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How to get from New York to Washington
Amtrak trains from New York Penn Station to Washington Union Station are the fastest city-centre to city-centre option: Acela takes about 2 h 50 – 3 h, Northeast Regional about 3 h 20 – 3 h 45. Buses are cheapest at about US$20–50 but take 4–5 h.
Best option: Train. Amtrak runs very frequently, avoids I-95 traffic and arrives at Union Station, next to Capitol Hill.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| train Amtrak Acela or Northeast Regional from New York Penn Station (Moynihan Train Hall) to Washington Union Station | about 2 h 50 (Acela) to 3 h 45 (Northeast Regional) | many trains a day, often more than one an hour | about US$30–150 (Regional) and US$100–300+ (Acela) | Fares rise close to departure; book ahead for the best prices. |
| bus Several coach companies (for example Greyhound and Megabus) from Manhattan to Washington | about 4 h – 5 h, more in traffic | many departures a day | about US$20–50 | Pick-up and drop-off points vary by company; check the exact location. |
| car I-95 and the New Jersey Turnpike via Philadelphia and Baltimore | about 4 h – 5 h without heavy traffic | fuel plus about US$30–50 in tolls | Traffic around New York, Baltimore and the DC Beltway can add hours; parking in DC is expensive. | |
| flight Shuttle flights from LaGuardia to Reagan National (DCA), also from JFK/Newark to DCA, IAD or BWI | about 1 h 15 in the air, 3 h 30+ door to door | frequent on weekdays | about US$100–300 | Rarely faster than the train once you add airport time. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Acela is about half an hour faster; the Northeast Regional is usually much cheaper.
- The Smithsonian museums are free; the National Mall is a short Metro ride or a 20-minute walk from Union Station.
- Avoid driving out of New York on Friday afternoons.
- Washington's Metro accepts contactless cards at the gates.
Common questions
How long is the train from New York to Washington?
Amtrak's Acela takes about 2 h 50 to 3 h, and the Northeast Regional about 3 h 20 to 3 h 45, between New York Penn Station and Washington Union Station. Trains run many times a day. Both arrive in the city centre, so door-to-door time is usually better than flying.
What is the cheapest way from New York to Washington?
Coaches are the cheapest, often about US$20–50 one way if booked a few days ahead. They take around 4 to 5 hours and are affected by traffic. Early-booked Amtrak Northeast Regional fares can also be reasonable, and are more reliable on timing.
Can I do Washington as a day trip from New York?
Yes, with an early Acela or Regional train you can arrive by mid-morning, see the National Mall and a museum or two, and return in the evening. It is a long day of about 6 to 7 hours travelling in total. An overnight stay gives you time for the Capitol, the monuments at night and more museums.
Is flying faster than the train?
Rarely. The flight is about 1 h 15, but you also need to get to LaGuardia or another airport, go through security and get into Washington. Door to door it usually takes 3 h 30 or more. The train goes centre to centre and lets you work or relax on the way.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.