Distance from Boston to Washington DC
Complete travel guide for the 440-mile journey between Boston and Washington DC. Compare driving, flying, and train options for this historic East Coast route.
Total Distance
440 miles
708 kilometers
Driving Time
7 hours
Via I-95 South
Flight Time
1.5 hours
Direct flights available
Route Overview
The journey from Boston to Washington DC covers approximately 440 miles (708 kilometers) along the historic I-95 corridor. This route connects two of America's most important cities, passing through five states and numerous historic landmarks along the way.
Primary Route: I-95 South
- Distance: 440 miles (708 km)
- Estimated Time: 7 hours without stops
- Route: I-95 South through Providence, New Haven, NYC, Philadelphia, Baltimore
- Tolls: $40-60 (E-ZPass recommended)
Major Cities Along the Route
Providence, RI
50 miles from Boston • 1 hour drive
New Haven, CT
135 miles from Boston • 2.5 hours drive
New York City, NY
215 miles from Boston • 4 hours drive
Philadelphia, PA
315 miles from Boston • 5.5 hours drive
Baltimore, MD
400 miles from Boston • 6.5 hours drive
Washington DC
440 miles from Boston • 7 hours drive
Alternative Routes
I-84 West to I-81 South Route
Distance: 480 miles • Time: 8 hours
Avoids New York City traffic and tolls. Goes through Hartford, Scranton, and Harrisburg. Best for avoiding congestion but adds 40 miles and 1 hour.
Scenic Route 1 (Coastal)
Distance: 500+ miles • Time: 10+ hours
Follows the Atlantic coast through charming towns. Much slower but offers beautiful ocean views, historic sites, and coastal dining. Best for leisure trips.
Best Time to Travel
Best Times
- • Early morning (5-6 AM) departures
- • Late evening (after 8 PM)
- • Weekday mid-mornings (9 AM-12 PM)
- • Spring and fall for weather
Avoid These Times
- • Friday afternoons (3-7 PM)
- • Sunday evenings (4-8 PM)
- • Weekday rush hours (7-9 AM, 4-7 PM)
- • Holiday weekends
Cost Calculator
Customize Your Trip
Driving
Flying
Train Option: Amtrak
Acela Express
6.5-7 hours • $150-300
Northeast Regional
7.5-8 hours • $80-150
Benefits
WiFi, comfort, no traffic
💡 Tip: For 1-2 people, flying or train may be cheaper. For 3+ people, driving becomes more economical. Consider time value and convenience when deciding.
Things to Do Along the Route
In Boston (Starting Point)
Freedom Trail
2.5-mile historic walking trail through downtown Boston visiting 16 significant Revolutionary War sites.
Fenway Park
America's oldest baseball stadium, home of the Red Sox. Take a tour or catch a game.
Boston Common & Public Garden
Historic parks in the heart of the city. Perfect for a morning walk before your drive.
Quincy Market
Historic marketplace with food vendors, shops, and street performers. Great for breakfast.
Stops Along I-95
Mystic Seaport, CT
Living maritime museum with historic ships, exhibits, and waterfront village.
120 miles from Boston • 2 hours
Yale University, New Haven
Ivy League campus with beautiful Gothic architecture and world-class museums.
135 miles from Boston • 2.5 hours
Liberty Bell, Philadelphia
Iconic symbol of American independence. Free to visit in Independence National Historical Park.
315 miles from Boston • 5.5 hours
Inner Harbor, Baltimore
Waterfront area with National Aquarium, USS Constellation, and dining options.
400 miles from Boston • 6.5 hours
Fort McHenry, Baltimore
Historic fort where the Star-Spangled Banner was written during the War of 1812.
405 miles from Boston • 6.5 hours
Annapolis, MD
Maryland's capital with colonial architecture, Naval Academy, and waterfront dining.
420 miles from Boston • 6.75 hours
In Washington DC (Destination)
National Mall
2-mile park with monuments, memorials, and Smithsonian museums. All free admission.
Smithsonian Museums
19 world-class museums including Air & Space, Natural History, and American History.
U.S. Capitol & White House
Iconic government buildings. Capitol tours available with advance reservation.
Lincoln Memorial
Stunning monument honoring Abraham Lincoln. Beautiful at night with reflecting pool views.
Georgetown
Historic neighborhood with cobblestone streets, boutique shopping, and waterfront dining.
Arlington National Cemetery
Military cemetery with Tomb of the Unknown Soldier and changing of the guard ceremony.
Pro Tip: Split the Journey
Consider breaking the 7-hour drive into two days with an overnight stop in Philadelphia or Baltimore. This allows you to explore these historic cities and arrive in DC refreshed. Philadelphia offers Independence Hall, Reading Terminal Market, and the Rocky Steps. Baltimore features the Inner Harbor, Fort McHenry, and excellent seafood.
Travel Tips & Recommendations
Gas & Fuel Stops
- Fill up in Boston before leaving - gas is cheaper than Connecticut/New York
- Major rest stops: Milford CT, Vince Lombardi NJ, Maryland House
- Use GasBuddy app to find cheapest prices along I-95
- Plan for 2-3 fuel stops depending on tank size
Food & Dining
- New Haven: Famous for New Haven-style pizza (Frank Pepe, Sally's)
- Philadelphia: Reading Terminal Market for diverse food options
- Baltimore: Inner Harbor for seafood and crab cakes
- Pack snacks and water to save time and money
Traffic & Tolls
- Get E-ZPass for faster toll payment and discounts ($40-60 in tolls)
- NYC area is worst for traffic - avoid 7-9 AM and 4-7 PM weekdays
- Use Waze or Google Maps for real-time traffic updates
- Baltimore Beltway (I-695) can be congested - plan accordingly
Safety & Preparation
- Check vehicle before departure: tires, oil, fluids, lights
- Have emergency kit: spare tire, jumper cables, first aid
- Download offline maps in case of poor cell service
- Share your route and ETA with someone for safety
Seasonal Considerations
Spring (Mar-May)
Pleasant weather, cherry blossoms in DC. Moderate traffic.
Summer (Jun-Aug)
Hot and humid. Heavy vacation traffic, especially weekends.
Fall (Sep-Nov)
Best time to drive. Beautiful foliage, comfortable temperatures.
Winter (Dec-Feb)
Risk of snow/ice. Check weather forecasts. Carry winter gear.
Money-Saving Tips
- • Book flights 6-8 weeks in advance for best prices ($100-200 vs $250-400)
- • Consider Amtrak Northeast Regional ($80-150) instead of Acela ($150-300)
- • Pack lunch and snacks instead of highway rest stop food
- • Use hotel points or book accommodations outside DC center for lower rates
- • Most DC attractions are FREE (Smithsonian museums, monuments, memorials)
Frequently Asked Questions
Related Routes
Quick Navigation
Quick Facts
Distance
440 miles
Drive Time
7 hours
Flight Time
1.5 hours
Best Route
I-95 South
💡 Pro Tip: Leave early morning (5-6 AM) to avoid NYC traffic and arrive in DC by early afternoon.