- Must visit
Peabody Essex Museum
Leading Salem museum with maritime art, Asian export art, and a notable historic house collection.
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Washington, DC to Salem, MA 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 Salem, MA will cost around DKK 1,273 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only DKK 1,273.
On Wed, Nov 04, we found 1 trains from Washington, DC to Salem, MA, including 1 direct services.
On Wed, Nov 04 the direct trains cover the 656 km distance in an average of 8 h 46 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h 46 m .
On Wed, Nov 04 the slowest trains will take 8 h 46 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 Salem, MA run on average 15 times per day, taking around 8h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at DKK 324 if you book in advance.
There are 15 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:20, the last at 22:00. The fastest train covers the 407 miles (656 km) distance in 6h 44m.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Washington, DC to Salem, MA.
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to Salem, MA trains for today, Tuesday, November 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:30 PM Washington, DC | 8h17 | 11:47 PM Salem, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:27 PM Washington, DC | 8h06 | 12:33 AM Salem, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:30 PM Washington, DC | 8h20 | 3:50 AM Salem, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, November 4 | |||||
![]() | 7:20 AM Washington, DC | 8h46 | 4:06 PM Salem, MA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Trains from Washington, DC to Salem, MA with Amtrak. Night trains available on this route with Amtrak. High-speed trains available on this route with Amtrak. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.
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 Salem, MA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Salem, MA trip today.
Leading Salem museum with maritime art, Asian export art, and a notable historic house collection.
Museum exploring the 1692 witch trials through documents, sets, and exhibits that frame Salem's complex history.
Small museum in a former jail and courthouse presenting witch trial history and broader Salem stories.
Pedestrian-friendly downtown street lined with shops, historic buildings, and easy access to many Salem sights.
Waterfront park with harbor views, gardens, public art, and broad lawns popular for walks and relaxation.
Historic waterfront area with wharves, brick buildings, and paths connecting maritime landmarks and harbor views.
Clam chowder is a New England staple made with clams, potatoes, cream, and salt pork. It is traditional along the Massachusetts coast and common in Salem.
Lobster roll features chilled lobster meat in a buttered split-top bun, often lightly dressed. It is a classic Massachusetts seafood favorite served in Salem.
Fried clams are whole clams coated and fried until crisp. They are a beloved North Shore seafood specialty often eaten with tartar sauce and fries.
Refined restaurant serving seasonal American dishes and seafood in an intimate, polished downtown atmosphere.
Casual spot popular for sandwiches and New England comfort food, especially roast beef and hearty pub-style plates.
Long-running local favorite for fresh seafood, lobster rolls, and fried platters with a relaxed neighborhood feel.
Moderate for US travel. Hotels can rise in peak season, but casual dining and local transport are fairly typical for a small tourist city.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants. Taxis usually get 10-15% or the fare rounded up. Cafes often use tip jars or screen prompts for small tips.
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 Salem, MA.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Washington, DC to Salem, MA 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 Salem, MA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Washington, DC to Salem, MA trains use the Union Station to station pair. Use this guide to compare Washington, DC and Salem, MA 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.