Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation

Washington DC and Boston

One-way rail trip from Washington, D.C. to Boston with CityPASS touring

Washington DC and Boston, a rail journey with Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak Vacations operates this five-day, four-night rail vacation that links Washington, D.C., and Boston, traveling one-way aboard the Northeast Regional in Coach class. The trip opens with two nights in the capital: day 1 brings an evening Monuments by Moonlight tour of the illuminated Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument, and day 2 adds a hop-on, hop-off tour with a guided stop at Arlington National Cemetery. On day 3 you check out, ride the train north, and check into a Boston hotel for two more nights, using the Boston CityPASS to visit the New England Aquarium while touring the Freedom Trail and the Paul Revere House. Lodging is selected from twelve hotel options spanning both cities and several comfort tiers. The pace suits independent travelers who want two well-explored East Coast cities and a single rail transfer between them, rather than a multi-stop tour.

What to know before you look closer

  • Hotels are chosen from 12 options across the two cities and several tiers, from the Holiday Inn Washington-Central/White House up to the Waldorf Astoria Washington DC and the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston, so comfort depends on which hotel you pick.
  • Only one meal, a dinner at the Union Oyster House on day 4, is included; other meals are on your own.

Day by day

  1. Day 1overnight: Washington, D.C.

    Your Journey Begins in Washington, D.C.

    Upon arrival in Washington, DC, check into your hotel for a two-night stay. Begin your exploration with the Monuments by Moonlight tour, where you'll witness the breathtaking beauty of the illuminated memorials and landmarks, including the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument.

  2. Day 2overnight: Washington, D.C.

    Washington, DC

    Dive deeper into the history and culture of the capital city with a full day of sightseeing on your hop-on hop-off tour. Explore the iconic neighborhoods and visit renowned attractions such as the Capitol Building and the Smithsonian Museums. Additionally, pay your respects at Arlington National Cemetery during a guided tour.

  3. Day 3railovernight: Boston

    Boston, MA

    Check out of your hotel this morning and take the train from Washington, DC, to Boston. Check into your hotel for a two-night stay and embark on a 2-day hop-on hop-off tour. Discover the historic charm of Boston, visiting sites like the Paul Revere House and Beacon Hill. Make use of the Boston CityPass for included entry to attractions such as the New England Aquarium.

  4. Day 4overnight: Boston

    Boston, MA

    Immerse yourself in the history of Boston as you continue exploring with the hop-on hop-off tour. Wander along the Freedom Trail and visit the USS Constitution Museum. In the evening, treat yourself to a delicious seafood dinner at the famous Union Oyster House.

  5. Day 5

    Your Journey Ends in Boston

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 1An evening Monuments by Moonlight tour shows the illuminated Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument.
  • Day 2A guided tour visits Arlington National Cemetery.
  • Day 3The Northeast Regional carries travelers from Washington, D.C., to Boston for a two-night stay.
  • Day 4The Boston CityPASS and a stroll along the Freedom Trail lead into a seafood dinner at the Union Oyster House.

Included

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

Questions travellers ask

Is the train fare included?
Yes, but only one-way. Amtrak Vacations includes Coach travel on the Northeast Regional from Washington, D.C., to Boston; getting home is arranged separately.
Is this trip guided or independent?
It combines independent, self-paced sightseeing on hop-on, hop-off tours in both cities with two guided elements: the Monuments by Moonlight tour and the Arlington National Cemetery tour.
What hotels are used?
You choose from 12 accommodation options across Washington, D.C., and Boston and across price tiers, including the Kimpton Hotel Monaco, Conrad Washington DC, Waldorf Astoria Washington DC, the Fairmont Copley Plaza, and Canopy by Hilton Boston Downtown.
How many meals are included?
One, a dinner at the Union Oyster House in Boston on day 4.

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