Nj to DC easy 4 day train trip

Question

This is actually a review of a recent trip with tips for anyone interested in an easy train trip from nj to dc.

Took amtrack from Philadelphia 30th st. station. Can get there by nj transit. We took train from west trenton to Philly, cost was $9 one way. Amtrak to union station in dc on a Monday was approx $60 round trip with return to Philly Thursday leaving around 10 am.

Stayed at the melrose georgetown hotel aporox $225 a night. Hotel was nice but could use a bit of a refresh, at least in our room. Cool lobby vibe from this historic hotel. Nice bistro tables out front to relax or plan dinner. The location was perfect in my opinion. Easy to get to from metrostation foggy bottom 2 blocks away. Trader joes across street for essentials. A mini store next door that has breakfast sandwhiches and beer / wine.

Very good restaurant choices within a 10 minute walk. Particularly fond of chef geoff's, reasonable prices, great menu choices and excellent food and service.

National mall a 10 minute metro ride from foggy bottom to smithsonian station on the mall.

From foggy bottom back to union station takes less than 30 minutes with a transfer at metro center station. The metro system is easy to figure out and the station managers were friendly and helpful if you have questions.

The whole experience, from the georgetown location to riding the metro to the mall area was pleasant. A few homeless here and there but always felt safe.

Walked the entire mall loop the first full day to see all the monuments, went to many mall museums the second day.

Overall a great experience that did not break the bank and was a breeze in terms of travel there and back. Train costs were aporox $80 total per person. When fuel, tolls and parking costs are considered for comparison, the low stress train option is a no brainer.

If you live in nj, the train to dc is a great way to go.

Answer

If you're considering an easy 4-day trip from New Jersey to Washington DC, taking the train via Amtrak is a convenient and low-stress option, especially if you want to avoid driving, tolls, and parking hassles.

Here is a detailed breakdown of how a typical trip can work based on a recent experience:

Start by taking NJ Transit from your local station to Philadelphia's 30th Street Station. For example, a ride from West Trenton to Philly costs about $9 one way.
From Philadelphia, take Amtrak to Union Station in DC. On weekdays, round-trip fares can be around $60 per person if booked in advance.
Arriving at Union Station, you can easily use DC’s Metro system to reach your hotel or explore the city. Metro station managers are helpful and the system is straightforward to navigate.

Accommodation example:

Melrose Georgetown Hotel: Approximately $225 per night. The hotel offers a historic feel, comfortable lobby space, bistro tables outside, and proximity to restaurants and shops.
Location benefits: Only 2 blocks from Foggy Bottom Metro Station, Trader Joe's across the street for essentials, and a mini store nearby for breakfast sandwiches, beer, and wine.
Nearby dining options: Chef Geoff’s and several other restaurants within a 10-minute walk offer excellent menus, reasonable prices, and attentive service.

Getting around DC:

From Foggy Bottom to the National Mall: About 10 minutes on the Metro to Smithsonian Station.
Return trip to Union Station: Less than 30 minutes with a transfer at Metro Center.
Walking the National Mall is feasible for full-day sightseeing, including monuments, memorials, and nearby museums.

Trip highlights:

First day: Walked the entire National Mall loop to see monuments and memorials.
Second day: Visited multiple Smithsonian museums along the Mall.
Overall experience: Comfortable, low-cost, and convenient compared to driving, especially when considering fuel, tolls, and parking fees.

Tips:

Train travel reduces stress and allows you to enjoy the city without worrying about traffic.
Even though some areas may have visible homelessness, the city felt safe and welcoming.
Plan your Metro rides ahead to maximize sightseeing efficiency, especially during peak tourist hours.

Summary: Traveling from NJ to DC via train is economical, efficient, and easy to manage for a short 4-day trip, making it an excellent choice for those seeking a hassle-free urban getaway.

Nj to DC easy 4 day train trip

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