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Cheap train tickets from New York to Washington DC
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 35 daily train trips available from New York to Washington DC. Travelling by train from New York to Washington DC usually takes 3 hours and 37 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Acela train can make the trip in 2 hours and 54 minutes.
- Distance
- 204 mi (328 km)
- Fastest train
- 2h 54m
- Lowest price
- RON 105.21
- Trains per day
- 35
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak Northeast Regional
- Train lines
- 9
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Helpful info about taking the train from New York to Washington DC
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 37 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 150 mph. Acela trains travel from NYC to DC in as little as 2 hours and 54 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 coaches. 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 transport 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 coaches, 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 Timetable
Is it better to travel by coach or train from New York to Washington DC?
There are usually 152 daily coach trips from New York to Washington DC.
Train | Coach | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceRON 1,070.26 | Avg. PriceRON 234.90Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips35 | Daily Trips152 |
Duration | Duration3h 37mFaster | Duration5h 13m |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from New York to Washington DC (Based on 464 ratings and reviews)
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New York to Washington DC Route Map
There are several train options that can take you from New York to Washington DC:
- Amtrak tickets: RON 134 one-way
- Amtrak Acela tickets: RON 340 one-way
- Amtrak Cardinal tickets: RON 799 one-way
- Amtrak Carolinian tickets: RON 134 one-way
- Amtrak Crescent tickets: RON 603 one-way
- Amtrak Northeast Regional tickets: RON 105 one-way
- Amtrak Palmetto tickets: RON 134 one-way
- Amtrak Silver Service tickets: RON 799 one-way
- Amtrak Vermonter tickets: RON 105 one-way
What is the price of a train ticket from New York to Washington DC?
In the last month, train tickets from New York to Washington DC cost about RON 713 when booked at the cheapest time. 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 23 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around RON 631.11 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from New York to Washington DC by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from New York to Washington DC will cost between RON 335 and RON 1,583. 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
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 RON 674. If you're thinking of travelling 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 RON 1,076 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
By booking your train trip from New York to Washington DC on Wanderu at least 23 days ahead of time, you can save about RON 631.11 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 DC. Amtrak Northeast Regional is the most popular choice with travellers, offering scheduled service on 18 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 4h 18m | RON 712.02 |
| Amtrak Acela | 11 | 3h 6m | RON 1,476.61 |
| Amtrak Cardinal | 1 | 3h 39m | RON 1,062.92 |
| Amtrak Carolinian | 1 | 3h 58m | RON 813.44 |
| Amtrak Crescent | 1 | 3h 48m | RON 1,131.50 |
| Amtrak Northeast Regional | 18 | 3h 47m | RON 890.82 |
| Amtrak Palmetto | 1 | 3h 44m | RON 906.65 |
| Amtrak Silver Service | 1 | 3h 56m | RON 1,132.96 |
| Amtrak Vermonter | 1 | 3h 33m | RON 1,113.51 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railway 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 toilet, free WiFi and power sockets 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 New York to Washington DC every day, as well as 2 trips at the weekends, with prices starting from RON 133.90.
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, reaching speeds of up to 150 mph. Acela trains are equipped with free high-speed internet, power sockets 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 DC 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 sockets, and snacks available for purchase in the Cardinal Café. There is usually 1 Cardinal trip from New York to Washington DC per day, with an average trip length of 3 hours and 39 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 trip per day between New York and Washington DC, all of which include seats with extra legroom, free WiFi, power sockets, and snacks available in the Café car. The average Amtrak Carolinian ticket price for this route is RON 813.44, and the trip usually lasts around 3 hours and 58 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 sockets and extra legroom. Train trips from New York to Washington DC take about 3 hours and 48 minutes and the cost of a one-way train ticket on the Crescent starts from RON 602.56.
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 travelling 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 sockets, as well as free WiFi and clean bathrooms. With 18 daily train trips from New York to Washington DC, 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. Travelling from New York to Washington DC is comfortable and relaxing on the Palmetto, thanks to the train’s free WiFi, power sockets, and seating with extra legroom. You can pick from 1 daily departure along this route, with train ticket pricing at an average of RON 906.65 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 travellers taking an overnight train can choose from, as well as a variety of amenities like free WiFi, power sockets, and a café car. One-way train tickets for the Silver Service from New York to Washington DC start from RON 798.63 and the average train journey lasts about 3 hours and 56 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 sockets 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 is 1 Vermonter train travelling from New York to Washington DC every day, with prices starting from RON 105.21.
Frequently asked questions about travelling 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 coach 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.
There are 35 scheduled trains on most days. Of these, 34 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. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the coach from New York to Washington DC for RON 81.
Trains per day
35
Direct trains
34
The distance between New York and Washington DC is approximately 204 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 37 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 54 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.
Distance (mi)
204
Distance (km)
328
The earliest train departs New York at 4:50 while the last train of the day leaves at 23:23. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full timetable for your specific travel dates.
First train
4:50am
Last train
11:23pm
Trains from New York to Washington DC are the most crowded on Friday. 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 travelling on Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Friday
Least crowded
Saturday
Renaissance faires along this corridor
Two of the country's long-running faires sit at either end of this line. Before you leave New York, the New York Renaissance Faire holds Sterling Forest at Tuxedo from 15 August to 4 October, plus the Labor Day Monday — Metro-North's Port Jervis line and Coach USA both reach it. Farther south, the Maryland Renaissance Festival marks its 50th season at Revel Grove in Crownsville, a short ride from Baltimore, which this route already stops at. Dates, grounds and the nearest city for each are in our finder; the Crownsville one is under renaissance faires in Maryland.
City Information
New York
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 travellers, 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 Liberty 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 coach 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 neighbourhood 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 transport hub with three nearby airports and several coach and train stations.
Station Information
Where is the train station in New York?
Main departure station: 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 transport, 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?
Main arrival station: Union Station
Opened more than 100 years ago in 1907, Union Station is the largest transport hub in Washington, D.C. with almost 5 million travellers 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 coach travel, serving as the main coach 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, local bus and tram services, as well as commuter rail for travellers 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
Need a return trip from Washington DC to New York?
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