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New York City, NY, USA to Washington, DC, USA from $7: 11 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
New York City, United States of America
to
Washington, United States of America

How to Get from New York City to Washington: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$7 by busBest price
332.63 kmDistance
2h 54m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from New York City to Washington with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
Amtrak Acela
Train
Average Duration
2h  54m
Estimated price
$9-490
Recommended
Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
4h  30m
Estimated price
$7-200
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 332.63 km
Duration: 2h 54m

See more options

Company
Greyhound
Bus
Average Duration
4h  47m
Estimated price
$9-96
Company
Northeast Regional
Train
Average Duration
3h  22m
Estimated price
$30-220
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
4h  4m
Estimated price
$40-60
Company
various
Subway
Plane
Average Duration
3h  20m
Estimated price
$84-403
Company
various
Train
Plane
Average Duration
3h  17m
Estimated price
$89-484
Company
various
Plane
Subway
Average Duration
4h  4m
Estimated price
$105-566
Company
various
Plane
Subway
Average Duration
3h  48m
Estimated price
$110-441
Company
various
Train
Plane
Average Duration
3h  12m
Estimated price
$114-458
Company
various
Train
Plane
Average Duration
5h  4m
Estimated price
$151-396

Traveling From New York to Washington

Journeying from New York to Washington offers a fascinating contrast: the vibrant hustle of New York City contrasts with the historic charm and political significance of the nation’s capital.

Best Neighbourhoods in Washington

Washington, D.C. offers diverse neighborhoods, each with its own character.

Georgetown
• Historic architecture and charming cobblestone streets.
• Boutique shopping and waterfront dining options.
Dupont Circle
• Eclectic eateries and vibrant nightlife scene.
• Renowned for its historic brownstones and gardens.
Capitol Hill
• Home to the U.S. Capitol and beautiful parks.
• Rich in political history and family-friendly vibes.

Best Times To Visit Washington's Attractions

Timing your visits can greatly enhance your experience in Washington, D.C.

National Mall
Visit early on weekdays to avoid heavy tourist crowds.
Smithsonian Museums
Arrive when the museums open or later in the afternoon to enjoy quieter galleries.
Lincoln Memorial
Sunrise or sunset provides stunning views and fewer visitors.

Washington Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Washington experiences a humid subtropical climate, with hot summers and chilly winters; spring and fall offer the most enjoyable weather for visitors. Understanding seasonal weather patterns can help you plan your activities around potential rain or extreme temperatures.

Dining Recommendation

For a taste of Washington, try the celebrated half-smoke sausage at Ben's Chili Bowl, a local favorite that showcases rich, smoky flavors and vibrant, laid-back atmosphere distinct from New York’s fast-paced dining scene. The use of local ingredients and that signature chili sauce provide a unique culinary experience that reflects the city's heritage.

New York City - Washington operators

Explore transport companies operating between New York City and Washington, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/acela-train

Train from New York Penn Station to Washington Union Station

Average Duration
2h 54m
Estimated price
$50-490
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/northeast-regional-train

Train from New York Penn Station to Washington Union Station

Average Duration
3h 25m
Estimated price
$30-220
Contact phone
+1 973-275-5555
Website
https://www.njtransit.com/

Train from New York Penn Station to Newark Airport Railroad Station

Average Duration
24m
Estimated price
$13-16
Contact phone
+1-718-217-5477
Website
https://new.mta.info/agency/long-island-rail-road

Train from New York Penn Station to Jamaica

Average Duration
21m
Estimated price
$3-12
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
https://www.flixbus.com

Bus from New York Midtown to Washington Union Station

Average Duration
4h 30m
Estimated price
$20-75
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
https://www.greyhound.com

Bus from Port Authority Bus Terminal to Baltimore Downtown Bus Station

Average Duration
3h 20m
Estimated price
$21-60

Bus from Baltimore Downtown Bus Station to Washington Union Station

Average Duration
55m
Estimated price
$3-35
Contact phone
1-800-343-9999
Website
https://peterpanbus.com

Bus from Port Authority Bus Terminal to Baltimore Downtown Bus Terminal

Average Duration
3h 20m
Estimated price
$5-65

Bus from Baltimore Downtown Bus Terminal to Washington Union Station

Average Duration
50m
Estimated price
$5-21
Contact phone
+1-877-462-6342
Website
https://us.megabus.com

Bus from New York to Washington Union Station

Average Duration
4h 35m
Estimated price
$8-55
Contact phone
+1-844-800-6828
Website
https://www.ourbus.com

Bus from New York, NY to Washington, DC

Average Duration
4h
Estimated price
$7-60
Contact phone
+1 202-332-2691
Website
https://bestbus.com

Bus from Penn Station NY to Washington Union Station

Average Duration
4h
Estimated price
$40-60
Contact phone
+1 866-287-6932
Website
https://www.washny.com

Bus from New York Penn Station to Dupont Cir, Washington DC

Average Duration
4h 15m
Estimated price
$38-40
Contact phone
+1 202-618-0612
Website
https://thejet.coach/

Bus from Hudson Yards to Washington, D.C. - Metro Center

Average Duration
4h
Estimated price
$99-199
Plane Show flights
Website
https://united.com

Plane from Newark Airport to Reagan Washington Airport

Average Duration
1h 28m
Estimated price
$110-450
Website
https://aa.com

Plane from New York La Guardia to Reagan Washington

Average Duration
1h 27m
Estimated price
$120-450
Website
https://delta.com

Plane from New York La Guardia to Reagan Washington

Average Duration
1h 25m
Estimated price
$100-420
Website
https://jetblue.com

Plane from New York JFK to Reagan Washington

Average Duration
1h 24m
Estimated price
$95-700

New York City to Washington: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between New York City and Washington offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from New York to Washington, covering a distance of 229 miles, with an estimated driving time of 4 hours and 4 minutes. Enjoy the changing landscapes as you journey towards the nation's capital. 💸 Experience the flexibility of pricing options ranging from $40 to $60 for a car journey from New York to Washington. Explore the cost-effective ways to reach your destination while relishing the independence of traveling at your own pace.
Average price
$40 - $60
🚂 Traveling from New York to Washington by train is a convenient and efficient option with a direct route available from New York Penn Station to Washington Union Station. The journey typically takes around 2 hours and 54 minutes. 🚉 Services operate daily with trains departing every 30 minutes, providing flexibility for travelers. The train services are operated by Amtrak Acela, ensuring a comfortable and smooth ride between the two cities. 💰 The prices for trains between New York and Washington can vary, ranging from $9 to $490, offering options to suit different budgets. Whether for business or leisure, taking the train is a popular choice for those traveling between these two bustling East Coast cities.
Departure Point
New York Penn Station
Arrival Point
Washington Union Station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train trip from New York to Washington, consider traveling with Amtrak, the primary operator on this route. Amtrak offers several catering services onboard, including the Café Car where you can purchase light snacks, beverages, and sandwiches. If you're in First Class, you may also enjoy complimentary meals served at your seat during your journey.
• Amtrak provides several seating options on this route. In First Class, you will receive a more spacious seat with extra legroom, priority boarding, and complimentary meals. Business Class offers comfort and slightly reclining seats, while Economy Class provides basic seating with options for onboard purchases. If you prefer a quieter environment, Business Class is a great choice.
• The primary operators for the route from New York to Washington are Amtrak (amtrak.com) and the Virginia Railway Express (VRE, (vre.org). Be sure to check their schedules and routes. Upon arrival at Union Station in Washington, note that the station has luggage storage services available for a fee, and restrooms are accessible. Showers are usually not available, but you can find numerous dining options in the station.
🛫 Start your journey from New York to Washington by catching a quick flight from Newark Airport to Reagan Washington Airport. United Airlines provides direct flights that take just 1 hour and 23 minutes.
Departure Point
Newark Airport
Arrival Point
Reagan Washington Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• To maximize your travel time, consider booking a direct flight with United Airlines, which offers the quickest option at approximately 1 hour and 23 minutes from Newark to Reagan Washington Airport.
• Once you arrive at Reagan Washington Airport (DCA), navigate the airport easily by following the signs for the Metro station located in Terminal B, providing a quick and efficient route into downtown Washington, D.C.
• Expect to pay around $20-$30 for a taxi from Reagan Washington Airport to the city center; alternatively, you can take the Metro for only $2-$6 depending on your destination, with services and schedules available at wmata.com
🚌 Traveling by bus from New York to Washington is a convenient and affordable option. The direct bus service by Flixbus USA departs every 30 minutes from New York Midtown and arrives at Washington Union Station. 🚌 The journey typically takes around 4 hours and 30 minutes, offering passengers a comfortable and smooth ride between the bustling cities. Flixbus USA operates this route daily, allowing for flexibility in travel times. 🚌 With ticket prices ranging from $7 to $200, travelers can choose a fare that suits their budget and enjoy the scenic route from New York to the capital city of the United States. It's a hassle-free way to experience the iconic landmarks and vibrant culture of Washington.
Departure Point
New York Midtown station
Arrival Point
Washington Union Station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Book your bus ticket in advance through Flixbus, Megabus, or Greyhound to secure the best prices, as fares can vary significantly from $7 to $200 depending on demand; visit their websites at flixbus.com, megabus.com, and greyhound.com
• Make sure to bring a light jacket or sweater, as the air conditioning on the bus can be quite cold, especially during the summer months, so dress in layers for your 4h 30m journey.
• Upon arriving at Washington Union Station, take a moment to explore its stunning architecture, and don’t miss the food court and shops on the lower level; you can also utilize the Metro at the station for easy access to various parts of the city; view a station map here: unionstationdc.com

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from New York City to Washington.

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The distance between New York and Washington is 206 miles by road. Typical travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. By train, it takes approximately 2 hours and 54 minutes to reach Washington from New York. Another option is to take a train to Newark and then fly to Reagan Washington, which takes approximately 3 hours and 8 minutes. If traveling by car, it typically takes around 4 hours and 4 minutes to go from New York to Washington. Lastly, taking a bus from New York to Washington takes about 4 hours and 35 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from New York to Washington would be by bus, with fares ranging from $5 to $100. This option takes approximately 4 hours and 35 minutes. However, if time efficiency is a priority, the quickest option is by train, which takes 2 hours and 54 minutes and costs between $9 and $490. Both options provide convenient and reliable transportation between the two cities.
The prices of a train ticket between New York and Washington can range from $9 to $490, depending on factors such as the class of travel, time of booking, and availability. Similarly, the prices of a bus ticket between Washington and New York can vary from $5 to $100, depending on the bus company, time of travel, and demand. It is advisable to book tickets in advance to secure the best prices and to compare different options to find the most cost-effective mode of transportation.
To get from New York to Washington without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of 229 miles. The journey typically takes around 4 hours and 4 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The cost of driving from New York to Washington can range between $40 to $60, taking into account factors such as gas and toll expenses.
The most convenient option to travel from New York to Washington without a car is by taking a train. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 54 minutes, and ticket prices range from $9 to $490, depending on the class and time of booking. Trains provide a comfortable and efficient mode of transportation, allowing travelers to enjoy scenic views and avoid traffic congestion.
Yes, there is a direct link between New York and Washington. You can take a direct train from New York Penn Station to Washington Union Station, which takes approximately 2 hours and 54 minutes. Additionally, there is a direct bus service available that departs from New York and arrives in Washington DC, with a journey time of approximately 4 hours and 35 minutes. Both options provide convenient and efficient transportation between the two cities.
The flight between New York and Washington typically takes around 1 hour and 19 minutes. This is the quickest option available for travel between the two cities. As for the cost, it can vary depending on the airline and time of booking, but typically the prices range from $100 to $300 for a one-way ticket. It is always recommended to check with different airlines and compare prices to get the best deal.
There are many options for accommodations near Washington. With over 1297+ hotels available in the area, there is something to fit every budget and preference. Prices for hotels in Washington start at $63 per night, making it possible to find affordable options. Whether you are looking for a luxury hotel or a budget-friendly option, there are plenty of choices available for your stay near Washington.

Trips from New York City

Trips to Washington