- Must visit
The Metropolitan Museum of Art
World-renowned museum spanning ancient to modern art. Highlights include masterworks, global collections, and the dramatic Fifth Avenue setting.










Cheapest price
$99
Average price
$227
Fastest journey
2h 57m
Average duration
3h 24m
Trains per day
35
Distance
329 km
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 $22. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 33m. 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 $112.
Distance: 203 miles (328 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$85 Average price | $42 Average price Cheapest | $238 Average price | $105 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 9m Average total duration 3h 39m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 32m Average total duration 4h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 33m Average total duration Fastest 2h 33m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 49m 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 Washington, DC to New York, NY:
A bus is $44 (€36) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Washington, DC to New York, NY costing on average $85 (€70).
A bus is $196 (€162) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Washington, DC to New York, NY costing on average $238 (€196).
Other travel options to New York, NY take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 39m.
Bus takes on average 4h 2m.
The journey is about 10m faster (3h 39m by train vs 3h 49m by car) and roughly $20 (€16) cheaper once you factor in fuel and tolls ($85 (€70) vs $105 (€87)). You'll also arrive in the city centre rather than hunting for parking, and you can work, read, or watch the landscape go by instead of concentrating on the road.
Direct services run with Amtrak, Amtrak.
Driving is still worth considering if you want to stop along the way or need a car once you arrive.
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to New York, NY trains for today, Tuesday, July 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
2102 NextGen Acela | 5:48 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h06 | 8:54 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
130 Northeast Regional | 6:20 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h42 | 10:02 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
2152 Acela | 6:45 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h04 | 9:49 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
172 Northeast Regional | 7:06 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h39 | 10:45 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
2104 NextGen Acela | 7:30 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h00 | 10:30 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
112 Northeast Regional | 7:40 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h34 | 11:14 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
56 Vermonter | 8:08 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h13 | 11:21 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
2154 Acela | 8:30 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h57 | 11:27 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
86 Northeast Regional | 8:50 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h25 | 12:15 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
182 Northeast Regional | 9:29 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h27 | 12:56 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
2108 NextGen Acela | 10:05 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h00 | 1:05 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
174 Northeast Regional | 10:35 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h39 | 2:14 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
84 Northeast Regional | 11:02 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h32 | 2:34 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
2112 Acela | 11:50 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h03 | 2:53 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
134 Northeast Regional | 11:56 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h24 | 3:20 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
2158 NextGen Acela | 12:50 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h04 | 3:54 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
184 Northeast Regional | 1:20 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h30 | 4:50 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
2116 NextGen Acela | 1:55 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h00 | 4:55 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
94 Northeast Regional | 2:00 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h24 | 5:24 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
2160 NextGen Acela | 2:50 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h59 | 5:49 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
148 Northeast Regional | 2:55 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h32 | 6:27 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
2118 NextGen Acela | 3:25 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h59 | 6:24 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
176 Northeast Regional | 3:30 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h28 | 6:58 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
178 Northeast Regional | 3:56 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h28 | 7:24 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
2162 NextGen Acela | 4:20 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h00 | 7:20 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
136 Northeast Regional | 5:00 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h31 | 8:31 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
2120 NextGen Acela | 5:05 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h58 | 8:03 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
196 Northeast Regional | 6:08 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h18 | 9:26 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
2124 NextGen Acela | 6:13 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2h57 | 9:10 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
138 Northeast Regional | 6:35 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h42 | 10:17 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
192 Northeast Regional | 7:12 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h26 | 10:38 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
90 Palmetto | 7:57 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h26 | 11:23 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
2128 Acela | 8:02 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h01 | 11:03 PM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
198 Northeast Regional | 9:15 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h30 | 12:45 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
66 Northeast Regional | 10:00 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 7h11 | 5:11 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
2150 Acela | 4:47 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h00 | 7:47 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
170 Northeast Regional | 5:05 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3h22 | 8:27 AM Penn Station, New York, NY | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 |
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.
Trains from Washington, DC to New York, NY run on average 32 times per day, taking around 3h 39m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $24 (€20) but you can travel from only $22 (€18) by bus.
There are 31 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:00, 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 39m |
Cheapest ticket price $24 (€20) |
Trains per day 32 |
Direct trains 31 |
Fastest train 3h 7m |
First train 3:00 AM |
Last train 11:49 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 49 days |
Discover the best of New York — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect New York trip today.
World-renowned museum spanning ancient to modern art. Highlights include masterworks, global collections, and the dramatic Fifth Avenue setting.
Leading museum of modern and contemporary art, home to influential works by Van Gogh, Picasso, Warhol, and many others.
Major American art museum inside a Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece. Its spiral galleries make the building itself part of the experience.
Vast urban park with lakes, meadows, museums, and scenic paths. It is the city’s classic outdoor escape and a true must-see.
Elevated park built on a former rail line, offering gardens, public art, and fresh perspectives on the West Side.
Bright, busy crossroads famous for giant screens, theaters, and nonstop energy. It is overwhelming, iconic, and quintessentially New York.
A thin, foldable slice with crisp crust and tangy tomato sauce. It is the city’s iconic fast meal, shaped by generations of neighborhood pizzerias.
A hand-rolled boiled and baked bagel, often topped with cream cheese and lox. New York water and long-standing bagel shops made it a city staple.
Salt-cured beef steamed until tender, usually served on rye with mustard. It is a classic Jewish deli sandwich strongly tied to New York food culture.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant highlighting contemporary American cuisine with refined tasting menus. Elegant setting and one of the city’s landmark tables.
Legendary coal-oven pizzeria serving classic New York pies in a casual, bustling setting. A long-standing favorite for an old-school slice experience.
Historic Jewish deli famed for towering pastrami sandwiches and classic counter service. Busy, traditional, and deeply tied to Lower East Side food culture.
Very high costs for hotels, dining, and attractions; transit is moderate, but overall NYC is pricier than most US and global city breaks.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, more for great service. Taxis: 15-20%. Cafes: round up or add $1-2 for drinks.
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.

Most Washington, DC to New York, NY trains use the Union Station to Penn Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Washington, DC and New York, NY train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Union Station is 2 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: 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
Free Wi-Fi in the station courtesy of Amtrak. ATMs are there are 2 ATM machines located on Level G.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00, Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00. Information desks are located on the train concourse of Level G near the Amtrak Waiting Area.
Luggage storage is amtrak provides temporary luggage storage for $10 per bag for 24 hours for customers holding Amtrak tickets.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, escalators, wheelchair access. Accessible facilities including restrooms, parking, platforms, ticket office, waiting room.
Nearby hotels include Hyatt Recency Washington On Capitol Hill, Phoenix Park Hotel, Kimpton George Hotel.
Penn Station is 4 km from New York city centre. Public transport options include:
Penn Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: 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
Free Wi-Fi available in Moynihan Train Hall. ATMs are there are ATMs in various locations around the station.
The ticket office is open Mon - Sun: 05:00-22:00. Information desks are located on the connecting concourse near Tracks 18-19.
Luggage storage is baggage assistance is provided by Red Caps, open 24/7 at Penn and open from 05:00 to 23:00 at Moynihan Train Hall. .
Available at Penn Station: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Penn Station: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Penn Station: Accessible facilities including restroom, parking, elevators, and ramps. Additional assistance available at ticket counters or by asking uniformed employees.
Nearby hotels include The New Yorker at Wyndham Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott New York Manhattan/Chelsea, Hilton Garden Inn West 35th Street.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need