Posted in D.C.
January 14, 2017
8 Incredible Day Trips You Can Take From Washington DC By Train
One of the absolute best things about Washington DC is its close proximity to so many amazing cities and destinations. When you feel like you have explored and seen enough of DC, you can easily escape to another close-by destination. And if you really want a fun day of it, you can take the train! Hopping on a train from Union Station and enjoy beautiful scenery for a few hours before enjoying a fantastic day trip and then heading home again. These are 8 best easy day trips from Washington DC.


Philly is only an hour and half a way from DC by train. You can arrive at the beautiful 30th Street Station before exploring the historic and fun city. Grab a cheesesteak, see the Liberty Bell and see the sights in this fun day trip.


You can get to New York City in less than 3 hours by train! New York offers a wonderful escape for those who want to see a Broadway show, do some shopping or just experience the city before making their way back to the quieter DC.


This 40 minute trip is a perfect day trip for Washingtonians. Explore the Inner Harbor, head to the Aquarium or catch an Orioles game at Camden Yards before heading back to DC.


The train to Harpers Ferry is a gorgeous ride up through the wooded hills and past the Potomac and Shenandoah Rivers. Harpers Ferry is a 19th century village surrounded by a National Historical Park which offers tours, museums, hiking and biking trails for visitors.


You can take the MARC train to Frederick, Maryland. Frederick is a charming little town known for eclectic artists and antique shops, craft fairs and a thriving culinary scene. It’s a two hour train ride from DC to Frederick and is a great quick getaway.


The trip to Charlottesville is a pretty two and half trip by train. Charlottesville is well known for their historic sights, such as Thomas Jefferson’s home at Monticello. They also have more than 20 vineyards and wineries on the Monticello Wine Trail.


It’s a three hour trip down to Virginia’s capital. Richmond will give you plenty to do in a day trip. The thriving downtown scene is full of world-class restaurants and incredible breweries. If you head there in the warm months, you can kayak or swim and tube on the James River.


You can do Williamsburg in a day from DC but it will just be a long day. Williamsburg is about 3 and half hours away by train. Once there, you can enjoy the historic colonial era town. Tour historic homes or see live reenactments.
Looking for more day trips? Explore these 16 small towns near Washington DC!