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New York to Washington DC: Amtrak Regional, Acela or the Cheaper Bus

New York to Washington DC takes about 3 hours 30 minutes on the Amtrak Northeast Regional and about 2h55 on the faster Acela, running from Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station to Washington Union Station, both downtown. Trains run nearly every hour from early morning to late evening. FlixBus, Megabus and Greyhound coaches take around 4h30 for the lowest fares, and the flight makes little sense once you add two airport transfers on this short city centre hop. Here is how the times and fares compare.

FastestAcela, about 2h55
FrequencyNearly hourly Amtrak departures
CheapestFlixBus, Megabus or Greyhound coach from about USD 15
RoutePenn Station (Moynihan) to Washington Union Station, about 360 km
New York to Washington DC: your options
ModeOperatorDurationApprox fareOvernight
Train Amtrak Northeast Regional
The standard service, Penn Station (Moynihan) to Washington Union Station via Newark, Philadelphia and Baltimore. Nearly hourly, with WiFi and power sockets. Book ahead for saver fares.
about 3h30 from USD 29 advance No Check on 12Go →
Train Amtrak Acela
Fastest with fewer stops, Business and First class only, so fares run higher. Roughly hourly through the day.
about 2h55 from USD 90 (Acela) No Check on 12Go →
Bus FlixBus / Megabus / Greyhound
Cheapest overall, frequent daily departures from Midtown, slower than the train and subject to I-95 traffic.
about 4h30 from USD 15 No Check on 12Go →

Fares are approximate and shown for comparison. Confirm live prices and times on 12Go before booking.

Show stays for:
Where to stay in New York
Option 1
Wyndham Garden Chinatown
New York
Top-rated stay in New York
Wyndham Garden Chinatown
★ 8.1 817 reviews
€225
per night
Book on Agoda →
Option 2
The Wall Street Inn
New York
Top-rated stay in New York
The Wall Street Inn
★ 8.7 406 reviews
€232
per night
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Option 3
Pod Times Square
New York
Top-rated stay in New York
Pod Times Square
★ 8.6 3119 reviews
€186
per night
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Where to stay in Washington DC
Option 1
Club Quarters Hotel in Washington DC
Washington DC
Top-rated stay in Washington DC
Club Quarters Hotel in Washington DC
★ 8.6 336 reviews
€162
per night
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Option 2
Lyle Washington DC
Washington DC
Top-rated stay in Washington DC
Lyle Washington DC
★ 8.8 177 reviews
€163
per night
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Option 3
Hotel Lombardy
Washington DC
Top-rated stay in Washington DC
Hotel Lombardy
★ 8.8 147 reviews
€158
per night
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Things to do
In New York

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In Washington DC

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Frequently asked questions
How long is the train from New York to Washington DC?
About 3 hours 30 minutes on the Amtrak Northeast Regional and about 2h55 on the faster Acela, both running Penn Station (Moynihan) to Washington Union Station, city centre to city centre.
How much does the train from New York to Washington DC cost?
Northeast Regional advance saver fares start from about USD 29 and climb closer to departure. The Acela is Business and First class only, so it starts higher, from around USD 90. Booking ahead saves the most.
Is there a direct train from New York to Washington DC?
Yes. Both the Northeast Regional and the Acela run direct with no change, Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station to Washington Union Station, nearly every hour.
What is the best way to get from New York to Washington DC?
The train is the best all-round option: downtown to downtown, nearly hourly, and about 2h55 to 3h30. Take the bus to save money, as flying rarely wins once you add airport transfers on this short corridor.
What is the New York to Washington DC train frequency?
Amtrak runs trains nearly every hour, combining Northeast Regional and Acela services from early morning to late evening, so departures are frequent all day.

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Hotel options and prices come from Agoda and update at booking time; sample data shown if live pricing is unavailable. Transport fares are estimates, confirmed on 12Go.

Beta Prices and availability reflect current partner rates and can change before you book. Confirm the final price on 12Go or Agoda (linked per result) before booking.