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

New York to Washington DC train

chiku-mobile
Available on iOS & Android
Lowest Prices

We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.

Best Travel Options

We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.

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 24 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$30.00

Trip Summary

There are usually 34 daily train trips available from New York to Washington DC. Traveling by train from New York to Washington DC usually takes 3 hours and 24 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$20.00
Trains per day36
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Northeast Regional
Train lines9

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from New York to Washington

(Based on 356 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Claudia

September 20, 2023- Vacation

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: The silence section! Cons: Maybe having the gate departure number at least 30 minutes in advanced instead of 15 minutes. And also information regarding platform and station. Tips: Na.

4.0

Franziska

September 17, 2023- Vacation

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: comfy, cozy, calm, clean, cheap. Cons: aircondition wifi. Tips: arrive at least 15-20 minutes before departure.

4.0

Keith

September 9, 2023- Vacation

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Efficient and on time. Cons: Trolley food service. Larger windows. Tips: Get to the station in good time, signs not very clear at Penn Station.

5.0

morris

August 31, 2023- Solo travel

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Pros: Excellent value, great way to travel. Tips: Book early for best rares.

5.0

Cheryl

August 29, 2023- Visiting family

Amtrak Northeast Regional

Staff was great, seating was great, trip was on time, access to charging. I cannot recall whether I had internet access though.

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 $110.70. 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 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $92.81 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average prices by travel date

$180$120$60SepOct

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from New York to Washington DC will cost between $95 and $167. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Monthly average prices

$175$140$105$70$35ONDJFMAMJJAS
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 August when the average ticket price is only $114. 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 $161 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

$225$180$135$90$453020100

By booking your train trip from New York to Washington on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $92.81 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 17 trains each day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak33h 11m$249.68
Amtrak Acela92h 55m$242.64
Amtrak Cardinal13h 28m$151.87
Amtrak Carolinian13h 23m$101.50
Amtrak Crescent13h 48m$160.89
Amtrak Northeast Regional173h 38m$102.09
Amtrak Palmetto13h 23m$86.78
Amtrak Silver Service23h 34m$148.25
Amtrak Vermonter13h 25m$118.88

  • 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 $31.

  • 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 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 28 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 $138.

  • 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 $115 and the average train journey lasts about 3 hours and 34 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 $20.

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 24 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.

On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from New York to Washington DC on Monday. Tickets for Monday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Friday. Friday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.

The earliest train departs New York at 12:00am 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. 36 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

  • Amtrak/Metro North Station

  • Union Station

  • 525 Water St

  • Metro-North Station - 1 Railroad Plz

  • Gare Centrale

  • New London Union Station

  • Providence Station - 100 Gaspee St

  • 50 University Ave

  • 1 Railroad Ave

  • South Station

  • 14 Railroad Ave

  • 455 Boston Post Rd Saybrook Junction Market Pl

  • Back Bay Station - 145 Dartmouth St

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.

All train stations in Washington DC:

  • Union Station

Get around town with Moovit

Find the best way to get to and from any station in Washington by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now

From the Wanderu blog

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. 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