Traveling by train from Burlington to Washington, D.C. offers a scenic, comfortable, and eco-friendly alternative to flying or driving. Whether you’re planning a business trip, a family vacation, or a solo adventure, Amtrak Burlington to Washington service provides a seamless journey through the heart of the Northeast.
Amtrak Burlington to Washington Overview
Travel from Burlington to Washington, D.C. with Amtrak for a scenic and stress-free rail adventure.
| Category | Vermonter (Direct) | Ethan Allen Express + Northeast Regional (Connecting) |
|---|---|---|
| Train Number | 54 (BTN → WAS) | 290 (BTN → NYP) + Transfer to NEC Train (e.g., 93, 95, Acela) |
| Departure (BTN) | 9:44 AM (Daily except Tue) | 10:10 AM (Daily) |
| Arrival (WAS) | 10:28 PM | 8:00 PM–11:30 PM (varies by connection) |
| Travel Time | 12 hours 44 min | 10–14 hours (including transfer) |
| Transfers | None (Direct) | 1 (New York Penn Station/NYP) |
| Key Stops | Essex Jct, Springfield, New Haven, NYC, Philadelphia, Baltimore | Rutland, Albany, NYC (then direct to WAS via NEC) |
| Frequency | 6x/week (No Tuesday) | Daily |
| Seating Options | Coach, Business Class | Coach, Business Class (on NEC trains), Acela (premium) |
| Amenities | Free Wi-Fi, Power Outlets, Café Car, Bike Storage | Free Wi-Fi, Power Outlets, Café Car (on both segments) |
| Baggage Policy | 2 Carry-Ons + 2 Checked Bags (Free) | Same as Vermonter |
| Sample Fare (One-Way, 2024) | $50–$120 (Coach), $180–$250 (Business) | $70–$150 (Coach), $200+ (Business/Acela) |
| Best For | Travelers avoiding transfers | Faster option if connection is tight (Ethan Allen arrives NYP ~3:25 PM) |
| Official Website | https://www.amtrak.com/home.html | —— |
Routes of Amtrak Burlington to Washington
The Amtrak Burlington to Washington route offers a scenic and efficient journey connecting Vermont to the U.S. capital. Here’s a breakdown of the typical route:
| Train | Route | Key Stops | Duration |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vermonter (Train 56) | Direct: Burlington (BTN) → DC (WAS) | Essex Junction (ESX), Montpelier (MPR), Springfield (SPG), Hartford (HFD), NYC (NYP), Philadelphia (PHL), Baltimore (BAL) | 12h 45m |
| Ethan Allen Express (Train 291/290) + Transfer in NYC | Burlington (BTN) → NYC (NYP) Transfer to: Northeast Regional (to WAS) Acela (to WAS) | Rutland (RUD), Saratoga Springs (SAR), Albany (ALB), NYC (NYP) → Then DC-bound trains | 11h (total) |
| Connecting Service (via Albany) | Burlington (BTN) → Albany (ALB) (bus/train) Albany (ALB) → DC (WAS) (Northeast Regional) | Albany (ALB), NYC (NYP), Philadelphia (PHL) | 13h+ |
Amtrak Burlington to Washington Schedule
Here’s a general overview of the Amtrak Burlington to Washington schedule, based on the most recent data:
| Route | Train Name | Departure (BTN) | Arrival (WAS) | Travel Time | Days Operated |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Direct | Vermonter (Train 54) | 9:44 AM | 10:28 PM | 12h 44m | Daily (except Tue) |
| Connecting | Ethan Allen Express (Train 290) → Northeast Regional/Acela | 10:10 AM | 8:00 PM–11:30 PM* | 10–14h* | Daily |
Amtrak Burlington to Washington Prices & Tickets
Affordable Amtrak Fares from Burlington to Washington: Ticket Options and Booking Tips.
| Train | Service Class | One-Way Fare (From) | Round-Trip (From) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vermonter (56) | Coach (Reserved) | $60 – $120 | $120 – $240 |
| Vermonter (56) | Business Class | $140 – $220 | $280 – $440 |
| Ethan Allen Express (to NYP) + Transfer | Coach (Reserved) | $100 – $180 (total) | $200 – $360 (total) |
| Acela (via NYP transfer) | Business/First | $200 – $400+ | $400 – $800+ |
Amtrak Comfort: Burlington to Washington
Traveling from Burlington to Washington with Amtrak means enjoying a journey designed for comfort and convenience. Here’s what you can expect onboard:
Seating & Space
- Spacious reclining seats with ample legroom in both Coach and Business Class
- Quiet cars available for a more peaceful ride
- Private rooms (Roomettes and Bedrooms) on connecting long-distance routes for added privacy and overnight comfort
Onboard Amenities
- Free Wi-Fi on most segments of the route
- Power outlets at every seat to keep your devices charged
- Café car offering snacks, beverages, and light meals
- Clean restrooms in every car
Baggage Allowance
- Two free carry-on bags and two personal items
- Checked baggage available at select stations
Amtrak Burlington to Washington vs. Other Travel Options
When comparing Amtrak Burlington to Washington with other travel options like flying, driving, or taking a bus, here’s how the choices stack up:
| Option | Duration | Cost (One-Way) | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak (Vermonter – Direct) | 12h 45m | $60 – $220 (Coach/Business) | Scenic, no transfers, Wi-Fi, spacious seats | Slowest option, delays possible |
| Amtrak (Ethan Allen + Transfer in NYC) | 11h (with transfer) | $100 – $400+ | Faster than Vermonter (if timed well) | Hassle of transferring in NYC |
| Flight (BTV → DCA/IAD) | 1.5h (flight) + 2h (airport time) | $150 – $400+ | Fastest option | Expensive, security lines, baggage fees |
| Bus (Greyhound/Megabus) | 14h – 16h | $50 – $120 | Cheapest option | Least comfortable, long ride, stops |
| Driving (~550 miles) | 9h – 10h | $90 – $150 (gas + tolls) | Flexible schedule, stops on your terms | Tiring, parking costs in DC |
Amtrak Burlington to Washington Travel Tips
Planning a train trip from Burlington to Washington, D.C. with Amtrak? Here are some smart travel tips to make your journey smooth, comfortable, and enjoyable:
| Category | Tips |
|---|---|
| Booking Tickets | Book 2–4 weeks early for the best fares. Check for discounts (students, seniors, veterans, AAA). Consider multi-ride passes if traveling frequently. |
| Best Time to Travel | Weekdays are cheaper & less crowded than weekends. Morning trains (e.g., Vermonter at 10:10 AM) have better on-time performance. |
| Seat Selection | Business Class offers more space, priority boarding (worth it for long trips). If in Coach, sit on the left side (better views of Hudson Valley). |
| Packing & Luggage | 2 carry-ons + 2 personal items allowed (no weight limit). Bring a portable charger (outlets available but limited). Pack snacks/drinks (no dining car on Vermonter, only café). |
| At the Station | Burlington (BTN) is small—arrive 30 mins early. Washington Union Station (WAS) is busy; allow extra time for connections. |
| Onboard Experience | Free Wi-Fi (but can be slow—download movies/books). Quiet Car available (no phone calls, great for work/sleep). Stretch legs during stops (longest break in NYC). |
| Delays & Issues | Winter delays possible (Vermonter is often late). Track status on the Amtrak app for real-time updates. If delayed, ask crew about vouchers for food/hotels. |
| Arrival in DC | Metro/Lyft/Uber easily available at Union Station. If staying, book hotels near Union Station or Downtown DC. |
Check Other Route: Amtrak Burlington to NYC
Conclusion
Traveling from Burlington to Washington, D.C. with Amtrak is a smart, scenic, and stress-free choice. Whether you’re journeying for business, leisure, or study, this route offers a unique blend of comfort, affordability, and convenience. With reliable daily schedules, beautiful views of the Northeast, and modern onboard amenities, Amtrak makes the long-distance rail experience enjoyable and rewarding. So next time you’re planning a trip to the nation’s capital, consider skipping the airport lines and highway traffic—let Amtrak take you there in style and ease.
FAQs on Amtrak Burlington to Washington
Yes, the Vermonter (Train 56) runs directly from Burlington (BTN) to Washington Union Station (WAS) (12h 45m).
The journey takes approximately 12 to 14 hours, depending on the transfer time and train availability.
The Vermonter departs Burlington at 10:10 AM and arrives in DC at 10:55 PM (daily).
Prices start at $60 (Coach) and go up to $220+ (Business Class). Book early for the best deals.
Yes, the Washington to Burlington Amtrak route is available daily, following the same path in reverse.
Passengers enjoy Wi-Fi, power outlets, café car, spacious seating, and clean restrooms on board.
Yes, you get 2 carry-ons + 2 personal items (no weight limits, but size restrictions apply).
Arrive 30 minutes before departure—it’s a small station with minimal lines.
Yes, 10% off for seniors (62+), 15% for students (with ID), and other promotions.
For the lowest fares, it’s best to book at least 2–4 weeks in advance, especially during peak travel seasons.