4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ
Cheapest price
$12
Average price
$40
Fastest journey
2 h 20 m
Average duration
2 h 25 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
260 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Washington, DC to Princeton, 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 Princeton, NJ will cost around $40 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $12.
Of the 5 trains that leave Washington, DC for Princeton, NJ on Tue, May 26, 5 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, May 26 the direct trains cover the 260 km distance in an average of 2 h 25 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 20 m .
On Tue, May 26 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.
10:30 AM2h30Washington, DC1:00 PMPrinceton, NJ$121One-way0 transfers- 2:15 AM2h20Washington, DC4:35 AMPrinceton, NJ$191One-way0 transfers
- 1:15 AM2h20Washington, DC3:35 AMPrinceton, NJ$311One-way0 transfers
- 10:24 PM2h27Washington, DC12:51 AMPrinceton, NJ$581One-way0 transfers
- 11:20 AM2h27Washington, DC1:47 PMPrinceton, NJ$801One-way0 transfers
- 2:15 AM2h20Washington, DC4:35 AMPrinceton, NJ$191One-way0 transfers
- 1:15 AM2h20Washington, DC3:35 AMPrinceton, NJ$311One-way0 transfers
- 10:24 PM2h27Washington, DC12:51 AMPrinceton, NJ$581One-way0 transfers
- 11:20 AM2h27Washington, DC1:47 PMPrinceton, NJ$801One-way0 transfers
- 10:30 AM2h30Washington, DC1:00 PMPrinceton, NJ$121One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ 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 21m. 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 |
|---|---|---|---|
$57 Average price | $38 Average price Cheapest | $186 Average price | $53 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 53m Average total duration 2h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 10m Average total duration 3h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 21m Average total duration Fastest 1h 21m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 11m 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.
This is compared to other travel options from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ:
A bus is $19 (€15) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ costing on average $57 (€46).
A bus is $148 (€119) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ costing on average $186 (€150).
Other travel options to Princeton, NJ take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 23m.
Bus takes on average 3h 40m.
You'll arrive about 48m sooner (2h 23m by train vs 3h 11m by car). Tickets start at around $57 (€46) compared to roughly $53 (€43) 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
Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ train times
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ trains for today, Monday, May 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11:12 PM Washington, DC | 2h28 | 1:40 AM Princeton, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, May 26 | |||||
| 1:15 AM Washington, DC | 2h20 | 3:35 AM Princeton, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2:15 AM Washington, DC | 2h20 | 4:35 AM Princeton, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 10:30 AM Washington, DC | 2h30 | 1:00 PM Princeton, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 11:20 AM Washington, DC | 2h27 | 1:47 PM Princeton, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ 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.
May 26
May 27
May 28
May 29
May 30
May 31
Jun 01
Why should you book Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Amtrak, but also compare tickets for the likes of Amtrak to find the best option for your trip from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Amtrak with all available travel options, which are bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ
USAUSA
Trains from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ run on average 26 times per day, taking around 2h 23m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $12 (€10) if you book in advance.
There are 24 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 18m.
Distance 161 miles (260 km) |
Average train duration 2h 23m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 (€10) |
Trains per day 26 |
Direct trains 24 |
Fastest train 2h 18m |
First train 12:20 AM |
Last train 11:23 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 4 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Washington, DC and Princeton, NJ from $12 (€10). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
Traveling by train from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ
Traveling between Washington, DC and Princeton, NJ is a convenient journey made easy by Amtrak. The train service offers comfortable rides with scenic views along the way, making it an enjoyable experience for travelers. With multiple departures throughout the day, you can easily plan your trip to explore the rich history of Washington or the charming atmosphere of Princeton.
Train Connection: Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ
The train journey from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes. There are no direct connections available; however, there is typically 1 connection per day. Passengers will need to transfer during their trip as the route does not offer a non-stop service.
Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ
The first daily train departs from Washington, DC at 09:05 AM and the last journey of the day leaves Princeton, NJ at 10:35 PM. This schedule allows travelers ample time to explore both cities while enjoying a convenient rail connection between them.
Train Tickets Price for Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Washington, DC and Princeton, NJ is $11 (10€). The average ticket price typically hovers around $69 (62.1€), making it a budget-friendly option for travelers looking to explore these two cities.
Exploring Princeton University: A Journey Through History and Culture
Princeton University, founded in 1746, is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutions of higher learning in the United States. Its significance lies not only in its academic excellence but also as a birthplace for many influential leaders and thinkers who have shaped American history. As you stroll through its picturesque campus, you'll notice unique features like the stunning Collegiate Gothic architecture that reflects both tradition and innovation.
Nassau Hall, completed in 1756, stands as Princeton University's oldest building and has played a pivotal role throughout American history; it even served briefly as the capital of the United States during the Revolutionary War. This iconic structure symbolizes resilience and continuity within an ever-evolving educational landscape. Be sure to admire its grand façade adorned with intricate details that tell stories from centuries past while housing generations of scholars.
The McCarter Theatre Center opened its doors in 1930 and has since become a cultural cornerstone for performing arts enthusiasts across New Jersey. Renowned for hosting world-class productions ranging from theater to music concerts, this venue fosters creativity while nurturing local talent alongside international artists. Don't miss your chance to experience live performances here—it's where art comes alive against a backdrop steeped in rich artistic heritage!
FAQs: Trains from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Washington, DC to Princeton, 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 Princeton, NJ, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
Hotel
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Desk
- Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00
- Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00
- Free Wi-Fi in the station courtesy of Amtrak.
- Amtrak provides temporary luggage storage for $10 per bag for 24 hours for customers holding Amtrak tickets.
- 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
- Elevators, escalators, wheelchair access. Accessible facilities including restrooms, parking, platforms, ticket office, waiting room.
- Hyatt Recency Washington On Capitol Hill
- Phoenix Park Hotel
- Kimpton George Hotel
- Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00
- Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00
- Located on the train concourse of Level G near the Amtrak Waiting Area.
- 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 Washington, DC
More options for your journey from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Princeton, NJ and Washington, DC
Most popular train connections to Princeton, NJ
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