New York, NY to Washington, DC train with Amtrak

Thu, Oct 15
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Amtrak
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Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
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2,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Amtrak
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Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from New York, NY to Washington, DC

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Oct 15

Cheapest price on Oct 15

$144

Average ticket price on Oct 15

$351

Fastest journey on Oct 15

2 h 59 m

Average journey duration on Oct 15

3 h 5 m

Trains on Oct 15

25

Distance

328 km

Cheap tickets

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 $351 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $144.

Fast trains

On Thu, Oct 15, we found 25 trains from New York, NY to Washington, DC, including 25 direct services.

On Thu, Oct 15 the direct trains cover the 328 km distance in an average of 3 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 59 m .

On Thu, Oct 15 the slowest trains will take 3 h 7 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.

  • Amtrak1111 Northeast Regional
    7:55 AM3h31
    Penn Station, New York, NY
    11:26 AMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC
    $1441One-way
    0 transfers
  • Amtrak1103 Northeast Regional
    9:01 AM3h25
    Penn Station, New York, NY
    12:26 PMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC
    $1911One-way
    0 transfers
  • Amtrak79 Carolinian
    7:04 AM3h58
    Penn Station, New York, NY
    11:02 AMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC
    $1911One-way
    0 transfers
  • Amtrak67 Northeast Regional
    11:23 PM7h31
    Penn Station, New York, NY
    6:54 AMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC
    $1911One-way
    0 transfers
  • Amtrak1127 Northeast Regional
    10:10 AM3h45
    Penn Station, New York, NY
    1:55 PMWashington Union Station, Washington, DC
    $2411One-way
    0 transfers

Journey information

Overview: Train from New York, NY to Washington, DC

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from New York, NY to Washington, DC run on average 34 times per day, taking around 3h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $12 if you book in advance.

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 39m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
203 miles (328 km)
Average train duration
3h 27m
Cheapest ticket price
$12
Trains per day
34
Direct trains
33
Fastest train
2h 39m
First train
3:00 AM
Last train
11:28 PM
Cheapest Month
Jun
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Mon
Least Busy Day
Fri
Best time to book
84 days
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

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, October 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Amtrak1087 Northeast Regional3:04 PM Penn Station, New York, NY
3h30
6:34 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
Amtrak2115 Acela [NextGen]3:50 PM Penn Station, New York, NY
3h06
6:56 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
Amtrak1163 Northeast Regional4:05 PM Penn Station, New York, NY
3h45
7:50 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
Amtrak2155 Acela [NextGen]5:00 PM Penn Station, New York, NY
3h07
8:07 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
Amtrak1129 Northeast Regional5:03 PM Penn Station, New York, NY
3h40
8:43 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
Amtrak1135 Northeast Regional6:05 PM Penn Station, New York, NY
3h41
9:46 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
Amtrak1107 Northeast Regional7:10 PM Penn Station, New York, NY
3h30
10:40 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
Amtrak1165 Northeast Regional8:01 PM Penn Station, New York, NY
3h41
11:42 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
Amtrak67 Northeast Regional11:23 PM Penn Station, New York, NY
7h31
6:54 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
Thursday, October 15
Amtrak1109 Northeast Regional5:35 AM Penn Station, New York, NY
3h27
9:02 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
Amtrak2101 Acela [NextGen]6:50 AM Penn Station, New York, NY
3h14
10:04 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
Amtrak79 Carolinian7:04 AM Penn Station, New York, NY
3h58
11:02 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
Amtrak1111 Northeast Regional7:55 AM Penn Station, New York, NY
3h31
11:26 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
Amtrak2103 Acela [NextGen]8:00 AM Penn Station, New York, NY
3h12
11:12 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
Amtrak1153 Northeast Regional8:05 AM Penn Station, New York, NY
3h38
11:43 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
Amtrak2105 Acela [NextGen]9:00 AM Penn Station, New York, NY
3h06
12:06 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
Amtrak1103 Northeast Regional9:01 AM Penn Station, New York, NY
3h25
12:26 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
Amtrak1155 Northeast Regional9:08 AM Penn Station, New York, NY
3h33
12:41 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
Amtrak1143 Northeast Regional9:58 AM Penn Station, New York, NY
3h24
1:22 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
Amtrak2149 Acela [NextGen]10:03 AM Penn Station, New York, NY
3h05
1:08 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
Amtrak1127 Northeast Regional10:10 AM Penn Station, New York, NY
3h45
1:55 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
Amtrak2151 Acela [NextGen]11:06 AM Penn Station, New York, NY
2h59
2:05 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
Amtrak1195 Northeast Regional11:11 AM Penn Station, New York, NY
3h27
2:38 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
Amtrak2133 Acela [NextGen]12:10 PM Penn Station, New York, NY
3h07
3:17 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
Amtrak1147 Northeast Regional12:50 PM Penn Station, New York, NY
3h22
4:12 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
Amtrak1099 Northeast Regional1:17 PM Penn Station, New York, NY
3h24
4:41 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
Amtrak1161 Northeast Regional1:49 PM Penn Station, New York, NY
3h37
5:26 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
Amtrak19 Crescent2:00 PM Penn Station, New York, NY
3h48
5:48 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
Amtrak2123 Acela [NextGen]2:05 PM Penn Station, New York, NY
3h08
5:13 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect
Amtrak97 Silver Meteor2:30 PM Penn Station, New York, NY
3h56
6:26 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC0 transfersDirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Why should you book New York, NY to Washington, DC trains with Omio?

Amtrak as well as Amtrak offer trains services from New York, NY to Washington, DC.
Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets.

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 New York, NY to Washington, DC.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • 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

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Maria KofouTravel Journalist
Maria Kofou
Travel journalist based in Athens, rail enthusiast, and travel content creator. She has written for major travel outlets and leads curated group trips for solo women. When she's not riding high-speed trains or scenic routes, she’s podcasting, storytelling, or planning her next rail adventure.

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.

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.

ItemCost (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.

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?

The best time to book your train from New York, NY to Washington, DC is 84 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the New York, NY to Washington, DC route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from New York, NY to Washington, DC per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from New York, NY to Washington, DC.

Train companies: Amtrak from New York, NY to Washington, DC trainsAmtrak trains will get you between New York, NY and Washington, DC from $12. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Amtrak Duration
2h 59m
Cheapest Amtrak Price
$12
Amtrak frequency
25 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

Complete guide to Washington, DC

Things to do in Washington, DC

Discover the best of Washington, DC — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Washington, DC trip today.

  • Must visit

National Air and Space Museum

This world-class museum presents aviation and space history through iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and hands-on science exhibits.

  • Must visit

Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History

Housed in a Beaux-Arts building, this museum explores natural wonders with dinosaurs, gems, fossils, and global biodiversity.

  • Must visit

National Museum of African American History and Culture

A landmark museum documenting African American history and culture through powerful exhibitions, artifacts, and storytelling.

US dollar ($)

DC is pricier than many US cities. Hotels and dining run high in central areas, but Metro and many free museums help balance daily travel costs.

Average meal costs

Budget
$10-18 for fast food or casual takeout.
Mid-range
$25-45 per person for a meal.
Fine dining
$80+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
$4-6 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tip 18-20% at restaurants, more for great service. Taxis usually 10-15%. Cafes: round up or add $1-2.

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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from New York, NY to Washington, DC can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $12, while the average price is around $154.
The train from New York, NY to Washington, DC takes 2h 39m and runs 34 per day.
The first train from New York, NY to Washington, DC leaves at 3:00 AM.
The distance by train from New York, NY to Washington, DC is 203 miles (328 km).
The last train from New York, NY to Washington, DC leaves at 11:28 PM.
Yes, there is a high-speed train from New York, NY to Washington, DC.
Yes, there is a direct train from New York, NY to Washington, DC. This service operates 33 times per day, provided by Amtrak, Amtrak.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from New York, NY to Washington, DC.
The train station in New York, NY that goes to Washington, DC is Penn Station, New York, NY, which connects to Washington Union Station, Washington, DC.
The train journey from New York, NY to Washington, DC is not typically considered scenic, as it primarily travels through urban and suburban areas with views of cities, industrial sites, and limited countryside.
Yes, you can take the train from New York, NY to Washington, DC.
Popular day trips by train from Washington, DC include Baltimore, MD, Wilmington, DE, Fredericksburg, VA, Newark, DE, Quantico, VA.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Washington, DC, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas like the National Mall and Metro stations. Common scams include overpriced taxi rides and unofficial tour operators. It's advisable to use licensed transportation services and stay aware of surroundings, particularly at night or in less busy neighborhoods.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

Most popular trains to and from Washington, DC and New York, NY

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