4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Washington, DC to New York, NY
Cheapest price
$138
Average price
$288
Fastest journey
2 h 48 m
Average duration
2 h 51 m
Trains per day
35
Distance
328 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Washington, DC to New York, NY is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Washington, DC to New York, NY will cost around $288 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $138.
Of the 35 trains that leave Washington, DC for New York, NY on Thu, Apr 02, 35 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Apr 02 the direct trains cover the 328 km distance in an average of 2 h 51 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 48 m .
On Thu, Apr 02 the slowest trains will take 2 h 54 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.
170 Northeast Regional5:05 AM3h22Washington Union Station, Washington, DC8:27 AMPenn Station, New York, NY$1381One-way0 transfers- 66 Northeast Regional10:00 PM7h11Washington Union Station, Washington, DC5:11 AMPenn Station, New York, NY$1381One-way0 transfers
- 198 Northeast Regional9:15 PM3h30Washington Union Station, Washington, DC12:45 AMPenn Station, New York, NY$1381One-way0 transfers
- 192 Northeast Regional7:12 PM3h26Washington Union Station, Washington, DC10:38 PMPenn Station, New York, NY$1831One-way0 transfers
- 130 Northeast Regional6:30 AM3h32Washington Union Station, Washington, DC10:02 AMPenn Station, New York, NY$1831One-way0 transfers
2150 NextGen Acela5:00 AM2h48Washington Union Station, Washington, DC7:48 AMPenn Station, New York, NY$2971One-way0 transfers- 2126 NextGen Acela7:05 PM2h50Washington Union Station, Washington, DC9:55 PMPenn Station, New York, NY$2971One-way0 transfers
- 2108 NextGen Acela10:30 AM2h50Washington Union Station, Washington, DC1:20 PMPenn Station, New York, NY$4231One-way0 transfers
- 2168 Acela1:55 PM2h53Washington Union Station, Washington, DC4:48 PMPenn Station, New York, NY$4231One-way0 transfers
- 2162 NextGen Acela9:30 AM2h54Washington Union Station, Washington, DC12:24 PMPenn Station, New York, NY$4231One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Washington, DC to New York, NY
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Washington, DC to New York, NY among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $23. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 15m. 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 $23, and a flight costs an average of $122.
Distance: 203 miles (328 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$76 Average price | $41 Average price Cheapest | $202 Average price |
3h 48m Average total duration 3h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 22m Average total duration 3h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 15m Average total duration Fastest 2h 15m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 1.0 - 2.0kg CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company |  Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Washington, DC to New York, NY train times
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to New York, NY trains for today, Wednesday, April 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2150 NextGen Acela | 9:00 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h48 | 11:48 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 170 Northeast Regional | 9:05 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h22 | 12:27 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 130 Northeast Regional | 10:30 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h32 | 2:02 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 172 Northeast Regional | 11:10 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h35 | 2:45 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 98 Silver Meteor | 11:20 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h27 | 2:47 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 112 Northeast Regional | 11:45 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h29 | 3:14 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2104 Acela | 12:00 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h01 | 3:01 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 56 Vermonter | 12:10 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h11 | 3:21 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 86 Northeast Regional | 12:50 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h25 | 4:15 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2162 NextGen Acela | 1:30 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h54 | 4:24 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 182 Northeast Regional | 1:35 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h21 | 4:56 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2108 NextGen Acela | 2:30 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h50 | 5:20 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 174 Northeast Regional | 2:35 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h39 | 6:14 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 84 Northeast Regional | 3:10 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h24 | 6:34 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 134 Northeast Regional | 4:05 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h15 | 7:20 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2166 Acela | 4:55 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h55 | 7:50 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 184 Northeast Regional | 5:25 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h25 | 8:50 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2168 Acela | 5:55 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h53 | 8:48 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 94 Northeast Regional | 6:05 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h19 | 9:24 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 20 Crescent | 6:35 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 4h07 | 10:42 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 148 Northeast Regional | 6:55 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h32 | 10:27 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 176 Northeast Regional | 7:30 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h28 | 10:58 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2172 NextGen Acela | 8:00 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h00 | 11:00 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 178 Northeast Regional | 8:02 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h22 | 11:24 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 136 Northeast Regional | 9:05 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h26 | 12:31 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 80 Carolinian | 9:15 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h20 | 12:35 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2122 Acela | 9:25 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h58 | 12:23 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 196 Northeast Regional | 10:10 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h16 | 1:26 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2124 Acela | 10:25 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h55 | 1:20 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 138 Northeast Regional | 10:35 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h42 | 2:17 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 2126 NextGen Acela | 11:05 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h50 | 1:55 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 192 Northeast Regional | 11:12 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h26 | 2:38 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 90 Palmetto | 11:57 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h26 | 3:23 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, April 2 | |||||
| 198 Northeast Regional | 1:15 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h30 | 4:45 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 66 Northeast Regional | 2:00 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 7h11 | 9:11 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Washington, DC to New York, NY 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 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 to find the best option for your trip from Washington, DC to New York, NY.
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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 Washington, DC to New York, NY.
Washington, DC to New York, NY by trainWashington, DC to New York, NY with Amtrak – Yes, the USA *Does* Have Decent Trains!
By Thibault Constant
When you think of the United States, you probably imagine big cars, planes, and epic road trips. Rarely will you think about trains. However, while they're uncommon in much of the USA, there’s one region where rail travel is surprisingly decent: the Northeast Corridor. This line connects Boston to Washington, DC, via major cities like New York, Philadelphia, and Baltimore. Come along with me as I travel with Amtrak from Washington, DC, to New York, NY by train.
A view inside the Amtrak Acela cafe car, showing a person buying food and drinks at the counter.
Route overview
Amtrak is the national passenger rail operator in the US. On the Northeast Corridor, it runs two main services: Acela – A faster, premium service that’s often labeled as “high-speed,” though in reality, it only saves a few minutes between NYC and DC. Northeast Regional – An intercity service stopping at major cities along the route. While the Acela is typically more expensive, it offers a nicer interior and a smoother ride. I usually recommend the more affordable Northeast Regional, but for this trip, I opted for the Acela—because why not travel in a bit more comfort?
Transportation experience
You can book Washington, DC to New York, NY train tickets on either Amtrak or through comparison platforms like Omio, which I often use to compare prices and travel times across different modes of transport.
An exterior view of Washington Union Station with a clear blue sky, showing the historic facade and a statue in front.
Departure station
Washington Union Station is one of my favorite stations in the USA, along with those in Chicago and Kansas City (all three stations were finished in an era where train travel was at its peak in North America—what they built was monumental). The main hall, completed in 1908, is stunning—and fun fact: it inspired Mussolini when he commissioned Milano Centrale. The cherry on top? As soon as you exit the station, you get a direct view of the US Capitol. It’s an unforgettable departure sight! New York Penn Station may not be as iconic as Grand Central Terminal, but it recently got a huge facelift with the opening of the Moynihan Train Hall. Bright, modern, and filled with amenities, it’s a big upgrade. Located between 8th and 9th Avenue, it's right next to Madison Square Garden. Step out on 8th Avenue, and you’ll be treated to a great view of the Empire State Building.
Arrival station
New York Penn Station may not be as iconic as Grand Central Terminal, but it recently got a huge facelift with the opening of the Moynihan Train Hall. Bright, modern, and filled with amenities, it’s a big upgrade. Located between 8th and 9th Avenue, it's right next to Madison Square Garden. Step out on 8th Avenue, and you’ll be treated to a great view of the Empire State Building.
Schedule & frequency
Between the Acela and Northeast Regional services, there’s a train from Washington, DC, to New York, NY, roughly every 30 minutes. The Acela runs hourly during peak times and every two hours during the day. The fastest Acela trip between NYC and DC takes about 3 hours, making it the only place in the USA where train travel actually beats flying in both time and convenience. The Northeast Regional typically takes around 30 minutes longer, but it’s often the better deal price-wise.
Onboard experience & services
The Acela is a premium service compared to the Northeast Regional and offers two classes: Business Class – Comfortable with large seats with a table and plugs at each seat. First Class – Even more spacious with meals and alcoholic drinks served to your seat, plus lounge access at select stations. I traveled from Washington, DC, to New York by train in Business Class, which was great but looked too similar to the Coach Class on the Northeast Regional. The free Wi-Fi on the Acela was fast and stable enough to stream, work, and stay connected for the entire journey. Acela trains from Washington D.C. to New York City don't have checked baggage service. You can bring two carry-on bags—max 50 lbs (23 kg)—and one personal item up to 25 lbs (12 kg). Midway through the trip, I visited the Acela Café for a quick lunch. I picked up a Southwest salad and chicken ranch wrap, which was quite affordable and reasonably priced. While the quality wasn’t exceptional, it was decent and better value than you’d expect for train food. The Café Car is also the perfect spot to stretch your legs and enjoy the views. Personally, I prefer traveling west of the Mississippi River with Amtrak, as the scenery is breathtaking, but the views on the Acela aren’t bad either. You'll pass through dense urban areas, historic cities, and lovely waterfront views. I especially love the stretch between Baltimore and Philadelphia, where the train crosses several bridges over wide expanses of water. Sit on the left-hand side for the best views of Chesapeake Bay on this northbound trip.
A shot of the Amtrak Acela Business Class cabin, showing the spacious seats with ample legroom.
Ticketing advice & budget breakdown
The Acela is priced for business travelers, so expect higher fares than the Northeast Regional.
| Item | Cost (eur) |
|---|---|
| Ticket price | €250 |
| Food & drinks | € |
| Travel to departure station | € |
| Travel from arrival station | € |
| Total | € 250 |
Top tips & recommendations
- Book Washington, DC, to New York, NY train tickets early to secure the best prices.
- Sit on the left-hand side for the best views of Chesapeake Bay on a northbound journey.
- If you book Acela First Class, you get access to the Acela Lounge in New York—one of the USA's best train lounges.
Conclusion
The US may not be a train lover’s paradise, but the Washington, DC, to New York train route is a rare gem. It’s fast, convenient, and—by American standards—surprisingly good. So, next time you're traveling in the Northeast, hop on the Amtrak. You might be surprised—in the best way.
An exterior view of an Amtrak Acela train at a platform in New York Penn Station.
How far in advance should I book train tickets from Washington, DC to New York, NY?
Journey information
Overview: Train from Washington, DC to New York, NY
USAUSA
Trains from Washington, DC to New York, NY run on average 33 times per day, taking around 3h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $24 (€20) but you can travel from only $23 (€18) by bus.
There are 32 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:20, the last at 23:49. The fastest train covers the 203 miles (328 km) distance in 3h 7m.
Distance 203 miles (328 km) |
Average train duration 3h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 (€20) |
Trains per day 33 |
Direct trains 32 |
Fastest train 3h 7m |
First train 3:20 AM |
Last train 11:49 PM |
Train companies: Amtrak from Washington, DC to New York, NY trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Washington, DC and New York, NY from $23 (€18). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Washington, DC to New York, NY
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Washington, DC to New York, NY 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 New York, NY, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Washington, DC to New York, NY
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
Hotel
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information 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
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityHotelTicket OfficeCar RentalInformation 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
Most popular train connections from Washington, DC
More options for your journey from Washington, DC to New York, NY
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from New York, NY and Washington, DC
Most popular train connections to New York, NY
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