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How to get from the USA to Washington
From New York City to Washington, D.C., the fastest city-centre option is the Amtrak Acela, about 2 h 45 to 3 h from Penn Station to Union Station. Amtrak Northeast Regional trains take about 3 h 15 to 3 h 45, buses about 4 to 5 h, and driving about 4 to 5 h with tolls.
Best option: Train. Amtrak runs frequently between the two downtowns and avoids I-95 traffic and airport time.
All the ways to make the trip
| How | Time | How often | Price* | Good to know |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| train Amtrak Acela and Northeast Regional trains from New York Penn Station to Washington Union Station | about 2 h 45 to 3 h (Acela); 3 h 15 to 3 h 45 (Northeast Regional) | several trains an hour | about $30–300 depending on train and how early you book | Fares rise sharply close to the date; Northeast Regional is much cheaper than Acela. |
| bus Coaches from Manhattan to Washington (Greyhound, FlixBus, Megabus and others) | about 4 to 5 h | many a day | about $20–50 | The cheapest option; traffic can add an hour or more. |
| flight Shuttle flights from LaGuardia to Reagan National (DCA) | about 1 h 15 in the air; 3 to 4 h door to door | frequent | about $100–300 | Only worth it for connections; Reagan National is on the Washington Metro. |
| car I-95 via the New Jersey Turnpike, Delaware and Baltimore | about 4 to 5 h, often longer | fuel plus tolls of roughly $30–50 | Heavy traffic and expensive parking in Washington. |
*Approximate prices and times for 2026. Timetables change by season: check with the operator before you travel.
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Tips
- Book Amtrak weeks ahead for the cheapest Northeast Regional fares.
- Washington Union Station is a short walk from the Capitol and on the Metro Red Line.
- Avoid driving on Friday afternoons and holiday weekends.
- Many of the Smithsonian museums on the National Mall are free.
Common questions
How long is the train from New York to Washington?
About 2 h 45 to 3 h on the Amtrak Acela, or about 3 h 15 to 3 h 45 on the Northeast Regional, both from New York Penn Station to Washington Union Station. Several trains run every hour. Northeast Regional fares are much lower, especially when booked early.
Can I do New York to Washington as a day trip?
Yes, by train. Leave New York early and you can be in Washington by mid-morning, visit the National Mall and a museum or two, and return in the evening. Book both trains ahead, as last-minute fares can be very high. It makes a long day, but it works.
What is the cheapest way from New York to Washington?
A coach, often about $20–50 one way with Greyhound, FlixBus, Megabus or other companies, taking about four to five hours. Amtrak Northeast Regional fares booked weeks ahead can be close in price. Driving looks cheap but tolls of $30–50, fuel and Washington parking add up quickly.
Should I fly from New York to Washington?
Usually not. The flight is only about 1 h 15, but with travel to LaGuardia and security, it takes three to four hours door to door, no faster than the train. Flying makes sense mainly if you are connecting to another flight at Reagan National.
Compiled by TonyPlan from operator and transport information and travel knowledge; updated 2026-10-05. Anything we could not confirm is marked as approximate.