Washington, D.C.: By Train

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By Train

More than 80 trains a day arrive at Washington, D.C.'s, Union Station. Amtrak's regular service runs from D.C. to New York in 3¼-3¾ hours and from D.C. to Boston in 7¾-8 hours. Acela, Amtrak's high-speed service, travels from D.C. to New York in 2¾-3 hours and from D.C. to Boston in 6 1/2 hours.

Two commuter lines -- Maryland Rail Commuter Service and Virginia Railway Express -- run to the nearby suburbs. They're cheaper than Amtrak, but they don't run on weekends.

Fares & Schedules

Amtrak tickets and reservations are available at Amtrak stations, by telephone, through travel agents, or online. Amtrak schedule and fare information can be found at Union Station as well as online.

Train Information

Amtrak (800/872-7245. www.amtrak.com). Maryland Rail Commuter Service ([MARC]. 800/325-7245. www.mtamaryland.com). Union Station (50 Massachusetts Ave. NE. 202/371-9441. www.unionstationdc.com). Virginia Railway Express ([VRE]. 703/684-1001. www.vre.org).

Reservations

Amtrak has both reserved and unreserved trains available. If you plan to travel during peak times, such as a Friday night or near a holiday, you'll need to get a reservation and a ticket in advance. Some trains at nonpeak times are unreserved, with seats assigned on a first-come, first-served basis.