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Cheap train tickets from New York to Washington DC

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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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 32 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 43 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 to Washington DC Train Schedule

Is it better to travel by bus or train from New York to Washington?

There are usually 118 daily bus trips from New York to Washington.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
US$41.98
Avg. Price
US$155.45
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
118
Daily Trips
39
Duration
Duration
5h 1m
Duration
3h 27m

Trip Summary

There are usually 36 daily train trips available from New York to Washington DC. Traveling by train from New York to Washington DC usually takes 3 hours and 32 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Acela train can make the trip in 2 hours and 43 minutes.

Distance204 mi (328 km)
Fastest train2h 43m
Lowest priceUS$22.00
Trains per day40
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Northeast Regional
Train lines9

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from New York to Washington

(Based on 439 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Latasha

August 17, 2025- Solo travel

Amtrak Palmetto

Pros: It was very smooth. It was my first time by train and everything was quick and easy. Cons: Nothing. Tips: Look on tik tok videos to understand train.

4.0

James

August 15, 2025- Visiting family

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Smooth trip, on time, good company.

5.0

Svetlana

August 6, 2025- Business

Amtrak

Pros: Cheap and easy. Cons: Nothing. Tips: No.

4.0

P

July 25, 2025- Solo travel

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: always great rail experience: see country/cities from large windows, wonderful staff, good food options & safe to stretch legs, read and rest. Best part is travel from city into next city directly! Cons: More communication about delays! Very frustrating to have train jerk into stations- and sit for long wait outside Wash DC. Tell us what's happening- and why! Tips: pack your patience ☺️.

5.0

JEAN

July 23, 2025- Solo travel

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Got me to the Washington, DC in good time to walk to L'Enfant Plaza USPS FDIC to visit friends and acquaintances, both fellow philatelists and postal staff. Cons: The weather, but not unexpected for late July.

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, the average price of a train ticket from New York to Washington was US$138.74. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 14 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around US$94.60 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from New York to Washington DC by travel date

US$300US$200US$100NovNov

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from New York to Washington DC will cost between US$78 and US$291. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from New York to Washington DC by month

US$150US$120US$90US$60US$30DJFMAMJJASON
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 US$105. 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 US$143 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

US$250US$200US$150US$100US$503020100

By booking your train trip from New York to Washington on Wanderu at least 14 days ahead of time, you can save about US$94.60 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

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 19 trains each day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak54h 20mUS$116.36
Amtrak Acela113h 0mUS$267.55
Amtrak Cardinal13h 34mUS$179.77
Amtrak Carolinian13h 28mUS$152.50
Amtrak Crescent13h 53mUS$175.42
Amtrak Northeast Regional193h 45mUS$139.66
Amtrak Palmetto13h 26mUS$137.45
Amtrak Silver Service13h 55mUS$169.67
Amtrak Vermonter13h 22mUS$170.89

  • 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 5 Amtrak trains from New York to Washington every day, as well as 6 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from US$22.

  • 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 11 Acela trips from New York to Washington every day, including the weekend. As it is Amtrak’s most premium service, the average Acela train ticket may cost more than other train lines.

  • 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 34 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 28 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 53 minutes and the cost of a one-way train ticket on the Crescent starts from US$120.

  • 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 19 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 US$120 and the average train journey lasts about 3 hours and 55 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 US$22.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from New York to Washington DC

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.
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from New York to Washington DC. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.
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 32 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 43 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.

Trains from New York to Washington DC are the most crowded on Monday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs New York at 4:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:00pm. 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 36 scheduled trains on most days. 40 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

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

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