The Amtrak Vermonter: St. Albans to Washington, DC

The Vermonter is an excellent choice for travelers wanting to reach the ski resorts, cycling trails, and small towns of New England without driving. It appeals heavily to outdoor enthusiasts heading to Vermont, as well as students and commuters traveling between western Massachusetts, Connecticut, and major East Coast cities. Because it operates entirely during the day, passengers get uninterrupted views of the changing landscape. The route is especially popular during the autumn leaf season when the forests of New England turn vibrant colors. Whether you are planning a ski trip to Stowe or a weekend getaway to Washington, DC, this state-supported Amtrak service provides a comfortable and reliable alternative to highway travel.

Route overview

Operating daily as of 2026, the Vermonter runs between St. Albans in northern Vermont and Washington, DC. The entire journey takes about 12 hours end to end, covering approximately 611 miles. This is a daytime train, meaning there are no overnight segments and passengers experience the entire route in daylight. The southbound train departs Vermont in the morning and arrives in the capital by the evening, while the northbound train makes the reverse trip on a similar daytime schedule.

The route begins near the Canadian border and winds south through the Green Mountains. It stops at key Vermont towns like Essex Junction and White River Junction before crossing into Massachusetts. After calling at Springfield, the train continues south through Hartford and New Haven in Connecticut. From there, it joins the busy Northeast Corridor, making major stops at New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore before terminating at Washington Union Station. The schedule allows passengers to easily connect with other Amtrak services in the major Northeast cities.

What you see, section by section

St. Albans to White River Junction

The northernmost section of the route offers excellent scenery. Departing from St. Albans, the train travels south through the Green Mountains and follows the winding paths of the Winooski and White River valleys. Passengers traveling in the autumn leaf season will see spectacular displays of fall foliage. This beautiful section is usually seen in morning or afternoon daylight, depending on your direction of travel. Along the way, the train stops at Waterbury-Stowe, which provides access to the popular Stowe ski area.

Brattleboro to Springfield

After departing Brattleboro in southern Vermont, the train crosses into western Massachusetts. This segment closely follows the Connecticut River valley, offering pleasant views of the water and surrounding hills. The route passes through historic mill towns and rural landscapes before arriving at Springfield Union Station. Travelers usually pass through this area in midday or afternoon daylight, making it easy to appreciate the classic New England scenery along the riverbanks.

New Haven to Washington

South of New Haven, the Vermonter joins the electrified Northeast Corridor. The pace increases as the train travels through the densely populated coastal region. Passengers will cross into New York, stopping at Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station, before continuing south through New Jersey. The route then crosses the Delaware River into Pennsylvania, stopping at Philadelphia. Finally, the train speeds through Delaware and Maryland, calling at Baltimore before arriving in Washington, DC.

Classes and onboard

• Coach
• Business Class
• Café car

As a daytime train, the Vermonter offers Coach and Business Class seating. Coach class provides comfortable, reclining seats with ample legroom, fold-down tray tables, and access to power outlets. Passengers looking for extra comfort can upgrade to Business Class, which offers a dedicated car, slightly more legroom, and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. Since the journey takes about 12 hours end to end, having access to food on board is important. The train features a Café car available to all passengers. The Café car sells a variety of hot and cold meals, snacks, and beverages throughout the trip. Travelers are also welcome to bring their own food and drinks on board. Since there are no sleeper cars, choosing between Coach and Business Class simply depends on your budget and desire for a quieter environment during the trip.