Going by train from Boston to Washington, D.C., is one of the easiest and most pleasant ways to travel up and down the U.S. East Coast. If you're going on a family holiday, visiting friends or taking a work trip, the train is hard to beat as a balance of comfort, reliability and city-center convenience.
Travel, for families in particular, can be exhausting long drives and airport woes may take even the most enthusiastic of travelers and drown them in stress. Traveling by train takes much of that burden off, and gives the whole family some breathing room to stretch out, move around and actually enjoy the journey. FamelyTravel, which specializes in family-friendly itineraries, advice and booking tips, is now helping many travelers plan their Boston-Washington trip.
The Boston to Washington route travels through the heart of the Northeast Corridor, now one of the nation's busiest and most interconnected rail corridors. Trains are available regularly, stations relatively centralized and wait time at the bus stop or train station is consistent.
Instead of sitting in two hours of traffic (or navigating security at an airport), you step onto the train in downtown Boston and step off right in downtown Washington. This is why the train is especially popular among families, seniors and for anyone who's traveling together with children.
Another major benefit is flexibility. There are lots of departures throughout the day, so it's relatively straightforward to find suggested times that suit your family's schedule and whether you want an early start or a later departure.
The vast majority of passengers on the route are carried by Amtrak service. Here's how to decide between them, depending on your needs. The general way to the Northeast is by the Northeast Regional. It provides a good seat, fair pricing, and regular service. It's a good choice for families as it does cost and comfort well.
The Acela is a speedier, more luxe ride. It has reserved seating, dedicated quiet cars and shorter travel times. And although it costs more, some families like that they can smooth out the ride and reduce travel time when traveling with older kids. Both services are from Boston South station to Washington Union Station and the entire journey is easy.
Travel from Boston to Washington varies from 6.5 hours on the fastest train, 8 hours with intermediate stops.This can seem long at the beginning, though a surprising number of travelers find it surprisingly doable. You're not paying attention to the road, for one thing (or at least are supposed not to be), and you're also not enduring long waits at airports, as you do with flying. Kids can use it to read, watch movies, take a nap; adults can utilize it to work or unwind.When it's done right, the journey feels like part of the trip rather than just a chore.
When you are traveling with family, PLANNING IS EVERYTHING. This is where FamelyTravel comes in! Instead of sifting through the diffuse information, FamelyTravel offers routes, tips and booking advice that make sense for families.
FamelyTravel will often focus on the Train from Boston to Washington:
And by employing FamelyTravel as part of your planning, it's possible to avoid some of the more common mistakes (taking too close a look at departure times, for example, or underestimating what entails travel with children).
Normally train travel on this route is comfortable and laid-back. Seats are wider than airplane seats, and legroom is much roomier; you can also get up and stretch your legs whenever you feel the urge.
Insider tip Most Amtrak trains supply Wi-Fi and power outlets, so that will keep older children entertained and adults in the loop. Café cars offer snacks, drinks and restrooms, but many families pack their own food to save money and accommodate children's tastes.Restrooms are also easily accessible, a minor inconvenience that's actually when you're traveling with kids.
One of the best things about train travel is how easy it is to manage your baggage. There are no strict weight limits comparable to airlines, and you don't need to pay additional fees for ordinary bags.
Families will be able to bring strollers and backpacks and even suitcases with little or no fretting over their size or cost. It makes packing so much less of a headache and lets you bring what you actually need.
It's not often you visit between Boston South Station, Washington Union Station both are major transportation centers. They provide access to restrooms, food options and waiting areas as well as easy connectivity to local transit.
Washington Union Station, in particular, is near many attractions such as museums and government buildings. This is to say, you can often be sightseeing shortly after arrival with a minimum of transfer time.
Driving, That's anywhere from 7 to 9 hours driving, not even including rest stops! This can soon be exhausting for families. And there is traffic and long toll passes ques their, most of the time you lost the enjoyment of the trip due to this small things.
Flying is quicker in the air, but with travel to the airport and through security, waiting at gates, baggage claim not so much. Traveling with children can also be more stressful on airplanes. The train provides a compromise: Set schedule, less stress and friendlier environs for families and young travelers.
The answer, for many families, is yes. The flexibility to move around, easy access to restrooms and the opportunity to avoid long security lines on the train are part of what make it particularly attractive.
With the help of sites such as FamelyTravel, for example, families can plan their trip in a manner that works best for them, ultimately leading to fewer headaches and improved travel experiences for all.
Most trains are between six and eight hours, depending on the service.
For families, the Northeast Regional is typically the best combination of comfort and price.
Most families find the train less stressful because there is more space and fewer regulations.
Yes, booking in advance often yields better prices and easier seating together.
Yes, FamelyTravel specializes in family-friendly travel advice and can help you plan your routes and timing.
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