Route snapshot
| Stations | Boston South Station to Washington Union Station |
|---|---|
| Train | Northeast Regional and Acela |
| Travel time | about 6h 30m to 8h 30m |
| Typical fare | roughly $80 to $250+ each way |
| Frequency | Several departures daily |
Acela or Regional for a full-day trip
Over this distance the Acela saves close to an hour or more. Pick it only if the price gap is small, since the Regional has the same comfortable seats and more departures.
Plan for a long ride
Bring a charger and food, and use the quiet car if you need to work. Check whether your specific train runs straight through or needs a change.
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Station guides and more trips
Planning this trip? See the station guides for Boston South Station and Washington Union Station, or browse all train tickets from Boston and from Washington DC. To save money, read our guide to cheap train tickets or learn how to book a train.
Frequently asked questions
How long does the train from Boston to DC take?
About 6.5 hours on the fastest Acela and up to 8.5 hours on some Regional trains.
Is the train a good alternative to flying from Boston to DC?
For many travelers yes: city-center stations and generous baggage rules offset the longer time.