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! Hop on a train from Union Station, enjoy the beautiful scenery as you ride for a few hours, explore a new city, and then head home again, it’s the perfect day! These are eight of the best easy day trips from Washington DC by train.

1. Philadelphia
Flickr/Peter Miller
Philadelphia, PA, USA
Flickr/Peter Miller
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. Read all about some of the best things to do in Philadelphia in our previous article.
2. New York
Flickr/Allan Harris
New York, NY, USA
Flickr/Sam valadi
You can get to New York City in less than three 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. Take a peek at all the attractions in New York.
3. Baltimore
Flickr/Forsaken Fotos
Baltimore, MD, USA
Flickr/dpbirds
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. Learn more about all there is to do in Baltimore in our previous article.
4. Harpers Ferry
Flickr/Andrew Aliferis
Harpers Ferry, WV 25425, USA
Flickr/smilia4
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. Discover why Harpers Ferry makes the perfect day trip from Washington DC.

5. Frederick
Flickr/Mr.TinDC
Frederick, MD, USA
Flickr/Ron Cogswell
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. Did you know that Frederick was named one of the coolest small towns in America?
6. Charlottesville
Flickr/John Mueller
Charlottesville, VA, USA
Marie Hickman / Getty Images
The trip to Charlottesville is a pretty 2.5-hour 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. Did you know that Charlottesville is one of the best places to live in the United States?

7. Richmond
Flickr/BeyondDC
Richmond, VA, USA
Flickr/Ron Cogswell
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. Here are 15 reasons Richmond is the
8. Williamsburg
Flickr/A Currell
Williamsburg, VA, USA
Flickr/Ron Cogswell
You can do Williamsburg in a day from DC, but it will just be a long day. Williamsburg is about three and a half hours away by train. Once there, you can enjoy the historic colonial era town. Tour historic homes or see live reenactments. Read more about this inexpensive road trip destination in our previous article.

What do you think, are these the best train trips in Washington DC? Let us know in the comments. Then plan to explore these 16 small towns near Washington DC!

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Everyone has to visit Washington DC at least once, right? One time is more than sufficient, too, to fall in love with our nation’s capital. You don’t have to have a ton of money to find things to do in Washington DC, either, and it’s brimming with amazing destinations, such as:

 

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Can we all agree that Washington DC is darn near perfect, especially when it comes to location? We’re flanked by Northern Virginia and Maryland, and we’re just a few hours’ drive from countless cities and towns. If you’re looking for the best getaway spots and day trips near Washington DC, you’ll find plenty of them, whether you’re heading out for the day or for the weekend. Have you been to Culpepper in NOVA? If not, make it a priority. While it’s picture-perfect all year around it’s also a fun summertime destination. The best part just might be the darling downtown area that’s brimming with shops and restaurants. For what just might be the most incredible, old-fashioned town in all of NOVA, make your way to Old Town Alexandria. It’s like stepping back in time with its waterfront views and adorable downtown. You could spend all day exploring the shops and eateries. Don’t forget about Maryland, either, where you have such charming towns as Annapolis and Sykesville.

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