Amtrak Baltimore to Washington, D.C.: Travel Duration, Distance, and Train Availability - Overview

Traveling from Baltimore to DC is simple due to direct service and a short duration of 45 minutes to an hour. In total, 38 trains run daily between these two cities, mostly of the Northeast Regional and some NextGen Acela. Coaches and Business class cabins are the most used seating options for this journey, as the prices start from $5. Passengers can access free wifi, a dining cafe, a bicycle as a carry-on, and more as amenities. Additionally, Amtrak also has monthly passes for frequent passengers with a price limitation and a 10-ride ticket between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore.

Amtrak Baltimore to Washington, D.C.: Travel Duration, Distance, and Train Availability - Overview

Amtrak Baltimore to D.C Trip Details

The trip from Baltimore to DC is a short one and can be completed within an hour, depending on the train type. However, most trains complete the journey in around 40 to 45 minutes, and some take more than one hour.

Amtrak Trains between Baltimore and Washington, D.C Schedule

The schedule of the Northeast Regional reflects multiple train departures from both stations at different hours throughout the day. Furthermore, some operate only on weekdays, while some operate only on weekends.

Baltimore to Washington train departures

Amtrak DC to Baltimore:

Amtrak TrainsDeparture and Arrival TimingsDays of OperationDurationCoach prices start from Business Class Prices start from 
86 Northeast Regional 8.50 a.m. and 9.37 a.m.Monday to Friday 47 minutes $24$54
164 Northeast Regional 9.05 a.m. and 9.48 a.m. Saturday and Sunday43 minutes $17$36
124 Northeast Regional 8.20 p.m. and 9.05 p.m. Saturday and Sunday45 minutes $5$36
186 Northeast Regional 8.30 p.m. and 9.14 p.m.Monday to Friday 44 minutes $24$43
66 Northeast Regional 10 p.m. and 10.51 p.m. Saturday and Sunday51 minutes $14$39
82 Northeast Regional 10 p.m. and 10.51 p.m. Saturday 51 minutes $14$82
84 Northeast Regional 10.15 a.m. and 10.59 a.m. Monday to Friday 44 minutes $24$48
88 Northeast Regional 11.10 a.m. and 11.54 a.m.Saturday and Sunday44 minutes $17$48
94 Northeast Regional 2.05 p.m. and 2.48 p.m.Sunday43 minutes $24$43
96 Northeast Regional 1.10 p.m. and 1.53 p.m. Sunday43 minutes $17$36
100 Northeast Regional 7.27 p.m. and 8.07 p.m.Sunday40 minutes $20$43
104 Northeast Regional 6.35 p.m. and 7.19 p.m.Sunday44 minutes $14$39
106 Northeast Regional 1.50 p.m. and 2.36 p.m. Sunday46 minutes $24$54

Amtrak Baltimore to DC: 

Amtrak TrainsDeparture and Arrival TimingsDays of Operation DurationCoach prices start from Business Class Prices start from
95 Northeast Regional 1.27 p.m. and 2.35 p.m. Monday to Friday 1 hour 7 minutes $30$48
195 Northeast Regional 1.47 p.m. and 2.29 p.m. Saturday and Sunday42 minutes $17$36
99 Northeast Regional 4 p.m. and 5.10 p.m. Saturday and Sunday1 hour 10 minutes $20$39
171 Northeast Regional 3.33 p.m. and 5 p.m.Monday to Friday 1 hour 27 minutes $20$54
93 Northeast Regional 4.39 p.m. and 5.55 p.m. Monday to Friday 1 hour 16 minutes $20$39
87 Northeast Regional 5.48 p.m. and 7 p.m. Saturday and Sunday1 hour 12 minutes $5$36
161 Northeast Regional 4.51 p.m. and 5.33 p.m.Saturday and Sunday42 minutes $17$36
85 Northeast Regional 5.54 p.m. and 6.38 p.m.Monday to Friday 44 minutes $14$49
163  Northeast Regional 6.50 p.m. and 7.36 p.m.Saturday46 minutes $20$39
173 Northeast Regional 6.48 p,m. and 7.32 p.m.Monday to Friday 44 minutes $17$39
137 Northeast Regional 9.07 p.m. and 9.58 p.m.Monday to Friday 51 minutes $5$36
135 Northeast Regional 8.58 p.m. and 9.41 p.m.Saturday and Sunday43 minutes $24$43
165 Northeast Regional 10.53  p.m. and 11.40 p.m. Saturday and Sunday47 minutes $20$54

Cabins and Amenities on Amtrak Trains from Washington to Baltimore

Passengers can access the Amtrak Northeast Regional and NextGen Acela for traveling between Washington, D.C., and Baltimore. However, the frequency of Acela is much less compared to the Northeast Regional. 

Cabin Availability

As the Northeast Regional train offers frequent service between these two cities, it offers two cabin classes: Coaches and Business Class. Acela trains offer private cabins, though booking them isn’t recommended for such a short trip. 

Amtrak Coaches:

Passengers boarding a coach class can choose any open seat once on board. Two reclining seats are arranged with no middle seat, with trays. Along with this, reading lights and Amtrak electric outlets are present on each seat, while restrooms are located at the entrance of the cabin. Moreover, it is also the cheapest cabin available on the Northeast Regional for traveling to Baltimore or Washington.

Amtrak Business Class: 

By booking a business class cabin on Amtrak, guests can access fixed forward and backward seating. They can also change their seats once their booking is completed, depending on availability. It provides wide seats and a complimentary non-alcoholic beverage to all. In addition, passengers can get a 25% bonus points as Amtrak Guest Rewards .

Amenities on the Northeast Regional

Despite traveling on a short-distance journey, customers can have several amenities on board. 

  • Cafe Service: On this route from Amtrak Baltimore to Washington, a cafe is present on the train with a variety of meals, snacks, and beverages for sale. Private cabin fares include meals, while Coach and Business Class passengers must purchase them separately. 
  • Amtrak Wifi Onboard: Amtrak provides free internet through a public network suitable for light browsing, due to small bandwidth and unencrypted.
  • Pet Policy: Amtrak allows small dogs and cats with a reservation, as long as the pet and carrier weigh under 20 pounds. However, the pet must stay in the carrier throughout the journey.
  • Carry-on Bicycle: As per Amtrak’s baggage policy, Passengers may bring bicycles and folding scooters up to 50 lbs as carry-on items. Also, the size of the bicycle should be standard, and the maximum tyre width is 2 inches.

Ways to Save Discounts and Deals on Amtrak Baltimore to DC

On the Northeast Regional from Amtrak Baltimore to DC or vice versa, multiple discounts and deals are offered to specific category passengers.

  1. Amtrak Group Discount: Small groups of 8 people can save up to 60% on traveling through this train on this route.
  1. Amtrak Children Discount: A flat 50% discounts is available for children aged between 2 years and 12 years traveling with an adult. 
  1. Amtrak Student Discount: Students from any university with a valid ID card can access up to 15% discount on Amtrak Northeast Regional trains. 
  1. Amtrak Military DiscountUp to 10% discount is allowed to people 62 years or older traveling from Baltimore to DC.

Amtrak DC to Baltimore: Useful Tips 

Traveling from Washington DC to Baltimore via Amtrak is a quick ride, roughly an hour with several departures daily, and passengers can follow these tips. 

  • Station & Timing: Arrive at Washington Union Station (WAS) at least 30 minutes before departure. 
  • Train Options: Select from the faster Acela ($70+) or the standard Northeast Regional ($30+). 
  • Download the Amtrak App: The Amtrak app provides real-time updates of the Northeast Regional trains throughout the day.
  • Last-minute booking: Passengers can get tickets at the last minute, due to multiple departures per day. However, the pricing may vary depending on the availability of seats.
  • Monthly passes: Amtrak also offers monthly passes to frequent passengers traveling between Washington and Baltimore. 

The Northeast Regional train runs throughout the day, offering services between Amtrak Baltimore and DC. From both sides, more than 35 departures happen daily, with ticket prices starting at $5 in coaches. Moreover, several discounts are also available for senior citizens, students, children, and small groups. 

FAQs

How long does the train journey take between Baltimore and Washington, D.C.?

The journey between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. typically takes between 30 minutes and 1 hour. Most Northeast Regional trains complete the trip in approximately 40 to 45 minutes.

What is the distance between Baltimore and Washington, D.C.?

The distance between the two cities is approximately 38.6 miles.

Which Amtrak trains operate on this route between DC and Washington?

The route is primarily served by the Northeast Regional, with limited services by Acela trains.

How frequent are the train services on the Amtrak DC to Baltimore?

Trains operate several times throughout the day, with departures available nearly every hour in both directions.

Which stations are used for departure and arrival?

Trains depart from Baltimore Penn Station and arrive at Washington Union Station.

What is the typical ticket price for this Amtrak train from Baltimore to Washington, D.C.?

Coach fares generally start from around $5 to $30, while Business Class tickets may range from approximately $36 to $54, on an Amtrak train from Baltimore to Washington, D.C. 

What seating classes are available on this route?

The Northeast Regional offers Coach and Business Class seating. Acela trains provide a more premium travel experience, although they are less frequently available on this route.

Are private rooms available on this trip between Washington and Baltimore?

Private rooms may be available on certain Acela services; however, given the short duration of the journey, they are not commonly used.

Are pets allowed on the Northeast Regional on Amtrak?

Small cats and dogs are permitted, provided they remain in a carrier and meet Amtrak’s size and weight requirements.

Can passengers bring bicycles on board the Northeast Regional train?

Bicycles and folding scooters are allowed as carry-on items under Amtrak’s baggage policy on board the Northeast Regional train.

Aelric Novandar
THE AUTHOR

Aelric Novandar

Aelric Novandar is a rail travel researcher and content specialist at ZadRails. She focuses on simplifying train travel for passengers across the United States and Europe. With a strong interest in rail networks, station infrastructure, and passenger experience, Aelric creates well-researched guides covering train routes, railway stations, schedules, onboard amenities, and practical travel tips.

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