- Must visit
New Jersey State Museum
Excellent state museum with archaeology, fine art, natural history, and planetarium exhibits that introduce New Jersey's culture and science.
Cheapest price on Sep 16
$32
Average ticket price on Sep 16
$137
Fastest journey on Sep 16
2 h 20 m
Average journey duration on Sep 16
2 h 24 m
Trains on Sep 16
3
Distance
245 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Washington, DC to Trenton, 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 Trenton, NJ will cost around $137 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $32.
On Wed, Sep 16, we found 3 trains from Washington, DC to Trenton, NJ, including 3 direct services.
On Wed, Sep 16 the direct trains cover the 245 km distance in an average of 2 h 24 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 20 m .
On Wed, Sep 16 the slowest trains will take 2 h 27 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.






Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Washington, DC to Trenton, NJ among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $50 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 3h 12m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $50, while a flight costs an average of $671.
Distance: 152 miles (245 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$149 Average price | $50 Average price Cheapest | $671 Average price | $45 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 12m Average total duration Fastest 2h 42m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 58m Average total duration 3h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 59m Average total duration 3h 59m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 6m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.7 - 1.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() 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 |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Washington, DC to Trenton, NJ:
A bus is $99 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Washington, DC to Trenton, NJ costing on average $149.
A bus is $622 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Washington, DC to Trenton, NJ costing on average $671.
Other travel options to Trenton, NJ take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 28m.
Flight takes on average 3h 59m.
You'll arrive about 24m sooner (2h 42m by train vs 3h 6m by car). Tickets start at around $149 compared to roughly $45 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.
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to Trenton, NJ trains for today, Monday, September 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:25 PM Washington, DC | 2h20 | 10:45 PM Trenton, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:24 PM Washington, DC | 2h27 | 12:51 AM Trenton, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, September 15 | |||||
![]() | 1:15 AM Washington, DC | 2h20 | 3:35 AM Trenton, NJ | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, 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 Trenton, NJ run on average 18 times per day, taking around 2h 42m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $12 if you book in advance.
There are 17 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 00:20, the last at 23:23. The fastest train covers the 152 miles (245 km) distance in 2h 10m.
Distance 152 miles (245 km) |
Average train duration 2h 42m |
Cheapest ticket price $12 |
Trains per day 18 |
Direct trains 17 |
Fastest train 2h 10m |
First train 12:20 AM |
Last train 11:23 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of Trenton, NJ — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Trenton, NJ trip today.
Excellent state museum with archaeology, fine art, natural history, and planetarium exhibits that introduce New Jersey's culture and science.
Preserved British barracks from 1758 with strong Revolutionary War interpretation, immersive rooms, and family-friendly living history programs.
Visitor center and museum for a major Revolutionary battlefield, offering exhibits on Washington's 1776 campaign and the battle's impact.
Historic state park where Washington's army fought in 1776, combining open grounds, memorials, and strong Revolutionary War context.
Large Frederick Law Olmsted-designed park with lawns, lake views, trails, and the city museum, ideal for a relaxed local walk.
Historic downtown district with preserved 18th- and 19th-century buildings, galleries, and a walkable core tied to Trenton's past.
A Trenton classic: thin-crust tomato pie with cheese under a bright tomato sauce. Chambersburg bakeries made it a regional icon.
An Italian American sandwich of thinly sliced beef or cured meats, often with peppers and cheese, reflecting Chambersburg's old neighborhood foodways.
Slow-cooked Sunday gravy with pasta, meatballs, and sausage is a longstanding family meal tied to Trenton's Italian heritage.
Historic, no-frills institution best known for Trenton tomato pies. A must for the city's signature style and old-school atmosphere.
Upscale steakhouse and seafood restaurant with polished service, suited for a fine dining meal near downtown Trenton.
Beloved local pizzeria serving classic Trenton tomato pie in a casual family setting with deep neighborhood roots.
Moderate for the region: dining and hotels are usually cheaper than NYC, but costs are above many smaller US cities. Transit is manageable and casual meals stay fairly reasonable.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants, about 10-15% for taxis, and round up or leave $1 at cafes for good service.
Traveling between Washington, DC and Trenton, NJ is a convenient journey thanks to the reliable train service provided by Amtrak. With frequent departures throughout the day, passengers can enjoy comfortable seating and scenic views along the way. The trip typically takes around 2 hours and offers an efficient alternative to driving or flying. Whether you're heading for business or leisure, this connection makes it easy to explore both cities without hassle.
Traveling from Washington, DC to Trenton, NJ takes approximately 2 hours and 17 minutes. There are up to 15 direct connections available each day between these two cities. Passengers will depart from Union Station in DC and arrive at the Trenton Transit Center in NJ.
The first daily train journey departs from Washington, DC at 9:05 AM and the last departure is scheduled for 10:35 PM. This connection offers travelers a convenient way to explore the vibrant culture and attractions of both cities throughout the day.
The cheapest ticket price for a train journey between Washington, DC and Trenton, NJ is $11 (10€). This fare offers an economical option for travelers looking to explore the vibrant culture of both cities.
Welcome to the New Jersey State House, a stunning example of 18th-century architecture that has served as the seat of government since its completion in 1792. This historic building is significant not only for its role in shaping state legislation but also for being one of the oldest capitol buildings still in use today, showcasing beautiful murals and an impressive dome. As we explore inside, take note of unique features like the ornate chambers where pivotal decisions have been made and portraits depicting influential figures from New Jersey's rich political history.
Next on our journey is the Old Barracks Museum, which dates back to 1758 and played a crucial role during both the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. Its significance lies in its preservation as one of America’s few remaining military barracks from this era, offering visitors insight into colonial life through engaging exhibits and reenactments. Unique features include original artifacts such as uniforms and weaponry displayed within these historic walls that once housed soldiers preparing for battle.
Finally, we arrive at Trenton Battle Monument—a striking tribute commemorating those who fought valiantly during George Washington's surprise attack on Hessian forces here in December 1776. The monument stands tall at over 148 feet high; it symbolizes resilience while marking a turning point in America's fight for independence with great historical importance. Be sure to admire its intricate carvings depicting scenes from this decisive battle along with panoramic views overlooking Trenton—an experience you won’t want to miss!
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Washington, DC to Trenton, 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 Trenton, NJ, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Washington, DC to Trenton, NJ trains use the Union Station to Trenton Transit Center station pair. Use this guide to compare Washington, DC and Trenton, 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.
Trenton Transit Center has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Settimo Cielo, 1911 Smokehouse BBQ
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Trenton Transit Center. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Trenton Transit Center. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Trenton Transit Center: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Trenton Transit Center: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Trenton Transit Center: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Trenton Marriott Downtown, Lafayette Park Hotel and Suites, Wyndham Garden Trenton.
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