Washington, DC to New York, NY train with Amtrak

Washington, DC to New York, NY with Amtrak – Yes, the USA Does Have Decent Trains!

Introduction

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.

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.

Route Details

Departure & Arrival Stations

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.

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.

Ticketing Advice & Budget Breakdown

The Acela is priced for business travelers, so expect higher fares than the Northeast Regional.

Costs for one passenger:

Top Tips & Personal 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.

About the Author: Thibault Constant

• Job Title: Train Travel Content Creator
• Bio: Content creator (Simply Railway), specializing in train travel from all across the globe — including over 40 countries explored by rail.