Trains from New York City to Washington, DC

Trains from New York to Washington D.C.

The average journey time for a train from New York to Washington D.C.​ is 3 hours and 23 minutes. With the average coach service taking around four hours and 30 minutes, train travel is a faster and more comfortable way to reach the capital. It's impossible to beat the speed of the train on dry land; even the slowest train journey, which takes around 3 hours and 40 minutes, is still faster than driving by car, which is always over four hours. With an estimated 41 train journeys per day, there are plenty of options for anyone looking to travel from New York to Washington D.C. via train.

Which train companies travel from New York to Washington D.C.?

Amtrak train company provides the rail service from New York City to Washington D.C. Amtrak operates three services which run across the Northeastern Corridor from New York City to Washington D.C. - the Northeast Regional, the Acela Express and the Acela Nonstop service, launched in September 2019. The Northeast Regional is the slowest service Amtrak provides but it is also the cheapest. The Amtrak Acela Express reaches Washington D.C. from New York City significantly faster than the Northeast Regional and offers more spacious carriages for passengers. With working WiFi throughout the train, the Acela Express is the favored service for business travelers. Most recently, Amtrak added a third train from New York to Washington D.C. - the Acela Nonstop. Of the three, this is the most expensive and only departs once a day. This service frequently sells out in advance.

How long is the train ride from New York to Washington D.C.?

New York City is 225​ miles (362 kilometers) away from Washington D.C. On average, a train from New York to Washington D.C. takes 3 hours and 23 minutes to complete its journey. However, depending on which service travelers choose, the train can be significantly faster. The fastest train service from New York to Washington D.C. is the Acela Nonstop, which takes only 2 hours and 37 minutes​. However, there is only one Acela Nonstop service each day and standard seats usually sell out months in advance. Often, it is difficult and very expensive for passengers to buy last-minute tickets for this train. Most business travelers choose to take the Acela Express service. On average, the Acela Express train from New York to Washington D.C. takes 2 hours and 55 minutes. Amtrak's Northeast Regional train journey is the slowest but is also the least expensive. Travelers can expect an average journey of 3 hours and 30 minutes on a Northeast Regional train.

How many trains are there from New York to Washington D.C.?

Every day, there is an average of 41 trains from New York to Washington D.C. The first train departs shortly after 3:00 a.m. and the last train departs shortly after 10:00 p.m. If a passenger wishes to travel on the Acela Nonstop train from New York to Washington D.C., they have one option each day at around 6:30 a.m. Travelers who wish to take the Acela Express service can only depart between 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m., as this service only runs between these hours. The Northeast Regional train provides the most services from New York City to Washington D.C. and accounts for 27 trains each day, from 3:00 a.m. until 11:00 p.m. There are on average two Northeast Regional trains per hour and one Acela Express service.

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from New York to Washington D.C.?

Departure station: trains on this route depart New York at New York Penn Station. New York Penn Station is only nine minutes from central Manhattan on the Subway line and is well-connected to the rest of New York City. New York Penn Station is accessible for travelers with limited mobility. Travelers with access needs or luggage can take elevators from the concourse to platforms. Amtrak advises all passengers to arrive at New York Penn Station 30 minutes before departure time. If passengers have requested any assistance, it is recommended that they arrive 45 minutes in advance of departure. In the station, travelers can grab last-minute refreshments from cafes and food outlets before their departure.

Arrival station: trains from New York arrive at Washington D.C. Union Station. Union Station is 10 minutes away from central Washington D.C. via the Red Metro line. For those looking to travel elsewhere in Washington D.C., there are good public transport links from the station throughout the city and its suburbs. Passengers with limited mobility will be able to navigate Union Station with ease, as there are elevators that connect different levels of the station.