis. Cafes often have tip jars or card prompts for small tips.
Traveling between Washington, DC and Hartford, CT is a convenient journey made easy by Amtrak. With comfortable seating and scenic views along the way, you can relax as you traverse approximately 3 hours of travel time. The train service offers multiple daily departures, ensuring flexibility for your schedule while connecting these two cities rich in history and culture.
The train connection between Washington, DC and Hartford, CT takes approximately 5 hours and 58 minutes. There is 1 direct connection available per day from Union Station, DC to Hartford Union Station, CT.
The first daily train journey from Washington, DC departs at 9:25 AM, providing an early start for travelers heading to Hartford, CT. The last departure of the day is scheduled for 10:05 PM, allowing passengers a late option to reach their destination.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Washington, DC and Hartford, CT is $68 (61.2€). The average ticket price tends to be around $145 (130.5€).
Welcome to the Mark Twain House and Museum, where you can step into the world of one of America’s greatest literary figures. This stunning Victorian Gothic home was built in 1874 and served as a creative sanctuary for Samuel Clemens—better known as Mark Twain—as he penned classics like "The Adventures of Tom Sawyer." Unique features include original furnishings, personal artifacts, and guided tours that bring his stories to life while offering insights into his remarkable life.
Next on our journey is the Connecticut State Capitol, an architectural marvel completed in 1878 that reflects both grandeur and historical significance. The building houses not only the offices of state officials but also showcases intricate artwork representing Connecticut's rich heritage through its impressive murals and sculptures. Be sure to admire its distinctive gold dome—a symbol of democracy—and explore how this landmark has played a pivotal role in shaping state governance over centuries.
Finally, we arrive at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum of Art, which proudly holds the title as America's oldest public art museum established in 1842. Home to an extensive collection ranging from European masterpieces to contemporary works by American artists, it serves as a cultural hub for art lovers seeking inspiration or education. Don’t miss out on unique features such as its renowned Hudson River School paintings or special exhibitions that highlight diverse artistic expressions throughout history!
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Washington, DC to Hartford, CT 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 Hartford, CT, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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