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.

Stopping in Philadelphia on the way? Read our New York to Philadelphia train guide. Heading north instead? Read our New York to Boston train guide.

Fastest	Acela, about 2h55
Frequency	Nearly hourly Amtrak departures
Cheapest	FlixBus, Megabus or Greyhound coach from about USD 15
Route	Penn Station (Moynihan) to Washington Union Station, about 360 km

Mode	Operator	Duration	Approx fare	Overnight
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.

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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.

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.