Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation

Boston and Washington DC

Boston to Washington DC rail trip with CityPASS and monument touring

Boston and Washington DC, a rail journey with Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak Vacations runs this five-day, four-night independent rail vacation from Boston to Washington, D.C., with the Northeast Regional train covering the one-way trip on day three. The first two days stay in Boston, with a hop-on-hop-off tour, the Boston CityPASS covering the New England Aquarium and Museum of Science, and dinner at the historic Union Oyster House. After the train south, two nights in Washington, D.C. include the Monuments by Moonlight tour of the illuminated memorials, a hop-on-hop-off tour that takes in the White House and the Smithsonian Museums, and an Arlington National Cemetery tour. Because sightseeing runs on hop-on-hop-off tours rather than an escorted tour director, the trip suits independent travelers who still want a fixed hotel and attraction plan in each city, including anyone with a strong interest in American history.

What to know before you look closer

  • The twelve accommodation options span a range of tiers and cities, from the Holiday Inn Washington-Central/White House to the boutique Kimpton Hotel Monaco; your actual hotel depends on the tier you choose.
  • Only one meal, a dinner at the Union Oyster House, is included across the five days.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Boston

    Your Journey Begins in Boston

    Upon arriving in Boston, check into your hotel for a two-night stay. Get ready to explore the historic city by taking advantage of the 2-day hop-on hop-off tour, which allows you to visit popular attractions at your own pace. With the Boston CityPass, you can enjoy admission to a selection of iconic sites, such as the New England Aquarium and the Museum of Science.

  2. Day 2overnight: Boston

    Boston, MA

    Continue your Boston adventure by hopping on and off the trolley to explore the city's rich history and vibrant neighborhoods. Make sure to save some time for dinner at the renowned Union Oyster House, where you can savor delicious seafood in a historic setting.

  3. Day 3overnight: Washington, D.C.

    Boston, MA to Washington, D.C.

    Travel south from Boston to the Nation's capital onboard Amtrak today. Check into your hotel for a two-night stay and prepare for an enchanting evening. Experience the Monuments by Moonlight tour, where you can marvel at the iconic memorials and landmarks illuminated against the night sky.

  4. Day 4overnight: Washington, D.C.

    Washington, DC

    Discover the nation's capital with a full day of exploration using your hop-on hop-off tour. Uncover the rich history and vibrant culture of Washington, D.C., as you visit renowned sites such as the White House and the Smithsonian Museums. Additionally, take an Arlington National Cemetery tour to pay homage to fallen heroes.

  5. Day 5

    Your Journey Ends in Washington, D.C.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1Arrival in Boston with the Boston CityPASS covering the New England Aquarium and Museum of Science, alongside a two-day hop-on-hop-off tour.
  • Day 2Dinner at the Union Oyster House, a historic Boston seafood restaurant.
  • Day 3An Amtrak train south from Boston to Washington, D.C., followed that evening by the Monuments by Moonlight tour of the illuminated memorials.
  • Day 4A full day in Washington, D.C. that includes the White House, the Smithsonian Museums, and an Arlington National Cemetery tour.

Included

  • One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Boston to Washington DC on the Northeast Regional®
  • 4 nights' hotel accommodations
  • 1 meal (1 dinner)

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes, one-way Amtrak Coach travel from Boston to Washington, D.C. on the Northeast Regional is included.
Is it escorted or independent?
Independent, with hop-on-hop-off tours in each city rather than a tour director.
Which train is used?
The Northeast Regional, taken one-way from Boston to Washington, D.C. on day three.
What hotels are used?
Twelve accommodation options across tiers and cities, from the Holiday Inn Washington-Central/White House to the Kimpton Hotel Monaco in Washington, D.C., and properties like the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston.
What sightseeing is included?
Hop-on-hop-off tours in both cities, the Boston CityPASS covering the New England Aquarium and Museum of Science, a Monuments by Moonlight tour, and an Arlington National Cemetery tour.
How many meals are included?
One, a dinner at the Union Oyster House.

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