4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from New York, NY to Washington, DC
Cheapest price
$138
Average price
$283
Fastest journey
2 h 55 m
Average duration
2 h 57 m
Trains per day
37
Distance
328 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from New York, NY to Washington, DC is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from New York, NY to Washington, DC will cost around $283 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $138.
Of the 37 trains that leave New York, NY for Washington, DC on Thu, May 14, 37 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, May 14 the direct trains cover the 328 km distance in an average of 2 h 57 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 55 m .
On Thu, May 14 the slowest trains will take 2 h 59 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
19 Crescent2:00 PM3h47Penn Station, New York, NY5:47 PMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$1381One-way0 transfers- 111 Northeast Regional4:50 AM3h36Penn Station, New York, NY8:26 AMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$1381One-way0 transfers
- 119 Northeast Regional11:02 AM3h30Penn Station, New York, NY2:32 PMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$1381One-way0 transfers
- 185 Northeast Regional9:25 AM3h32Penn Station, New York, NY12:57 PMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$1381One-way0 transfers
- 181 Northeast Regional5:45 AM3h21Penn Station, New York, NY9:06 AMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$1381One-way0 transfers
2107 NextGen Acela7:35 AM2h55Penn Station, New York, NY10:30 AMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$3861One-way0 transfers- 2121 NextGen Acela2:15 PM2h57Penn Station, New York, NY5:12 PMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$4821One-way0 transfers
- 2115 NA11:55 AM2h58Penn Station, New York, NY2:53 PMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$2601One-way0 transfers
- 2123 NextGen Acela6:00 PM2h58Penn Station, New York, NY8:58 PMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$2601One-way0 transfers
- 2151 NextGen Acela9:00 AM2h59Penn Station, New York, NY11:59 AMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC$3221One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for New York, NY to Washington, DC
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from New York, NY to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $22. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 1m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $22, and a flight costs an average of $114.
Distance: 203 miles (328 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$105 Average price | $42 Average price Cheapest | $250 Average price | $74 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 17m Average total duration 3h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 34m Average total duration 4h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 1m Average total duration Fastest 3h 1m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 53m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 1.0 - 2.0kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from New York, NY to Washington, DC:
A bus is $63 (€51) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from New York, NY to Washington, DC costing on average $105 (€85).
A bus is $208 (€167) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from New York, NY to Washington, DC costing on average $250 (€201).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 47m.
Bus takes on average 4h 4m.
You'll arrive about 6m sooner (3h 47m by train vs 3h 53m by car). Tickets start at around $105 (€85) compared to roughly $74 (€59) in fuel and tolls — so you're paying a bit more, but getting hours of your day back, a city-centre arrival, and the freedom to work or relax instead of drive.
Direct services run with Amtrak, Amtrak.
Driving makes more sense if you're travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), want to stop along the way, or need a car once you arrive.
Live departures
New York, NY to Washington, DC train times
The table below shows live departures for New York, NY to Washington, DC trains for today, Wednesday, May 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 95 Northeast Regional | 10:35 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 3h30 | 2:05 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 119 Northeast Regional | 11:02 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 3h30 | 2:32 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2155 NextGen Acela | 11:07 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 2h59 | 2:06 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 125 Northeast Regional | 11:35 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 3h36 | 3:11 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2115 NA | 11:55 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 2h58 | 2:53 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 131 Northeast Regional | 12:10 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 3h35 | 3:45 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 171 Northeast Regional | 12:40 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 3h55 | 4:35 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2159 NextGen Acela | 1:02 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 3h01 | 4:03 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 19 Crescent | 2:00 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 3h47 | 5:47 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 93 Northeast Regional | 2:02 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 3h23 | 5:25 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2121 NextGen Acela | 2:15 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 2h57 | 5:12 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 97 Silver Meteor | 2:30 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 3h54 | 6:24 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2163 Acela | 3:00 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 3h02 | 6:02 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 85 Northeast Regional | 3:05 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 3h33 | 6:38 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 173 Northeast Regional | 4:05 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 3h27 | 7:32 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 129 Northeast Regional | 4:24 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 3h38 | 8:02 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2167 Acela | 5:00 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 3h03 | 8:03 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 193 Northeast Regional | 5:27 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 3h25 | 8:52 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2123 NextGen Acela | 6:00 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 2h58 | 8:58 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 197 Northeast Regional | 6:08 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 3h22 | 9:30 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 137 Northeast Regional | 6:25 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 3h33 | 9:58 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 55 Vermonter | 6:45 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 3h21 | 10:06 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2171 Acela | 7:18 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 3h02 | 10:20 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 175 Northeast Regional | 7:52 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 3h31 | 11:23 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 67 Northeast Regional | 11:23 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 7h31 | 6:54 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 111 Northeast Regional | 4:50 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 3h36 | 8:26 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 181 Northeast Regional | 5:45 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 3h21 | 9:06 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 89 Palmetto | 6:02 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 3h42 | 9:44 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2103 NextGen Acela | 6:10 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 3h01 | 9:11 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 113 Northeast Regional | 6:32 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 3h23 | 9:55 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 79 Carolinian | 7:04 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 4h05 | 11:09 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 183 Northeast Regional | 7:25 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 3h51 | 11:16 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2107 NextGen Acela | 7:35 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 2h55 | 10:30 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 141 Northeast Regional | 8:23 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 3h22 | 11:45 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2151 NextGen Acela | 9:00 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 2h59 | 11:59 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 185 Northeast Regional | 9:25 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 3h32 | 12:57 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2113 NextGen Acela | 10:00 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 3h01 | 1:01 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets New York, NY to Washington, DC by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
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Why should you book New York, NY to Washington, DC trains with Omio?
Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Amtrak, but also compare tickets for the likes of Amtrak or Peter Pan Bus Lines to find the best option for your trip from New York, NY to Washington, DC.
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- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Amtrak with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from New York, NY to Washington, DC.
New York, NY to Washington, DC by trainFast Track to the Capital: Taking the Train from NYC to Washington, D.C.
By Maria Kofou
Traveling between New York City and Washington, D.C., by train is one of the most popular routes in the United States. Whether you're heading out for a weekend getaway or a multi-city East Coast itinerary, the train offers comfort, speed, and a stress-free, city-center-to-city-center experience.
A view from the train platform looking directly at the front of a blue and silver Amtrak Northeast Regional train.
Route overview
The rail journey from New York Penn Station (NYP) to Washington Union Station (WAS) covers approximately 362 kilometers. Depending on the service, the trip takes between 2 hours 45 minutes and 3 hours 30 minutes.
Transportation experience
I’ve personally taken this route twice, and each time, it reinforced just how convenient—and surprisingly scenic—train travel can be in the USA. As a lover of museums and history, D.C. was an obvious choice—so much of America’s story is preserved and told there. From the Lincoln Memorial to the Library of Congress, I was drawn to the city’s monumental past and present. And getting there couldn’t have been easier. Rather than dealing with airport transfers and security lines, I simply boarded a train in Midtown Manhattan and stepped off just a short walk from the Capitol.
Departure station
Penn Station is located beneath Madison Square Garden in Midtown Manhattan, between 7th and 8th Avenue and 31st to 33rd Street. Though it’s one of the busiest transit hubs in the U.S., it’s become easier to navigate, thanks to recent renovations and clearer signage. There are multiple entrances, each serving different parts of the station: Main Entrance at 7th Avenue & 32nd Street: This is the classic Penn Station access point, leading you into the Amtrak concourse and main departure boards. 8th Avenue Entrance (near Moynihan Train Hall): Ideal if you're traveling on Amtrak; it connects to the spacious and modern Moynihan Hall, with high ceilings, natural light, and extra amenities. 31st & 33rd Street Entrances: These provide direct access to specific platforms, often used by commuters and those familiar with their departure gates. You’ll find food vendors, public restrooms, and seating areas throughout the complex. If you're traveling in Business Class or Acela First, you can access Amtrak lounges for a quieter waiting experience, with complimentary Wi-Fi and refreshments. Union Station is both functional and grand. Inside, you’ll find restaurants, coffee shops, convenience stores, and even a post office. The station also has car rentals and bike share docks and is directly connected to the Washington Metro (Red Line). Insider Tips: Use the 1st Street NE Exit for the fastest walk to the Capitol or Supreme Court buildings. Main Entrance on Massachusetts Avenue offers easy taxi, rideshare, and tour bus pickup. Metro Access is located downstairs—follow signs for the Red Line if you're heading toward Dupont Circle, Chinatown, or Bethesda. Luggage storage is available at the Amtrak Parcel Check for a fee—ideal if you're doing a day trip and don’t want to carry bags around. Security lines are minimal, but if you're catching a return train during rush hour, give yourself a few extra minutes to find your track.
Arrival station
I would suggest you arrive 20–30 minutes early, especially if it’s your first time navigating Penn Station or if you want to enter through Moynihan Hall and enjoy the new concourse. Located just a 10-minute walk from the U.S. Capitol, Union Station places you within easy reach of the National Mall, Smithsonian Museums, and popular D.C. neighborhoods like Capitol Hill and NoMa.
Schedule & frequency
Amtrak trains between NYC and D.C. run almost every hour, beginning early in the morning and continuing through the evening. Acela: Travel time is around 2h 45m, with fewer daily departures. Northeast Regional: Runs more frequently, averaging 3h 20m. On my first trip, I rode the Northeast Regional both times—one late morning, one early afternoon. Both trains were punctual, and boarding was easy with an e-ticket.
Onboard experience & services
Classes and Comfort Both Acela and Northeast Regional offer two main classes: Coach Class: Spacious, reserved seating with tray tables, outlets, and free Wi-Fi. Business Class: More legroom, quieter cars, and complimentary beverages (Acela includes lounge access in select stations). Acela First Class: Reserved seating, at-seat meal service, and premium lounge access. I traveled in Coach Class both times and was impressed by the comfort. The seats were wide, legroom generous, and Wi-Fi reliable enough for basic browsing and emails. Amenities There’s a café car on all services with snacks, sandwiches, coffee, and drinks. Restrooms are located in each car, and the train staff were helpful and professional on both journeys.
Ticketing advice & budget breakdown
Train Options: Acela Express – Amtrak’s premium, high-speed service; the fastest option. Northeast Regional – A bit slower than Acela but more affordable and frequent. Other Amtrak Trains – Such as the Cardinal or Crescent, which also run along this corridor but with limited schedules. If you're prioritizing speed, Acela is ideal. If you're looking for value and flexibility, the Northeast Regional is an excellent choice—and the one I used on both of my trips. The best way to buy your tickets is through Omio. Omio is especially useful if you’re planning a multi-city trip across countries or regions. It combines trains, buses, and flights into one streamlined booking process. For U.S. routes like New York to Washington, D.C., it’s a convenient alternative to booking directly with Amtrak, plus you may find promo codes or discounts. Prices vary based on the time of booking and travel date: Northeast Regional (Coach): $29–$89 Acela Express: $120–$180 Business Class Upgrade: Add $20–$50 Tip: Book 1–3 weeks in advance to get the best fares and your preferred departure time. Bonus: Scenic Highlights Along the Route While not mountainous or coastal, this journey still offers subtle beauty, especially if you enjoy urban and riverside views. Some highlights include: Skyscrapers fading into suburbs as you leave New York Philadelphia’s 30th Street Station, one of the most historic in the U.S. Crossing the Susquehanna River in Maryland Approaching Union Station with the Capitol dome in the distance On both trips, I sat on the left side of the train when heading south—recommended for better river views.
| Item | Cost (eur) |
|---|---|
| Ticket price | €120 |
| Food & drinks | € |
| Travel to departure station | € |
| Travel from arrival station | € |
| Total | € 120 |
Top tips & recommendations
- Arrive 20–30 minutes early, especially at New York Penn Station.
- Use the Amtrak app for e-ticket access and train updates.
- Choose the Quiet Car for a peaceful ride (available on most trains).
- Bring your own snacks, though the café car is convenient.
- Keep your charger handy—outlets are available at every seat.
Conclusion
Whether you’re traveling for business or leisure, taking the train from New York to Washington, D.C., is fast, efficient, and stress-free. After riding this route twice, I can confidently say it’s one of the easiest ways to navigate the Northeast—and a far better alternative to short-haul flights.
A headshot of travel journalist Maria Kofou smiling, with a travel backpack on.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from New York, NY to Washington, DC?
Journey information
Overview: Train from New York, NY to Washington, DC
USAUSA
Trains from New York, NY to Washington, DC run on average 34 times per day, taking around 3h 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $25 (€20) but you can travel from only $22 (€18) by bus.
There are 33 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:00, the last at 23:28. The fastest train covers the 203 miles (328 km) distance in 2h 58m.
Distance 203 miles (328 km) |
Average train duration 3h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price $25 (€20) |
Trains per day 34 |
Direct trains 33 |
Fastest train 2h 58m |
First train 3:00 AM |
Last train 11:28 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 42 days |
Train companies: Amtrak, Peter Pan Bus Lines from New York, NY to Washington, DC trainsAmtrak, Peter Pan Bus Lines trains will get you between New York, NY and Washington, DC from $22 (€18). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
Peter Pan Bus Lines
FAQs: Trains from New York, NY to Washington, DC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from New York, NY to Washington, DC by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Washington, DC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from New York, NY to Washington, DC
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
Hotel
Ticket Office
Car Rental
Information Desk
- Mon - Sun: 05:00-22:00
- Free Wi-Fi available in Moynihan Train Hall.
- Baggage assistance is provided by Red Caps, open 24/7 at Penn and open from 05:00 to 23:00 at Moynihan Train Hall.
- Blue Bottle Coffee
- Magnolia Bakery
- Starbucks
- The Pennsy Food Hall
- Nick + Stef's Steakhouse
- Penn & Sushi
- Krispy Kreme Donuts
- T.G.I. Friday's
- NY Pizza Suprema
- Blarney Stone
- & many more
- Accessible facilities including restroom, parking, elevators, and ramps. Additional assistance available at ticket counters or by asking uniformed employees.
- The New Yorker at Wyndham Hotel
- Courtyard by Marriott New York Manhattan/Chelsea
- Hilton Garden Inn West 35th Street
- Mon - Sun: 05:00-22:00
- Located on the connecting concourse near Tracks 18-19.
- Subway lines: 1, 2, 3, A, C, E
- Bus lines: M7, M20
- Train lines: Acela, Adirondack, Cardinal, Carolinian, Crescent, Empire Service, Ethan Allen Express, Keystone Service, Lake Shore Limited, Maple Leaf, Northeast Regional, Pennsylvanian, Silver Service/Palmetto, Vermonter, PATH, New Jersey Transit, Long Island Railroad, AirTrain Newark, AirTrain JFK
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityHotelTicket Office
Bike Parking
Bike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk- Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00
- Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00
- Free Wi-Fi in the station courtesy of Amtrak.
- Amtrak provides temporary luggage storage for $10 per bag for 24 hours for customers holding Amtrak tickets.
- Shake Shack
- McDonald’s
- Starbucks
- Potbelly Sandwich Shop
- Chopt Creative Salad Co.
- Chipotle Mexican Grill
- Thunder Grill
- Johnny Rockets
- Jamba Juice
- Ladurée Union Station
- & many more
- Elevators, escalators, wheelchair access. Accessible facilities including restrooms, parking, platforms, ticket office, waiting room.
- Hyatt Recency Washington On Capitol Hill
- Phoenix Park Hotel
- Kimpton George Hotel
- Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00
- Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00
- Located on the train concourse of Level G near the Amtrak Waiting Area.
- Metro lines: Red
- Bus lines: D6, D8, 80, 96,
- Train lines: Acela, Capitol Limited, Cardinal, Carolinian, Crescent, Fredericksburg Line, MARC Brunswick, MARC Camden, MARC Penn, Manassas Line, Northeast Regional, Palmetto, Silver Service/Palmetto, Vermonter
Most popular train connections from New York, NY
More options for your journey from New York, NY to Washington, DC
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Washington, DC and New York, NY
Most popular train connections to Washington, DC
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