Wanderu Logo
Canada flag
$
Log in
background-img-buses-trains
chiku-desktop

New York to Washington DC train

chiku-mobile
Lowest Prices

We partner with the top bus & train carriers to bring you the best deals.

Best Travel Options

We help you find & compare the best buses & trains in one place.

Quick & Easy Booking

Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.

Fast Customer Support

We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.

Helpful info about taking the train from New York to Washington

  • The distance between New York and Washington DC is about 200 miles, as the crow flies. The driving distance is closer to 225 miles, and it takes between 4 and 5 hours to drive from NYC to DC with normal traffic. Meanwhile, the train ride from New York to DC takes only 3 hours and 23 minutes on average.

    • Although there is not a bullet train from New York to Washington DC, the Amtrak Acela qualifies as a high-speed train that reaches speeds of about 150mph. Acela trains travel from NYC to DC in as little as 2 hours and 42 minutes.

    • Commuting from NYC to Washington DC is possible, but you’d probably prefer doing it weekly and not daily. The best option is to commute by train, so you can use free WiFi onboard to get work done and avoid traffic that could cause delays for cars and buses. Frequent commuters often prefer the Acela train, since its faster speeds mean you reach DC in less time.

    • Train tickets from NYC to DC cost $147 on average. Tickets are often cheaper than this if you travel on the popular Northeast Regional line, but more expensive if you travel on the Acela train. Premium amenities and faster service push Acela towards the pricier side for a train ticket.

    • Frequent trains make it easy to get from New York to Washington DC without a car, and you won’t even need a car when you arrive thanks to the transit connections in DC. Amtrak trains from NYC arrive at Union Station, a transportation hub that connects to the red line of DC’s metro plus MARC and VRE commuter rail.

    • Your travel options to get from New York to Washington DC include Amtrak trains, intercity buses, flying, and driving. The fastest way to reach DC is technically by flying, but this does not account for the time spent getting to the airport, checking bags, waiting in security, and boarding/deboarding the plane. For shorter trips like these, it’s more convenient (and sustainable!) to take the train.

New York - Washington DC Train Schedule

Find cheap rental carsFind great deals on cheap cars in the area.
RentalCars logotypeRentalCars logotype
from$40.29

Trip Summary

There are 34 daily trains from New York to Washington DC. Traveling by train from New York to Washington DC usually takes around 3 hours and 23 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Acela train can make the trip in 2 hours and 42 minutes.

Distance204 mi (328 km)
Fastest train2h 42m
Lowest price$26.86
Trains per day32
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Northeast Regional
Train lines9

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from New York to Washington

(Based on 312 ratings and reviews)

4.8

4.0

Kenneth

May 28, 2023- Visiting friends

Amtrak Northeast Regional

comfortable and on time trip

5.0

Nieves

May 26, 2023- Vacation

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Enjoyed the comfort of the seats, the Monihan staff was courteous and caring with travelers in the wee hours of the day. The trip was smooth, no delays from NY to DC. Overall excellent trip. Cons: Seat selection is a must. People becomes nervous and guarded, ready to run in order to get a tandem seat for two. Tips: Traveling in the early morning is safe and you can enjoy a longer stay in a city when you choose to stay in a hotel.

4.0

Dawn

May 26, 2023- Couples trip

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Quick and affordable. Cons: Being able to use Moynihan Train Hall 24-7.

4.0

Gerard

May 24, 2023- Vacation

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Dat Amtrack goede treinen heeft. Cons: Het personeel opent maar een paar deuren van de trein, ook op grotere stations, dit maakt snel uitstappen moeilijk en veroorzaakt onnodig rijen; men creëert dat bewust!! Tips: Pas 10 minuten voor vertrek was duidelijk op welk perron trein vertrok, ook dat leidde tot een ‘instap-slang’.

5.0

Lauren

May 20, 2023- Visiting friends

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: train was perfectly on time. Cons: price. Tips: arrive on time because the train will leave.

New York to Washington DC Route Map

New York Washington
See more details

What is the price of a train ticket from New York to Washington DC?

In the last month, $158.28 was the average price of a train ticket from New York to Washington. 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 27 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $141.21 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

$242$161$81JunJun

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from New York to Washington DC will vary between C$137 and C$226. Planning a train trip to Washington within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from New York over the next 7 days is C$150. 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

$235$188$141$94$47JASONDJFMAMJ

Ticket prices for the train from New York to Washington DC often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only $148,

If you're thinking of traveling from New York to Washington DC during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $216 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$302$242$181$121$603020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 27 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Washington from New York will be about C$141.21 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

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

There are 9 train lines with service from New York to Washington. Amtrak Northeast Regional is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 17 trains each day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak33h 22m$326.96
Amtrak Acela92h 54m$330.04
Amtrak Cardinal13h 24m$201.85
Amtrak Carolinian13h 23m$165.01
Amtrak Crescent13h 48m$226.01
Amtrak Northeast Regional173h 36m$150.65
Amtrak Palmetto13h 21m$152.23
Amtrak Silver Service23h 32m$213.74
Amtrak Vermonter13h 24m$172.22

  • 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 3 Amtrak trains from New York to Washington every day, as well as 6 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $42.

  • 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 9 Acela trips from New York to Washington every day, including the weekend. As it is Amtrak’s most premiumly priced service, the average Acela train ticket for this route costs around .

  • The Amtrak Cardinal is a long distance passenger rail service from New York to Chicago, connecting a total of 31 cities. As one of Amtrak's most scenic train routes, the Cardinal is a popular train line connecting the Northeast to the Southeast, and offers top-notch comfort thanks to its seats with extra legroom, free WiFi, power outlets, and snacks available for purchase in the Cardinal Café. There are usually 1 Cardinal trips from New York to Washington per day, with an average trip length of 3 hours and 24 minutes.

  • 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 New York and Washington, 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 23 minutes.

  • 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 New York to Washington take about 3 hours and 48 minutes and the cost of a one-way train ticket on the Crescent starts from $185.

  • 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 17 daily train trips from New York to Washington, the Northeast Regional is the busiest and most popular among all Amtrak routes.

  • 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 New York to Washington 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.

  • The Silver Service is an Amtrak train line that runs from New York City to Miami, connecting the largest cities in the Mid-Atlantic region with key destinations in the South and many places across the Sunshine State. Two trains, the Silver Meteor and Silver Star, collectively comprise the Silver Service. The trains come equipped with a variety of sleeper cars that travelers taking an overnight train can choose from, as well as a variety of amenities like free WiFi, power outlets, and a café car. One-way train tickets for the Silver Service from New York to Washington start from $154 and the average train journey lasts about 3 hours and 32 minutes.

  • 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 New York to Washington every day, with prices starting from $27.

Frequently Asked Questions

The number of stops between New York City and D.C. depends on which train line you decide to take. The Amtrak Northeast Regional has 14 stops between New York City and D.C, among them major cities like Newark, Philadelphia and Baltimore. The Amtrak Acela only has 7 stops between NYC and D.C., including Trenton, Philadelphia, Wilmington and Baltimore.

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.

The distance between New York and Washington DC is approximately 204 miles, or 328 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 23 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 42 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.

"Because many passengers travel from New York to Washington DC at the beginning of the work week, Monday is usually the busiest day for trains. If you are planning to travel on a Monday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.

On the other hand, Friday is typically the least busy day for train travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Friday ticket is the way to go."

The earliest train departs New York at 2:00am 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.

There are 34 scheduled trains on most days. 32 of these are direct connections to Washington DC. 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 Washington DC to New York.

City Information

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.

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.

Station Information

Where is the train station in New York?

New York, NY - Penn Station - NYCPEN-0

Main departure 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.

All train stations in New York:

  • NY Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station

  • VIA Rail Canada Station

  • 329 Avenue St-Denis

  • Gare Centrale

  • Amtrak/Metro North Station

  • Metro-North Station - 1 Railroad Plz

  • Union Station

  • 525 Water St

  • New London Union Station

  • Back Bay Station - 145 Dartmouth St

  • Providence Station - 100 Gaspee St

  • South Station

  • 14 Railroad Ave

  • 1 Railroad Ave

  • 50 University Ave

Where is the train station in Washington DC?

Washington, DC - Union Station - DCAUST-0

Main arrival 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.

Train stations in Washington DC:

  • Union Station

Get around town with Moovit

Download Moovit to see all of your local transit options in Washington. Download here

Related reading

Need a return trip from Washington DC to New York?

Search Train Tickets

Plan your next adventure

More trains from New York

Continue by train from Washington DC

Check out these popular routes

Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.

With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free and with no additional fees. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.

Book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.

Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more

iPhone
Android
Available on iOS & Android