- Must visit
Zimmerli Art Museum
Rutgers art museum with global collections, rotating exhibitions, and strong teaching focus across many cultures and eras.
Cheapest price
$55
Average price
$80
Fastest journey
2 h 49 m
Average duration
2 h 50 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
283 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Washington, DC to New Brunswick, 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 New Brunswick, NJ will cost around $80 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $55.
Of the 3 trains that leave Washington, DC for New Brunswick, NJ on Mon, Jul 27, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jul 27 the direct trains cover the 283 km distance in an average of 2 h 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 49 m .
On Mon, Jul 27 the slowest trains will take 2 h 51 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.
174 Northeast Regional
138 Northeast Regional
112 Northeast Regional
174 Northeast Regional
138 Northeast Regional
112 Northeast RegionalOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Washington, DC to New Brunswick, NJ among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $24. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 22m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $24, and a flight costs an average of $51.
Distance: 175 miles (283 km)
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$103 Average price | $36 Average price Cheapest | $132 Average price |
3h 4m Average total duration 2h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 45m Average total duration 4h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 22m Average total duration Fastest 1h 22m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 1.7kg CO2 emissions |
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 New Brunswick, NJ:
A bus is $66 (€66) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Washington, DC to New Brunswick, NJ costing on average $103 (€103).
A bus is $96 (€96) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Washington, DC to New Brunswick, NJ costing on average $132 (€132).
Other travel options to New Brunswick, NJ take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 34m.
Bus takes on average 4h 15m.
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to New Brunswick, NJ trains for today, Sunday, July 26. 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 | 2h40 | 8:00 AM New Brunswick Station, New Brunswick, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
164 Northeast Regional | 9:10 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h49 | 11:59 AM New Brunswick Station, New Brunswick, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
132 Northeast Regional | 3:02 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h58 | 6:00 PM New Brunswick Station, New Brunswick, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
158 Northeast Regional | 6:15 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h47 | 9:02 PM New Brunswick Station, New Brunswick, NJ | 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 New Brunswick, NJ run on average 3 times per day, taking around 2h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $15 (€15) if you book in advance.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:43, the last at 23:57. The fastest train covers the 175 miles (283 km) distance in 2h 33m.
Distance 175 miles (283 km) |
Average train duration 2h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price $15 (€15) |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 2h 33m |
First train 4:43 AM |
Last train 11:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 2 days |
Discover the best of New Brunswick, NJ — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect New Brunswick, NJ trip today.
Rutgers art museum with global collections, rotating exhibitions, and strong teaching focus across many cultures and eras.
Historic house museum in Buccleuch Park with period interiors and exhibits on local history, architecture, and families.
University geology museum featuring minerals, fossils, and educational displays that appeal to families and science fans.
Historic Rutgers campus green surrounded by landmark buildings, ideal for walking, photos, and understanding university history.
Compact downtown district centered on arts venues and public life, popular for strolling before shows and events.
Major downtown corridor lined with theaters, institutions, and shops, making it one of the city's key walking streets.
A New Jersey diner classic: thin-sliced Taylor ham or pork roll, egg, and cheese on a hard roll. Beloved statewide and common in New Brunswick breakfast spots.
A Cuban sandwich variation linked to New Jersey Cuban communities, including nearby Middlesex County. Ham, roast pork, Swiss, pickles, and mustard on pressed bread.
Indian street snacks are central to Edison and New Brunswick dining culture. Crisp puris, chutneys, yogurt, and spices reflect the area’s strong South Asian community.
Popular casual spot for inventive hot dogs and sausages with many toppings. Fun, informal atmosphere and one of downtown’s best-known quick bites.
Upscale steakhouse known for dry-aged beef, seafood, and polished service in a historic downtown setting near the theater district.
Well-regarded local pizzeria and Italian restaurant known for thin-crust pies, pasta, and classic comfort food in a relaxed neighborhood setting.
Moderate for the region: hotels can be pricey near Rutgers, but dining and NJ Transit are similar to other Northeast college towns.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 10-15% for taxis, and $1-2 for cafe drinks if there is table service or extra help.
Traveling between Washington, DC and New Brunswick, NJ 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 easily plan your trip to explore the rich history of Washington or the charming atmosphere of New Brunswick.
Traveling from Washington, DC to New Brunswick, NJ takes approximately 2 hours and 44 minutes. There are 2 direct connections available each day. Passengers will depart from Union Station in DC and arrive at New Brunswick Station in NJ.
The first daily train journey departs from Washington, DC at 11:45 AM and the last departure is scheduled for 11:10 PM. This connection offers travelers a convenient way to explore the vibrant culture of both cities throughout the day.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Washington, DC and New Brunswick, NJ is $28 (25.2€). The average ticket price tends to be around $113 (101.7€), making it a more economical option if you book in advance or look out for special deals.
Welcome to Rutgers University, the eighth-oldest institution of higher education in the United States, founded in 1766. Its significance lies not only in its rich academic heritage but also as a pivotal player in American history, having been involved with both the Revolutionary War and civil rights movements. Unique features include its stunning campus architecture that blends colonial and modern styles, along with an impressive collection of art and historical artifacts housed within its libraries.
Next on our tour is The State Theatre New Jersey, a beautifully restored venue that has been entertaining audiences since it opened its doors in 1921. This landmark holds great cultural significance as it serves as a hub for performing arts across various genres—from Broadway shows to concerts—making it an essential part of New Jersey's artistic landscape. One unique feature you’ll notice is the theater’s opulent interior design reminiscent of classic movie palaces, complete with intricate plasterwork and luxurious seating arrangements.
Finally, we arrive at Johnson Park—a sprawling green oasis nestled along the banks of the Raritan River that offers visitors a peaceful retreat from urban life. Historically significant for being one of New Brunswick's oldest parks established over a century ago; it's cherished by locals for community events and recreational activities throughout all seasons. What sets this park apart are its picturesque walking trails lined with cherry blossom trees during springtime bloom and scenic views perfect for picnicking or simply enjoying nature’s beauty.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Washington, DC to New Brunswick, 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 New Brunswick, NJ, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Washington, DC to New Brunswick, NJ trains use the Union Station to New Brunswick Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Washington, DC and New Brunswick, 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.
New Brunswick Station is 1 km from New Brunswick city centre. Public transport options include:
New Brunswick Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Old Man Rafferty's, The Frog and The Peach
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at New Brunswick Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at New Brunswick Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at New Brunswick Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at New Brunswick Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at New Brunswick Station: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include The Heldrich Hotel, Hyatt Regency New Brunswick, Rutgers University Inn.
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