Departure Schedule
Morning departures
Fastest trip3 hrs 1 min
Longest trip3 hrs 37 min
Earliest05:25
Latest11:55
Departures13
Afternoon departures
Fastest trip2 hrs 59 min
Longest trip4 hrs 7 min
Earliest12:25
Latest17:24
Departures14
Evening departures
Fastest trip3 hrs 26 min
Longest trip3 hrs 35 min
Earliest18:10
Latest19:57
Departures2
Night departures
Fastest trip3 hrs 19 min
Longest trip7 hrs 11 min
Earliest21:15
Latest22:00
Departures2
Travelling from Washington to New York by Train
Planning a trip between Washington and New York and trying to decide between the train, a flight, or driving for your next trip? This guide breaks down train times, ticket prices, and how the train compares to flying, the bus, and driving. One of the fastest and most convenient ways to travel between these two cities is taking a train from DC to NY, with Amtrak trains taking about 3 hours from New York to Washington, and Acela Express covering the roughly 225 miles (362 km) in as little as 2 hours 45 minutes. A train ticket can cost between $78 and $243, with an average price of $124.57, and booking 28 days in advance saves about $119.98. Washington, D.C. focuses on politics, public service, and global diplomacy, is known for monumental architecture and national landmarks, features a slower, more laid-back pace, and has no state income tax, appealing to high earners, alongside one of the highest state minimum wages in the country; its economy is primarily driven by government, public policy, and defense, alongside a climate of innovation tied to the tech sector. New York City, by contrast, operates as a dense, vertical city that never sleeps, thriving on finance, fashion, art, media, and commerce, with an economy driven by diverse industries including finance, media, and tech, and it's famous for iconic skyscrapers and cultural landmarks including the Statue of Liberty, Times Square, and Central Park, an iconic urban park at the heart of Manhattan — though housing costs in New York City are significantly higher than those in Washington, D.C., and New York City generally has a 72.6% higher overall cost of living than Washington, D.C.
Washington to New York trains Information
Washington
Washington Union Station, United StatesWashington Union Bus Station, United States
358 km
New York
Penn Station, United StatesNew York Midtown (31st St & 8th Ave) Bus station, United StatesNew York Port Authority station, United States
2 h 59 m
Shortest travel time:
$96
Lowest ticket cost:
31
Avg. daily departures:
05:25
Earliest departure:
22:00
Latest departure:
Popular questions about trains from Washington to New York
Yes. Amtrak’s Acela and Northeast Regional trains run directly from Washington Union Station to New York Penn Station, so you don’t need to change trains. The fastest departures take 2 hours 59 minutes.
Acela is the faster, premium service with Business and First Class and fewer stops. Northeast Regional takes a little longer and makes more stops, but its Coach fares are usually cheaper.
Booking about four weeks ahead usually gets you much lower fares than buying close to departure. Midday and late-evening trains on weekdays also tend to cost less than early-morning business-hour departures.
he bus is usually the cheapest option, but it takes about 4 hours 25 minutes and depends on traffic. Driving takes around 4 hours via I-95, plus tolls and parking in Manhattan. The train is faster and takes you straight into Midtown.
Fares start from around $96 in Coach on the Northeast Regional. Acela Business and First Class cost more, and prices rise as the departure date approaches.
There are about 31 departures a day. The first train leaves around 05:25 and the last around 22:00, with the most departures in the morning and afternoon.
Trains depart from Washington Union Station, which is connected to the Metro Red Line. They arrive at New York Penn Station in Midtown Manhattan, where Amtrak passengers use the Moynihan Train Hall concourse.
Penn Station has direct subway connections on the 1/2/3 and A/C/E lines. It is also a hub for Long Island Rail Road and NJ Transit, and the taxi stand is at street level.
Trains stop at major stations along the Northeast Corridor, including Baltimore, Wilmington, Philadelphia and Newark. Northeast Regional trains make more stops than Acela, so check your timetable when booking.
Fares are usually lowest in quieter months such as January and February. They are highest around Thanksgiving, Christmas and summer weekends, so book early if you’re traveling then.
Northeast Regional trains offer Coach and Business Class. Acela trains offer Business Class and First Class, which includes at-seat meal service and access to station lounges.
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 racks or at the end of the car.
Yes. Acela and Northeast Regional trains have free WiFi and power outlets at seats. The Café Car sells snacks, sandwiches and drinks.
No. Rail Ninja sends your e-ticket by email, and you can show it on your phone to the conductor.
Yes. There are about 33 trains a day from New York to Washington, with tickets from $114 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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