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Washington DC to New York train

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Washington DC - New York Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are 28 daily trains from Washington DC to New York. Traveling by train from Washington DC to New York usually takes around 3 hours and 17 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Acela train can make the trip in 2 hours and 46 minutes.

Distance204 mi (328 km)
Fastest train2h 46m
Lowest price$41.16
Trains per day27
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Northeast Regional
Train lines7

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from Washington to New York

(Based on 234 ratings and reviews)

4.8

4.0

Richard

January 27, 2023- Visiting friends

Amtrak Northeast Regional

the price is higher than buying at Amtrak kiosk

the price is higher than buying at Amtrak kiosk

5.0

ATSUSHI

January 25, 2023- Solo travel

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: No time loss trip for attending concert with reasonable cost in one day round trip between DC and NY returning next morning. Cons: Greyhound leaving gate number No 82 is difficult to find in display at bus port 8th Ave in NY. Tips: Above if person uses Bus NY to...

Pros: No time loss trip for attending concert with reasonable cost in one day round trip between DC and NY returning next morning. Cons: Greyhound leaving gate number No 82 is difficult to find in display at bus port 8th Ave in NY. Tips: Above if person uses Bus NY to DC.

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5.0

Marylyn

January 18, 2023- Visiting friends

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Excellent service

Excellent service

4.0

Ayesha

January 17, 2023- Solo travel

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: The ease and quickness of the trip. Cons: More time to determine the gate the train is leaving.

Pros: The ease and quickness of the trip. Cons: More time to determine the gate the train is leaving.

4.0

Nathaniel

January 3, 2023- Solo travel

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Timeliness. Cons: Wifi and atmosphere.

Pros: Timeliness. Cons: Wifi and atmosphere.

Washington DC to New York Route Map

Washington New York

Train service from Washington DC to New York

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How do you find cheap train tickets from DC to NYC?

In the last month, $143.69 was the average price of a train ticket from Washington to New York. Tickets are generally somewhat expensive for this particular train route, which is to be expected given the long distance. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 26 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $102.00 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

$219$146$73JanFeb

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Washington DC to New York will vary between C$133 and C$207. Planning a train trip to New York within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Washington over the next 7 days is C$143. Make sure to book your trip as soon as possible as train fares tend to go up as you get closer to your travel date.

Monthly average prices

$199$159$119$80$40MAMJJASONDJF

If you are trying to decide when to travel from Washington DC to New York by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for January. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just C$116 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Washington DC to New York in May, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to C$193 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you have a high chance of scoring a ticket at a lower price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$299$239$179$119$603020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 26 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to New York from Washington will be about C$102.00 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from Washington DC to New York?

There are 7 train lines with service from Washington to New York. Amtrak Northeast Regional is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 15 trains each day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak23h 0m$241.82
Amtrak Acela82h 51m$287.60
Amtrak Carolinian13h 20m$213.80
Amtrak Crescent13h 51m$208.77
Amtrak Northeast Regional153h 31m$121.75
Amtrak Palmetto13h 26m$153.46
Amtrak Vermonter13h 13m$156.91
  • Amtrak

    Amtrak

    Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 2 Amtrak trains from Washington to New York every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $41.

  • Amtrak Acela

    Amtrak Acela

    The Acela is Amtrak’s flagship high-speed rail service. Connecting 15 cities along the Northeast Corridor of the United States, the Acela is Amtrak’s fastest running passenger train, developing a speed of up to 82.2 mph. Acela trains are equipped with free high-speed internet, power outlets and extra comfortable seats. In addition, all Acela passengers have access to the line’s signature Corridor Café where they can unwind and enjoy a freshly prepared meal with a glass of wine. There are 8 Acela trips from Washington to New York every day, including the weekend. As it is Amtrak’s most premiumly priced service, the average Acela train ticket for this route costs around .

  • Amtrak Carolinian

    Amtrak Carolinian

    The Amtrak Carolinian is a passenger train service which connects New York City and Washington, DC to some of the most charming destinations in North Carolina. The Carolinian runs an average of 1 trips per day between Washington and New York, all of which include seats with extra legroom, free WiFi, power outlets, and snacks available in the Café car. The average Amtrak Carolinian ticket price for this route is , and the trip usually lasts around 3 hours and 20 minutes.

  • Amtrak Crescent

    Amtrak Crescent

    The Crescent is Amtrak’s passenger train service that runs from New York to New Orleans by way of Atlanta. As an overnight service, the Crescent offers a variety of amenities and accommodation options. There’s also a café car where you can enjoy freshly prepared meals and a variety of soft and alcoholic beverages. Like all Amtrak trains, the Crescent offers free WiFi, power outlets and extra legroom. Train trips from Washington to New York take about 3 hours and 51 minutes and the cost of a one-way train ticket on the Crescent starts from $153.

  • Amtrak Northeast Regional

    Amtrak Northeast Regional

    The Northeast Regional is Amtrak’s passenger rail service that runs between Boston, MA and Virginia Beach, VA, connecting over 50 cities in the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions of the United States. While the line’s downtown-to-downtown train service makes traveling between the biggest cities in the Northeast convenient and hassle-free, the train’s amenities make the journey comfortable and relaxing as well. Amtrak passengers can enjoy large seats with extra legroom and power outlets, as well as free WiFi and clean bathrooms. With 15 daily train trips from Washington to New York, the Northeast Regional is the busiest and most popular among all Amtrak routes.

  • Amtrak Palmetto

    Amtrak Palmetto

    The Palmetto is an Amtrak train service that runs a total of 829 miles from New York City to Savannah, GA, connecting 20 cities from the Northeast to the Southeast along the way. Traveling from Washington to New York is comfortable and relaxing on the Palmetto, thanks to the train’s free WiFi, power outlets, and seating with extra legroom. You can pick from 1 daily departures along this route, with train ticket pricing at an average of on the Palmetto.

  • Amtrak Vermonter

    Amtrak Vermonter

    The Vermonter is an Amtrak passenger train that connects St. Albans, VT to Washington, D.C. by way of New York City. The journey is renowned for the beautiful scenic views that it presents as it passes through the Green Mountains and the Berkshires. Aboard the Vermonter, passengers can enjoy free WiFi, power outlets at every seat and extra legroom. You can also grab a bite to eat or enjoy a refreshing beverage from the train’s café. There are 1 Vermonter trains traveling from Washington to New York every day, with prices starting from $41.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a train from DC to New York City a good day trip?

Going by Amtrak from Washington, D.C., to New York makes for a long but very doable day trip. If you take the Acela, the train will take an average of 2 hours and 56 minutes, while the Northeast Regional will take about 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Your best bet is to plan a day trip for Saturday or Sunday. If you depart Union Station by 8 a.m., you’ll arrive into New York’s Penn Station before noon. That will give you ample time to get lunch, wander the city, and go to a 2 or 3 p.m. matinee.

Broadway shows rarely run longer than two hours, so after the show you can grab dinner, shop on Fifth Avenue or walk The High Line before heading home. If you leave by 8 p.m, you’ll arrive back in D.C. between 11 and 11:30, having spent a full eight hours in The Big Apple.

Is it worth taking the Acela over the regular Amtrak?

The Acela from D.C. to New York is probably not worth the price. It is only 16% faster than Amtrak’s other offerings, and would get you to your destination about 34 minutes ahead of a Northeast Regional train.

Between Union Station in D.C. and Penn Station in New York, the Acela makes 8 stops, mostly in bigger cities like Philadelphia and Baltimore. The Northeast Regional makes 16 stops in many smaller towns such as Aberdeen, Maryland and Princeton Junction, New Jersey.

The average price of the Acela for this route is around $200, whereas a Northeast Regional train ticket averages close to $100. Because the Acela isn’t that much faster than the Northeast Regional but is almost twice the price, it really isn’t worth it for this route unless you prefer the upgraded comfort and upscale amenities that Acela has to offer.

Is taking the train better than taking the bus or flying?

Taking the train from Washington, D.C. to New York is neither the cheapest nor the fastest travel option, but it’s a great way to get from one city to the next without compromising too much in either respect. The average train ticket price hovers just under $100, less than the price of a flight, and you can find tickets for even cheaper than that.

Trains usually take 3 to 3.5 hours whereas a nonstop, one-way flight from DC to New York takes about 1 hour 20 minutes and costs about $124, not including baggage fees. When you factor in having to arrive at the airport early, the difference in total travel time is negligible. The train is a good alternative for people who dislike flying and want to save some money.

The bus is the cheapest option, with tickets costing around $20 on average. However, bus rides take the longest, with an average travel time of 4 to 5 hours between DC and NYC.

Is it safe to travel by train from Washington to New York during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations.

Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.

How long is the train ride from DC to New York?

The distance between Washington DC and New York is approximately 204 miles, or 328 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 17 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 46 minutes. Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.

When are trains the most crowded?

Saturday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Washington DC to New York. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Saturday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Wednesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.

When are the first and last trains of the day?

The earliest train departs Washington DC at 4:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 10:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Is there a direct train from Washington DC to New York?

There are 28 scheduled trains on most days. 27 of these are direct connections to New York. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.

You can also take a train for your return trip from New York to Washington DC.

City Information

Washington DC

Washington, DC is the capital of the United States, and as such, it offers many points of interest of governmental and historical value. DC is home to several iconic landmarks, including the White House where the U.S. president resides, the Capitol building that houses the meeting chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the National Mall, where you can stop by the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the World War II Memorial. One of the reasons Washington, DC is among the best destinations to visit with your family is because it is home to so many world-famous museums, including the Smithsonians – 16 museums scattered across the District, most of which are open every day of the week, and even better, every single one is free.

D.C. is not just about politics and museums, though. The city’s active nightlife fittingly ranks it among the biggest party hubs in the country. Head to the vibrant Dupont Circle neighborhood to check out some of the finest restaurants that the nation’s capital has to offer, or join a food tour of Georgetown to get a taste of the area’s culture along with its cuisine.

Nested between Virginia and Maryland, Washington, D.C. is a key transportation hub with three nearby airports and several bus and train stations.

New York

NYC-0NYC-1NYC-2

New York is one of the most exciting cities in the world for a reason – it offers numerous opportunities for a great time to visitors of all ages and interests. For the culturally inclined travelers, the city boasts a unique collection of world-famous museums, as well as the chance to see the best plays and musicals that Broadway has to offer, or check out the latest production at the Metropolitan Opera. If sightseeing is your cardio, NYC is the place to be – just by walking around town, you can visit such iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building, the Brooklyn Bridge, and Times Square. Or hop on a ferry to Ellis Island to meet the Statue of Liberty up-close and personal.

NYC’s five boroughs feature more than 1,700 parks, including the gorgeous Central Park, making it one of the best cities for outdoor activities in the country. As for the nightlife, there’s no argument that New York City is the biggest party hub in the U.S.

With three major bus and train stations in Manhattan alone – Port Authority, Grand Central & Penn Station – and three nearby airports, NYC is one of the predominant travel hubs in the world. If you are ever looking to get out of town, NYC is centrally connected throughout the state and region, you can easily hop on a train to Albany to go explore upstate New York.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Washington DC?

Washington, DC - Union Station - DCAUST-0

Main departure station: Union Station

Opened more than 100 years ago in 1907, Union Station is the largest transportation hub in Washington, D.C. with almost 5 million travelers passing through it every year. As the official headquarters of Amtrak, Union Station is the main train station in the U.S. capital. It is also a major hub for intercity bus travel, serving as the main bus station in D.C. for a number of carriers, including Greyhound, BoltBus, Peter Pan Bus Lines and OurBus. Union Station offers easy transit connections to places all over D.C. with dedicated stops for the city’s metro, bus and streetcar services, as well as commuter rail for travelers to and from the surrounding areas. Additionally, with a full blown shopping mall on the premises, Union Station is also among the most popular shopping destinations in the nation's capital.

All train stations in Washington DC:

  • Union Station

  • 9431 West St

  • 825 Kemper St

  • 55 Norfolk Ave SW

  • Train Station - 810 W Main St

  • 110 Callahan Dr

  • VRE Station - 10399 Premier Ct

  • 111 South Commerce St

Where is the train station in New York?

New York, NY - Penn Station - NYCPEN-0

Main arrival station: NY Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station

Pennsylvania Station, or just Penn Station, is the main train station in New York City. All Amtrak trains to and from NYC use Penn Station as their only train stop in Manhattan. Penn Station offers easy connections to various other types of transportation, including commuter rail (the Long Island Rail Road and the NJ Transit both operate out of Penn Station), airport transit, and six lines of the NYC Subway, making it the busiest train station in the Western Hemisphere. Located in the heart of Manhattan, right by the world-famous Madison Square Garden, Penn Station is close to various points of interest such as Times Square and the Empire State Building, as well as many restaurants and retail stores.

Train stations in New York:

  • NY Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station

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