Dc To New Brunswick: Travel Guide

New Brunswick, New Jersey, is approximately 175 miles from Washington, DC, and can be reached by bus or train. The bus journey takes around 4 hours, and tickets can be purchased online or via a mobile app. The train journey is served by Amtrak and typically costs around $83.

Travel by bus

Travelling by bus from Washington, D.C. to New Brunswick, NJ is a great option, with several bus companies offering comfortable and affordable journeys. The journey takes between 3 hours 30 minutes and 6 hours 45 minutes, depending on the bus company and traffic conditions. Here is a step-by-step guide to travelling by bus from DC to New Brunswick:

Step 1: Choosing a Bus Company

There are a few bus companies that operate between DC and New Brunswick, including FlixBus, OurBus, Greyhound, Infobus, New York Trailways, and Wanda Coach. FlixBus and OurBus are the most popular choices, offering comfortable and eco-friendly buses with amenities such as large and comfortable seats, toilets, Wi-Fi, and power outlets. They also offer competitive pricing, with tickets starting at $33.99 for FlixBus and $20 for OurBus.

Step 2: Booking Your Ticket

You can book your bus ticket online or through the bus company's mobile app. FlixBus offers various payment methods, including card, PayPal, and Google Pay. OurBus also offers hassle-free, mobile-friendly booking on their website or app. Both companies provide drop-down calendars to help you find the best prices for your chosen travel dates. It is recommended to book in advance to secure the lowest fares.

Step 3: Departure and Arrival Locations

When travelling from DC to New Brunswick, the departure location is usually Union Station in Washington, DC. Union Station is easily accessible and allows for connections to Amtrak and other local bus lines. The arrival location in New Brunswick is typically the New Brunswick Bus Station at 24 French Street, located across from the New Brunswick train station.

Step 4: Onboard Experience

Both FlixBus and OurBus offer comfortable and enjoyable onboard experiences. FlixBus buses have large and comfortable seats, toilets, Wi-Fi, and power outlets. They also have a Real-Time Bus Tracker that allows you to monitor your bus's location and arrival time. OurBus buses are also equipped with similar amenities, including free Wi-Fi, sanitized bathrooms, complimentary bottled water, extra legroom, and power outlets. They also offer real-time tracking and notification features.

Step 5: Arrival and Connections

Upon arriving at the New Brunswick Bus Station, you will be within easy reach of the city's attractions. New Brunswick is known for its ethnic diversity and cultural offerings, including museums, theatres, and music concerts. The city is also home to Rutgers University. From the bus station, you can easily connect to other local bus lines or explore the city on foot.

Travel by train

If you're travelling from DC to New Brunswick, NJ by train, you'll be departing from Washington DC's Union Station and arriving at the New Brunswick station on French and Albany Streets. The train station in New Brunswick was built in 1903 and is within walking distance of Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, Johnson & Johnson world headquarters, and Rutgers University.

There are two daily trains from DC to New Brunswick, both of which are direct. The average journey time is 2 hours and 56 minutes, but the Amtrak Palmetto train can make the trip in 2 hours and 47 minutes. The Amtrak Northeast Regional train also offers a daily trip and has large seats with extra legroom and power outlets, free WiFi, and clean bathrooms.

The price of a train ticket from DC to New Brunswick varies depending on when you book. On average, tickets cost around $84, but you can find cheaper tickets if you book at least 28 days in advance. Same-day bookings tend to cost around $76 more than bookings made in advance. The cheapest tickets are usually available for travel in February, while April is typically the most expensive month.

Compare prices for different transport options

When comparing prices for different transport options from Washington, DC, to New Brunswick, NJ, it's important to consider factors such as cost, travel time, and convenience. Let's explore the options:

Bus

Taking the bus is a popular choice for this route. FlixBus is a well-known provider, offering multiple trips per day. The bus ticket price varies depending on the day and time of travel. Generally, Wednesdays tend to be the cheapest day to travel, with prices starting from $28, while Fridays are the most expensive, with prices starting from $34. Evening travel is typically more affordable than afternoon trips. Booking in advance is recommended to secure lower prices and desired travel times. The journey by bus takes approximately 3 hours and 30 minutes to 4 hours, depending on traffic.

Train

Train travel is another option for this journey. The average train ticket price is around $83, but prices can start as low as $79 if booked in advance. The train journey covers a distance of approximately 175 miles, and there are direct train services available. The first train typically departs Washington, DC, around noon, and the last train leaves in the early afternoon.

Car

Alternatively, you could consider renting a car for the journey. While this option provides flexibility and control over your travel schedule, it's important to consider factors such as fuel costs and potential tolls along the route. The distance between DC and New Brunswick is approximately 211 miles, and the travel time will depend on traffic conditions and your chosen route.

In summary, bus travel offers the most economical option, with prices starting as low as $20, while train travel provides a balance between affordability and speed, and renting a car gives you the most flexibility but may come with additional costs.

Plan for onward travel in DC

When planning onward travel from DC, there are a few transport options to consider. Firstly, you can travel by bus. FlixBus offers four daily services from New Brunswick Station to Washington DC Union Station, with tickets starting from $28. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 39 minutes, but this can vary due to traffic. Another bus company, OurBus, offers tickets from $17, with a journey time of around 4 hours.

If you prefer to travel by train, you can take the Amtrak service from Washington DC's Union Station to New Brunswick Station. This station is within walking distance of Rutgers University, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital, and the Johnson & Johnson world headquarters.

For those who want to explore more of the region, renting a car is a great option. This gives you the freedom to visit nearby destinations such as Middleburg, Virginia, or St. Michaels, Maryland, both of which are around 40 miles from DC and offer a range of attractions, including historic sites, vineyards, and restaurants.

When travelling by plane, it's important to remember that some countries and airlines require proof of onward travel. This can be provided by purchasing a refundable or cheap ticket to another destination, or by using miles to book a flight that can be cancelled later.

Explore New Brunswick's attractions

New Brunswick, New Jersey is a great place to visit, with a range of attractions to suit all interests. The city is easily accessible by bus or train and is known for its ethnic diversity, museums, theatres, and music concerts. Here are some of the top attractions to explore during your visit:

George Street Playhouse

The George Street Playhouse is a dynamic performing arts centre that hosts a variety of productions, from plays to ballets. The theatre has comfortable seating, ample leg room, and a bar open before the performance and during intermission. It is located in the heart of the city and is within walking distance of a parking garage, making it a convenient and enjoyable cultural experience.

Zimmerli Art Museum

The Zimmerli Art Museum, located on the Rutgers University campus, showcases a diverse range of art, including Russian and subversive art from the Soviet period, as well as French and American works. The museum is free to visit and often features special exhibits curated with unique and thought-provoking pieces.

Rutgers Gardens

Rutgers Gardens is a 180-acre botanical garden that is part of Rutgers University. It features designed gardens, plant collections, a student farm, a farmers market, and natural habitats. The gardens serve as a living laboratory for faculty and staff while providing experiential learning opportunities for students. Visitors can enjoy special events and activities throughout the year, making it an excellent choice for families.

Kirkpatrick Chapel

The Kirkpatrick Chapel, also located on the Rutgers University campus, is a beautiful chapel built in 1873 in the High Victorian Gothic Revival Style. It is known for its scarlet interior and exceptional acoustics. The chapel hosts events such as the annual Christmas in Carol and Song and is a popular choice for weddings and other special occasions.

Monument Square Park

Monument Square Park is a picturesque park located in front of the Heldrich hotel in the theatre district. It features a monument and fountain and is a great place to relax and enjoy the outdoors. The park is easily accessible, with a public parking garage nearby.

First Reformed Church

The First Reformed Church is a historic church dating back to 1742. It offers a sense of history and a quiet, contemplative atmosphere away from the city noise. Visitors can explore the small historic graveyard and learn about the impressive history of the church and its grounds.

New Brunswick has something for everyone, from cultural experiences to outdoor exploration. Whether you're interested in art, history, or simply enjoying the city's vibrant atmosphere, there is plenty to discover and enjoy during your visit.

Frequently asked questions