New York, NY to Washington, DC train with Amtrak

Trains from New York City to Washington DC

There are plenty of options when you are looking for trains from New York City to Washington DC, so you should be able to find a journey that matches your schedule. There are up to 29 trains that travel between the two cities on a daily basis, depending on which day of the week you depart, meaning there is a comprehensive timetable to pick from. With trains from early in the morning to late at night, you can travel at a time suitable for you. Trains take in the region of 3h 18min, so it won't be long before you're in the capital city.

New York City to Washington DC Train Time: Daily Departures

On weekdays, there are around 29 New York City to Washington DC trains with departures from about 03:00 to around 22:00. On Saturdays and Sundays, there are about 22 trains each day, with the first departure at approximately 03:00. The last train on a Saturday departs at about 21:00, whilst on a Sunday, it leaves at around 19:00.

How long is the journey by train from New York City to Washington DC?

When you get a train to Washington DC from New York City, it will take around 3h 18min from Monday to Friday, about 3h 34min on a Saturday and in the region of 3h 25min on a Sunday. The fastest train on a weekday tends to take about 2h 54min, whilst on weekends it's slightly slower at about 2h 58min. All the trains on this service are direct, too, so you can sit back and enjoy the trip. Whilst you're travelling, you can check out the The Window Seat if you want some inspiration for more travel locations.

Trains from New York City to Washington DC: friends enjoying the view of New York City. Source: Shutterstock

What are the departure and arrival stations for trains from New York City to Washington DC?

Departure train station:Trains depart from Penn Station in the heart of Manhattan. You can get to the station from popular landmarks such as the Empire State Building in about 6min on the M34-SBS bus. Before you travel, you can access a food court, toilets and premium lounges at the train station.

Arrival train station:Trains arrive at Union Station, which is conveniently located close to popular tourist areas. For instance, you can walk to the United States Capitol in around 13min. At the station, you can visit shops, grab a bite to eat at one of the restaurants and even hire a car.

Which train companies travel from New York City to Washington DC?

The company operating the train from New York City to Washington DC is Amtrak. With about 29 trains daily on weekdays and 22 trains each day on weekends, there is a great selection of departures for you to pick from. In general, trains take about 3h 18min to reach their destination. All train services offered on this route are direct, so you do not have to change during the journey.

Night trains New York City

There are no night trains from New York City to Washington DC. However, there are departures early in the morning and also trains that arrive late at night. For example, you can travel as early as about 03:00 from New York City, arriving at Washington DC at about 06:30. Alternatively, you can depart just after 22:00 and arrive at close to 02:00.

Amtrak trains from New York City to Washington DC

The Amtrak train from New York City to Washington DC offers a frequent and reliable service throughout the week, making this a great service to travel with. You can normally expect about 29 trains daily on weekdays and 22 on Saturdays and Sundays. The first departure on a weekday tends to be at about 03:00, with the last departure at approximately 22:00. On Saturdays and Sundays, the earliest train leaves at about 03:00, with the final departure at about 21:00 on Saturdays and around 19:00 on Sundays. Trains take in the region of 3h 18min during the week, around 3h 34min on Saturdays and approximately 3h 25min on Sundays. The fastest train to complete this route does so in approximately 2h 54min. As this is a direct train from New York City to Washington DC, you will not have to transfer during your journey.

Trains from New York City to Washington DC: Sustainability travel

Train travel tends to be one of the most sustainable ways to travel between New York City and Washington DC. Compared to trips by bus, car or plane, this mode of transport releases fewer carbon emissions per passenger. It is also beneficial to the environment as it produces less noise pollution, allowing local wildlife to flourish.

Train New York City to Washington DC: Services on Board

On a train to Washington DC from New York City with Amtrak, you can enjoy great facilities. First Class offers you premium amenities and complimentary food, although all seating is comfortable and spacious for the journey no matter what class you travel in. You can take two pieces of luggage on board free of charge, each of which should not be heavier than 50lbs (23kg). The size of these bags cannot exceed 28 x 22 x 14 inches either, so be sure to check before you travel. You can take your bicycle on board for an additional charge, but this should be reserved in advance as there is limited space. You are also allowed to take dogs and cats on the train, providing they are not heavier than 20lbs (9kg). If you are travelling with a mobility issue or disability, you can contact Amtrak in advance, and they will offer assistance throughout your trip.

How to find cheap train tickets from New York City to Washington DC

You can get cheap tickets from New York City to Washington DC if you book in advance. Train tickets tend to get more expensive the closer you get to the day of travel, so it's always wise to make arrangements in good time. Having flexibility is also beneficial as you may find that tickets a few hours on either side of your preferred travel time are cheaper.

Trains from New York City to Washingtong DC: The Capitol in Washington DC. Source: Shutterstock

To Washington DC by train—travel tips

Washington DC is a great city to visit, with loads of interesting things to see and do. Before you arrive, put an itinerary together so that you don't miss out on any of the best bits. Start your trip at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History, which has a range of exhibits, including the first accurate dinosaur skeleton. Then head over to the US Capitol, which is one of the most iconic landmarks in the city. The Lincoln Memorial is also a must-see – it is an impressive sculpture of the former president. If you like art, then you should check out the National Gallery of Art with its vast range of art spanning all major periods. A great place to go with kids is the National Air and Space Museum, which takes a look back at aviation history. The National Mall is something we've all seen on TV, but now it's your chance to see it in real life. Finish off your trip at the National Portrait Gallery, which has a range of presidential portraits.

• Visit the National Museum of African American History and Culture
• Take a trip to the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum
• Check out the Library of Congress
• Reflect at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial
• Take a trip up the Washington Monument