Departure Schedule
Morning departures
Fastest trip2 hrs 59 min
Longest trip3 hrs 58 min
Earliest05:35
Latest11:11
Departures16
Afternoon departures
Fastest trip3 hrs 6 min
Longest trip3 hrs 56 min
Earliest12:10
Latest17:03
Departures12
Evening departures
Fastest trip3 hrs 30 min
Longest trip3 hrs 41 min
Earliest18:05
Latest20:01
Departures4
Night departures
Fastest trip7 hrs 31 min
Longest trip7 hrs 31 min
Earliest23:23
Latest23:23
Departures1
Travelling from New York to Washington by Train
One of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between two exciting cities on the East Coast is taking a train from NY to DC. Most departures leave from NY Moynihan Train Hall, an extension of Penn Station, with travelers from Long Island able to connect easily via the Long Island Rail Road before boarding. There are around 39 daily train trips connecting to Washington's Union Station, the largest transportation hub in Washington DC. Acela Express covers the roughly 225 miles (362 km) in as little as 2 hours 45 minutes, while the more budget-friendly Northeast Regional takes closer to 3 hours 30 minutes. A train ticket can cost between $78 and $243, with an average price of $124.57; booking 28 days in advance saves about $119.98, so booking online early pays off.
For comparison, flying is the fastest option in the air, at just over an hour, but total travel time for flying includes airport transfers, security, and baggage claim, often stretching past 3 hours door-to-door — making the direct train genuinely competitive. A bus ticket starts at $28.98, with buses running about 105 daily trips, and driving takes about 4 hours via I-95, often with multiple tolls and difficult, expensive parking once you reach the city. New York City is a global center for finance, culture, and entertainment, with fast-paced neighborhoods around Times Square, Broadway theater, hotels, and iconic landmarks like the Empire State Building. Washington, D.C., the nation's capital, is home to the Capitol Building, the Supreme Court, the White House, and the National Mall, which features the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, and the WWII Memorial, along with the free museums of the Smithsonian Institution.
New York to Washington trains Information
New York
Penn Station, United StatesNew York Midtown (31st St & 8th Ave) Bus station, United StatesNew York Port Authority station, United States
358 km
Washington
Washington Union Station, United StatesWashington Union Bus Station, United States
2 h 59 m
Shortest travel time:
$114
Lowest ticket cost:
33
Avg. daily departures:
05:35
Earliest departure:
23:23
Latest departure:
Popular questions about trains from New York to Washington
Yes. Amtrak’s Acela and Northeast Regional both run directly between New York and Washington Union Station, with most departures leaving from the NY Moynihan Train Hall extension of Penn Station. There are about 33 trains a day on this route, with no need to change trains and journeys as short as 2 hours 59 minutes.
Train tickets from New York to Washington start at $114. Prices depend on the train, class and how early you book, so booking online in advance is the best way to get a good fare.
Yes. A bus ticket from New York to Washington starts at $28.98, with buses running about 105 daily trips, making it a solid budget option if price matters more than speed or extra legroom. The bus typically takes 4 to 4.5 hours, compared to the train’s 2 hours 59 minutes on the fastest departures.
Traveling by car the same driving distance takes about 4 hours via I-95, though the route often includes multiple tolls on major highways between New York City and Washington D.C. Parking in Washington D.C. can also be expensive and difficult to find once you arrive, which is why many travelers prefer the train straight into Union Station instead.
The first train leaves New York at around 05:35 and the last one at around 23:23, with most departures in the morning and afternoon. Times can change by season, so check the current timetable before you travel.
The fastest trains take 2 hours 59 minutes, and most daytime departures take under 4 hours. The late-night departure at around 23:23 takes about 7 hours 31 minutes.
Northeast Regional trains offer Coach and Business Class. Acela trains offer Business Class and First Class, which includes at-seat meal service.
Amtrak allows 2 carry-on bags (up to 50 lbs each) and 2 personal items (up to 25 lbs each) per passenger free of charge. You store your bags yourself on overhead
Yes — Amtrak Acela and other New York to Washington services depart from NY Moynihan Train Hall, an extension of Penn Station, and travelers coming from Long Island can connect easily via the Long Island Rail Road before boarding their train ticket south toward Washington.
Yes. There are about 31 trains a day from Washington to New York, with tickets from $96 and the fastest trip taking 2 hours 59 minutes. You can book your return train on Rail Ninja at the same time as your outbound trip.
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