City to city
Washington, DC to Baltimore by Train
You can travel directly from Washington, DC to Baltimore on the Acela, Northeast Regional, Carolinian or Vermonter, with the trip taking about 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on the service you choose.
| Train | Approx. time | Runs | Overnight | Change needed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Carolinian | about 30 minutes to 1 hour | Daily in each direction | No | No, direct |
| Acela | about 30 minutes to 45 minutes | Frequent trains every day | No | No, direct |
| Northeast Regional | about 30 minutes to 1 hour | Many trains a day | No | No, direct |
| Vermonter | about 30 minutes to 1 hour | Daily in each direction | No | No, direct |
The short trip between the nation's capital and Maryland's largest city is one of the busiest rail corridors in the country. Passengers have a wealth of choices for this route, with four different Amtrak services making the journey every day as of 2026. Whether you are commuting for business, connecting to flights or visiting for leisure, the train offers a practical alternative to driving. With frequent departures, you can easily find a schedule that fits your plans. Booking in advance is recommended to secure the best fares, especially during peak travel times.
Your train options
Four direct services operate on this route. The Acela runs frequent trains every day, taking about 30 minutes to 45 minutes. It offers Business Class, First Class and a Café car. New NextGen Acela trainsets entered service from August 2025 and replace the original fleet over time. The Northeast Regional provides many trains a day, taking about 30 minutes to 1 hour, with Coach, Business Class and a Café car.
Additionally, the Carolinian and the Vermonter both run daily in each direction, taking about 30 minutes to 1 hour. Both feature Coach, Business Class and a Café car. None of these trips involve overnight travel.
When choosing your train, the Acela is the fastest option and caters to premium travelers with First Class. The Northeast Regional offers the most flexibility with its high frequency. The Carolinian and Vermonter are good alternatives if their daily schedules align with your departure time.
The journey
The journey from Washington, DC to Baltimore is a quick sprint north across Maryland. If you travel during the day, you will see the urban and suburban landscapes transition as you leave the capital. The route involves fast running across Maryland, though the brevity of the trip means you will arrive before you know it. Those traveling after dark will mostly see city lights and passing station platforms.
Most trains run non-stop between the two cities. However, the Acela and the Northeast Regional stop in between at Linthicum. The Carolinian and Vermonter do not have any scheduled stops between Washington and Baltimore. Because the ride is so short, passengers usually spend the time catching up on work, having a quick snack from the Café car or simply watching the Maryland scenery pass by the window.
The stations
Your trip begins at Washington, DC Union Station, which opened in 1907 near the US Capitol. It is a major hub where many trains change crews or locomotives between the electrified Northeast Corridor and the South. A long term expansion and rebuilding program is under way. Metro Red Line, MARC and VRE commuter trains connect here.
You will arrive at Baltimore Penn Station, a 1911 Beaux Arts building located north of downtown. Light rail and MARC commuter trains connect at this station. It is served by the Acela, Northeast Regional and several long distance trains.
Tips
- Book your tickets early by reading the Amtrak and VIA booking tips to find the lowest fares.
- Check the departure boards at Washington Union Station carefully, as many different trains use the same platforms.
- If you want a faster trip, choose the Acela, which completes the journey in about 30 minutes to 45 minutes.
- Keep your luggage close, as the short travel time means you will need to disembark soon after departing.
Questions travellers ask
Is there a direct train from Washington, DC to Baltimore?
Yes, every train listed is direct. You can choose from the Acela, Northeast Regional, Carolinian or Vermonter without needing to change trains along the way. The trip is a simple, direct ride between the two cities.
How long does the train take from Washington, DC to Baltimore?
The travel time depends on the service you select. The Acela is the fastest, taking about 30 minutes to 45 minutes. The Northeast Regional, Carolinian and Vermonter take slightly longer, averaging about 30 minutes to 1 hour.