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Cheap train tickets from Washington DC to New York

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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Washington DC to New York Train Schedule

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

There are usually 101 daily bus trips available from Washington to New York.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
$39.43
Avg. Price
$123.04
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
101
Daily Trips
42
Duration
Duration
5h 3m
Duration
3h 20m

Trip Summary

There are usually 34 daily train trips available from Washington DC to New York. Traveling by train from Washington DC to New York usually takes 3 hours and 22 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Acela train can make the trip in 2 hours and 51 minutes.

Distance204 mi (328 km)
Fastest train2h 51m
Lowest price$22.00
Trains per day35
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Northeast Regional
Train lines8

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Washington to New York

(Based on 392 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Matthew

April 9, 2025- Solo travel

Amtrak

Pros: Everything was perfect! Cons: By changing nothing. Tips: Travel while you can. It’s worth it!

5.0

Jaime

April 3, 2025- Business

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: I have always opted for train from VA Union Station to New York. My client purchased the ticket for me and I went in total comfort. Your service is superb. All staff were so helpful. Cons: The only think you might improve it maybe putting foot rests in front of the seats (like on the bottom of the seat in front.) Otherwise there is little to improve and I need to do it again pretty soon. thank you so much. Tips: Simply pack light. There is plenty of storage room on the train, but it pays to take only essentials. I went and packed my laptop and there was no need. I have my icloud information that is better than my laptop and that only weighed my suitcase. Also, take some healthy snacks. (I packed tangerines and two bottles of Fairlife chocolate drinks. Good stuff. Have fun on the train?

5.0

Shannon

March 14, 2025- Regular commuter

Amtrak Palmetto

Pros: The train arrived early. Cons: The price could've been lower. Tips: Arrive early to get a good seat.

4.0

Luis

January 29, 2025- Visiting friends

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Economic. Cons: Overall quality of the train system- compared to EU does not! Tips: Book early and hope for the best.

5.0

Kendra

January 25, 2025- Visiting friends

Amtrak Northeast Regional

I was able to relax and sit back and enjoy the trip. It was faster than driving myself and cheaper too

Washington DC to New York Route Map

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

Over the past month, a train ticket between Washington and New York cost $119.23, on average. Since this route covers a considerable distance, tickets are typically a bit pricier than most train fares. Booking your trip at least 28 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $121.29 more.

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

$225$150$75AprMay

The average cost of a one-way train trip from Washington DC to New York is expected to fluctuate between $81 and $215 in the next 30 days. If you’re planning a train trip to New York in the upcoming week, the cheapest price in the next 7 days for a ticket from Washington is $97.

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

$175$140$105$70$35MJJASONDJFMA
Mark your calendar for August if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Washington DC to New York. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of $104. If you're planning a trip from Washington DC to New York during November, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about $158 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Prices as travel date approaches

$225$180$135$90$453020100
Mark your calendar for August if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Washington DC to New York. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of $104. If you're planning a trip from Washington DC to New York during November, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about $158 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

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

There are 8 train lines with service from Washington to New York. Amtrak Northeast Regional is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 17 trains each day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak53h 17m$181.63
Amtrak Acela82h 58m$249.86
Amtrak Carolinian13h 23m$207.47
Amtrak Crescent13h 59m$186.68
Amtrak Northeast Regional173h 34m$136.87
Amtrak Palmetto13h 28m$142.68
Amtrak Silver Service13h 30m$283.75
Amtrak Vermonter13h 18m$166.65

  • 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 Washington to New York every day, as well as 8 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $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 8 Acela trips from Washington to New York 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 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 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 Washington to New York take about 3 hours and 59 minutes and the cost of a one-way train ticket on the Crescent starts from $113.

  • 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 Washington to New York, 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 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.

  • 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 Washington to New York start from $189 and the average train journey lasts about 3 hours and 30 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 Washington to New York every day, with prices starting from $31.

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

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.

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.

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.

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 22 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 51 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 Washington DC to New York are the most crowded on Saturday. 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 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.

There are 34 scheduled trains on most days. 35 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

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.

All train stations in New York:

  • NY Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station

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