Explore the Amtrak Vermonter: Journey Through 9 States from D.C. to the Canadian Border

Because there’s nothing more picturesque than a train ride through Vermont.

Looking out the window of a train as the landscape changes from dense inner city to colorful countryside is surprisingly calming—not to mention scenic. Those who want to see it all—from dense forests and rolling hills to towering skyscrapers and stunning city sights—only need to secure a ticket on Amtrak’s Vermonter, which runs from downtown Washington, D.C. to St. Albans, Vermont, near the U.S.-Canada border.

Along the way, the train cuts through major hubs like Baltimore, Philadelphia, and New York City before making its way to the rural corners of Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont. Consequently, the Vermonter passes through nine states and the District of Columbia, making it one of the most relaxing ways to see the wooded northeast landscape and experience some of the biggest cities in the country.

During the week, the full Vermonter route takes just under 13 hours, so travelers board just after 8 a.m. in Washington, D.C. and arrive in St. Albans before 9 p.m. On weekends, the arrival time remains the same, but the train departs Washington, D.C. a half-hour earlier—at 7:30 a.m.

Here’s what you need to know to best experience this special nature- and city-studded route through the northeast.

Highlights on Amtrak’s Vermonter Route

The train departs from Washington, D.C.’s Union Station, which is conveniently located just north of the U.S. Capitol building. If you have time, you can explore the Washington Monument and stroll through the National Mall on your way to the train station.

Once the train leaves the station, it travels toward Baltimore, making a few stops before it passes along the Man O War Shoal, the last large relic oyster reef in the Upper Chesapeake Bay. After visiting Philadelphia and Trenton, New Jersey, the Vermonter reaches the Big Apple with a stop at Penn Station.

Following the stop in New York City, the Vermonter glides along the northern bank of Long Island Sound before heading north through central Connecticut and Massachusetts.

From there, the train follows the Vermont-New Hampshire border, dipping into both states as it journeys north toward Canada. In Vermont, the train stops at some of the state’s most picturesque communities, including Brattleboro, Bellows Falls, Waterbury, and Essex, which is just east of Burlington. It also halts in Montpelier, the capital city of Vermont, home to the beautiful Camel’s Hump State Park, a popular spot for picking up some maple syrup.

The train finally arrives in St. Albans, located near the shores of Lake Champlain, which is merely a 25-minute drive to the Canadian border.

Seating on Amtrak’s Vermonter Route

The entire Vermonter route typically takes around 13 hours, although it may run slightly longer on weekends. Therefore, since travelers board around 8 a.m. and disembark around 9 p.m., there’s no need for overnight seating or cabins.

On the Vermonter, there are two straightforward seating options: coach and business class. The seats in coach recline and offer ample legroom, at-seat trays, reading lights, and electrical outlets. Notably, there is no middle seat. The Vermonter’s business class includes all the amenities of coach, along with extra legroom, a wider seat, and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages.

Dining on Amtrak’s Vermonter Route

When it comes to meal options, all travelers can visit the dining car, which features a menu that includes breakfast sandwiches and bagels for breakfast, as well as grilled flatbread paninis and hearty salads for lunch and dinner. Cocktails, beer, and wine are also available for purchase.

Perks on Amtrak’s Vermonter Route

To enhance comfort, the Vermonter provides amenities such as Wi-Fi aboard the train. Passengers may also bring their pets along for the journey, provided they weigh 20 pounds or less. Moreover, since the Vermonter travels to regions of the northeast that simply beg to be explored, travelers can bring their bikes on board.