- Must visit
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
One of the world’s most visited natural history museums, known for dinosaur fossils, the Hope Diamond, and broad family-friendly exhibits.
Cheapest price
$83
Average price
$83
Fastest journey
2 h 55 m
Average duration
2 h 55 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
259 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from West Windsor Township, NJ to Washington, DC is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from West Windsor Township, NJ to Washington, DC will cost around $83 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $83.
Of the 1 trains that leave West Windsor Township, NJ for Washington, DC on Tue, Jul 07, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jul 07 the direct trains cover the 259 km distance in an average of 2 h 55 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 55 m .
On Tue, Jul 07 the slowest trains will take 2 h 55 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 West Windsor Township, NJ to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $49. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 27m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $49, and a flight costs an average of $214.
Distance: 160 miles (259 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$201 Average price | $235 Average price | $51 Average price Cheapest | $36 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 19m Average total duration 2h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 27m Average total duration Fastest 1h 27m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 55m Average total duration 3h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 22m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from West Windsor Township, NJ to Washington, DC:
A bus is $150 (€124) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from West Windsor Township, NJ to Washington, DC costing on average $201 (€165).
A bus is $184 (€151) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from West Windsor Township, NJ to Washington, DC costing on average $235 (€193).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 49m.
Bus takes on average 3h 25m.
You'll arrive about 33m sooner (2h 49m by train vs 3h 22m by car). Tickets start at around $201 (€165) compared to roughly $36 (€30) 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.
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 West Windsor Township, NJ to Washington, DC run on average 5 times per day, taking around 2h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $83 (€68) but you can travel from only $49 (€40) by bus.
There are 4 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:20, the last at 23:09. The fastest train covers the 160 miles (259 km) distance in 2h 40m.
Distance 160 miles (259 km) |
Average train duration 2h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $83 (€68) |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 4 |
Fastest train 2h 40m |
First train 3:20 AM |
Last train 11:09 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 21 days |
Discover the best of Washington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Washington trip today.
One of the world’s most visited natural history museums, known for dinosaur fossils, the Hope Diamond, and broad family-friendly exhibits.
Flagship Smithsonian museum covering aviation and spaceflight, with iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and major interactive exhibits.
Premier art museum with strong collections from the Middle Ages to modern art, plus sculpture garden and rotating exhibitions.
The city’s grand ceremonial park lined with Smithsonian museums, memorials, and iconic government buildings.
Historic neighborhood of cobblestone streets, waterfront walks, rowhouses, and some of Washington’s most photogenic corners.
Scenic waterside loop famous for cherry blossoms and views of major memorials, especially popular for sunrise and spring visits.
Washington’s signature sausage, usually smoky and spicy, served on a bun with chili, mustard, and onions. It is one of the city’s most iconic street foods.
A sweet-tangy sauce closely associated with Washington carryout culture, often paired with fried chicken wings and fries. It is a local comfort-food staple.
Steamed or picked blue crab from the nearby Chesapeake region is deeply tied to local food traditions. It is especially popular in warmer months.
Celebrated upscale restaurant with creative small plates and a warm, energetic atmosphere. It is one of Washington’s best-known modern dining destinations.
A classic, long-running Washington institution known for oysters, crab cakes, and traditional American fare in an elegant historic atmosphere.
Bustling brasserie known for polished French classics, strong brunch, and a stylish dining room that is popular with both locals and visitors.
Prices are high for hotels and dining, especially downtown. Free museums help balance daily costs.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5.
Official public transport app
Union Station, Washington, DC -> Metro Center, Washington, DC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from West Windsor Township, NJ to Washington, DC 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 Washington, DC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most West Windsor Township, NJ to Washington, DC trains use the Princeton Junction Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare West Windsor Township, NJ and Washington, DC train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Princeton Junction Station is 1 km from West Windsor Township city centre. Public transport options include:
Princeton Junction Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: PJ's Pancake House, Metro North
ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Princeton Junction Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Princeton Junction Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Princeton Junction Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Princeton Junction Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Princeton Junction Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hyatt Regency Princeton, Residence Inn by Marriott Princeton at Carnegie Center, The Westin Princeton at Forrestal Village.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need