We normally take Amtrak up and down the Northeast corridor because the travel time between flying (taking into account the time required for security and being at the airport an hour before departure) and taking the train is comparable. In addition, most train stations are in the city center versus an expensive cab ride to/from the airport.
But DC <-> Boston is one instance where taking the train does not make as much sense. If you take the Amtrak Regional, it is about 8 hours; Acela is not that much faster. US Airways has put DC <-> Boston nonstop service on sale. At $120, it will take you 4 hours travel time at most door-to-door versus the 8 hours on the train. We also did a price check versus Amtrak. Flying came in $20 cheaper and saves 4 hours — that is a win! What is The Shorthaul? Read here.
Leonard P. Zakim Bunker Hill Memorial Bridge Photo: Mistermuckle, used under Creative Commons License (By 2.0)
Sample Date:
- October 12th – 15th. Valid for travel from September 4th – November 14th. Use ITA Software Matrix Airfare Search and flexible month search to see availability. Must purchase by August 17th.
Routing:
- DCA – BOS (Boston) – DCA
Mileage:
- 796 miles
Amtrak is $140 and takes over 7 hours!
Booking:
- Use dates found on ITA Software Matrix Airfare Search and book at USAirways.com
- US Airways’ cancellation policy here
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