The cheapest and fastest trainsfrom Washington, DC to Princeton, NJShowing times and prices for Jul 09
Cheapest price
$121
Average price
$160
Fastest journey
2h 26m
Average duration
2h 28m
Trains per day
2
Distance
242 km
Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ train with Amtrak
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 $67.
Distance: 161 miles (260 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$56 Average price | $37 Average price Cheapest | $183 Average price | $52 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 $56 (€46).
A bus is $145 (€119) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ costing on average $183 (€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 $56 (€46) compared to roughly $52 (€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, Thursday, July 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 90 Palmetto | 7:57 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h26 | 10:23 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 198 Northeast Regional | 9:15 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h29 | 11:44 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, July 10 | |||||
| 170 Northeast Regional | 5:05 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h22 | 7:27 AM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 130 Northeast Regional | 6:20 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h40 | 9:00 AM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 172 Northeast Regional | 7:06 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h31 | 9:37 AM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 172 Northeast Regional | 7:06 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h41 | 9:47 AM Princeton Junction Station at West Windsor, West Windsor Township, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 112 Northeast Regional | 7:40 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h36 | 10:16 AM Princeton Junction Station at West Windsor, West Windsor Township, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 56 Vermonter | 8:08 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h18 | 10:26 AM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 86 Northeast Regional | 8:50 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h27 | 11:17 AM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 174 Northeast Regional | 10:35 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h36 | 1:11 PM Princeton Junction Station at West Windsor, West Windsor Township, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 174 Northeast Regional | 10:35 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h26 | 1:01 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 84 Northeast Regional | 11:02 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h32 | 1:34 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 134 Northeast Regional | 11:56 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h29 | 2:25 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 94 Northeast Regional · 652 Keystone Service | 12:57 PM Alexandria Station, Alexandria, VA | 4h54 | 5:51 PM Princeton Junction Station at West Windsor, West Windsor Township, NJ | 1 transfer | |
| 184 Northeast Regional | 1:20 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h31 | 3:51 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 94 Northeast Regional | 2:00 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h26 | 4:26 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 148 Northeast Regional | 2:55 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h27 | 5:22 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 176 Northeast Regional | 3:30 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h30 | 6:00 PM Princeton Junction Station at West Windsor, West Windsor Township, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 178 Northeast Regional | 3:56 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h29 | 6:25 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 136 Northeast Regional | 5:00 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h28 | 7:28 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 138 Northeast Regional | 5:14 PM Alexandria Station, Alexandria, VA | 3h58 | 9:12 PM Princeton Junction Station at West Windsor, West Windsor Township, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 138 Northeast Regional | 6:35 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h28 | 9:03 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 138 Northeast Regional | 6:35 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h37 | 9:12 PM Princeton Junction Station at West Windsor, West Windsor Township, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 192 Northeast Regional | 7:12 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h28 | 9:40 PM Trenton Transit Center, Trenton, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
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.
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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
Most Washington, DC to Princeton, NJ trains use the Union Station to Trenton Transit Center station pair. Use this guide to compare Washington, DC and Princeton, NJ train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Washington, DC station do trains to Princeton, NJ leave from?
Getting to Union Station from Washington city centre
Union Station is 2 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station train station facilities and services
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 and drink
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
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station courtesy of Amtrak. ATMs are there are 2 ATM machines located on Level G.
Tickets and information
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 and lost property
Luggage storage is amtrak provides temporary luggage storage for $10 per bag for 24 hours for customers holding Amtrak tickets.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis.
Bike and car services
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, escalators, wheelchair access. Accessible facilities including restrooms, parking, platforms, ticket office, waiting room.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hyatt Recency Washington On Capitol Hill, Phoenix Park Hotel, Kimpton George Hotel.
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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