Is it better to fly or take the train to Boston?

The train is more comfortable and arrives in the city center, while flying is faster for pure transit time.

How long is the drive to Boston?

The drive typically takes 10 to 12 hours depending on traffic through the I-95 corridor.

Does Amtrak have Wi-Fi?

Yes, Amtrak offers free basic Wi-Fi on all Northeast Regional trains.

What is the best airport for Boston?

Logan International Airport (BOS) is the primary airport and is accessible via the Blue Line subway.

Are there direct flights from DCA?

Yes, American Airlines and JetBlue operate frequent direct flights from DCA to BOS.

Fort Washington

Boston

Train Flight

Fort Washington to Boston

Updated: 28 May 2026

The journey from Fort Washington to Boston spans approximately 450 miles along the dense Northeast Corridor. You can access the route via Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport or by driving north on I-95. Amtrak provides a seamless rail connection from Union Station in Washington DC directly to South Station in Boston. The route traverses major urban centers including Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City. Expect heavy traffic if driving through the I-95 corridor during peak weekday hours.

Total Distance: 725 km driving, 650 km air distance.

Fastest Way

Flight from DCA to BOS takes 90 minutes in the air, though airport security adds 2 hours.

Cheapest Way

Amtrak Northeast Regional booked in advance offers the best value for city-center to city-center travel.

Compare Fort Washington to Boston Routes

	Train Direct	Flight Direct
Duration	8 hours	1 hour 30 mins
Avg Price	$80 - $250	$120 - $350
Operator	Amtrak Northeast Regional	American Airlines
Route	Union Station to South Station via Philadelphia and NYC.	DCA to BOS.
Tip	Book at least 14 days in advance to secure lower bucket fares on the Northeast Regional.	Use the Metro Yellow Line from the Fort Washington area to reach DCA efficiently.

Travel Tips

Station Access
Take the MARC train or Metro to Union Station to avoid expensive parking fees.
Luggage
Amtrak allows two carry-on bags and two personal items, which is more generous than most airlines.
Traffic
Avoid driving through New York City on I-95 between 3 PM and 7 PM to save hours of time.
Public Transit
Purchase a CharlieCard for the MBTA subway system to navigate Boston cheaply.
Dining
Try the local clam chowder at Quincy Market for an authentic culinary experience.

Safety Tips

Station Safety
Stay in well-lit areas at South Station if arriving late at night.
Crowds
Keep your wallet in a front pocket while walking through high-traffic tourist areas like Faneuil Hall.
Weather
Check for coastal storm warnings if traveling during winter months.
Navigation
Use official transit apps to track subway delays in real-time.