While Washington, DC, is the capital of the United States of America, NYC is the Empire City. New York City, commonly known as NYC, is undoubtedly the most famous and safest American city. From big fashion brands to corporate offices and beautiful tourist locations, New York City is the complete package. Often, people have to travel from this metropolitan city to the capital, and they wonder, “How far is Washington DC from NYC?”
This article tells you the distance from NYC to Washington, DC, and how to get from NYC to Washington DC. So, let’s dive in!
How Far is it from NYC to Washington DC?
Washington is almost 255 miles or 362 kilometers from NYC.
Thus, it takes at least 4 hours to reach DC by road. The drive time may be less or more, depending on your speed. Moreover, gas stops, rest stops, or stopping to get food along the way will add to the total commute.
On the other hand, the air distance between Washington and NYC is 214 miles in a straight line.
How Long is the Drive from NYC to Washington DC?
| Commute | Time | Pros | Cons |
| Flight | Drive at your pace, stop for food, and rest | Fast and convenient | Expensive |
| Train | Drive at your pace, stop for food, and rest | Fast and affordable | Not always comfortable |
| Bus | 3.5 hours | Economical | Takes longer |
| Car | 3 – 4 hours | Drive at your pace, stop for food, and rest | Drive at your pace, stop for food, and rest |
Taking a Bus from NYC to Washington
When finding answers to “How to travel from NYC to Washington DC?” Taking a bus from NYC is the cheapest way. So, we have compiled the best bus services to go to Washington from NYC. Choose what suits you the best.
Ourbus
Ourbus is among the most popular and reputable choices when traveling from NYC. You can get the bus from W 30th Street and 12th Avenue that drops you off at the Stadium-Armory Station in Washington. These buses have comfortable reclining seats, free Wi-Fi, charging ports, and water.
Greyhound
Greyhound is another trusted bus service that offers comfortable traveling throughout the country. However, the rides with Greyhound typically take slightly longer as it makes extra stops along the way. The bus leaves from NYC’s Port Authority and arrives at Union Station in Washington, DC.
FlixBus
Alternatively, you can get FlixBus buses from 8th Avenue and W 31st Street in NYC. They drop you off at New York Avenue and 6th Street in Washington, DC. The bus is comfortable and takes you to DC in around 4.5 hours.
Going to Washington DC from NYC by Train
If you’re thinking of, “How to get from NYC to Washington DC by train?” Know that it is the fastest! A train ride is the best pick if you want a faster commute option to Washington from NYC. While it costs more than the bus, it is more comfortable and saves you time. Besides flying, a train ride is the fastest way to reach DC.
Amtrak’s Northeast Regional rail service is the best pick to travel to Washington from NYC. Around 28 trains leave from New York City to Washington daily, taking hundreds of passengers to their destination.
The trains leave NYC’s Penn Station and arrive at Union Station in Washington. It takes 3 to 3.5 hours to reach Washington through Amtrak’s Northeast Regional rail service. Meanwhile, Amtrak’s Acela express train drops you off at DC in 2 hours and 51 minutes. Yet, the fast speed and amenities push it towards the pricier end.
But did you know you can get a 25% discount on your Amtrak ticket by booking it 14 days in advance?
Flying to Washington DC from NYC
When talking about “How far is Washington DC from NYC,” it is important to remember that the air distance is typically less. The air distance from New York John F. Kennedy International Airport to Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport is 213 miles. So, it takes less time to reach DC by air.
The flight time from NYC to Washington DC is 1 hour 6 minutes. This shows the exact time taken in the air. But you must consider taxi, security, and other factors when calculating travel time by flight.
You can take American or Delta flights from NYC to Washington; they fly directly without any stops.
How to Reach Your Destination from the Airport?
Sometimes, we are so occupied thinking how far is Washington DC from NYC and how long it will take that we forget the following travel.
The Washington metro system takes you to the National Mall, Washington less than 15 minutes. On the other hand, you can also get a taxi easily. Besides Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, you can also reach Dulles Airport or Baltimore Airport.
Despite being the main international airport, Dulles Airport is not quite travel-friendly. Similarly, Baltimore Airport is quite far from the main city and takes almost 35 minutes to reach Union Station.
Driving to Washington DC from NYC
If you prefer road trips over trains or buses, take your car and drive to Washington DC from New York City!
If you’re assuming, “How far is Washington DC from NYC by car?” Going on your own or rented car will take around 4 to 5 hours to reach DC, depending on how many stops you take on your way. Driving is the most convenient and cheapest option when traveling with friends or family.
The shortest route to reach Washington from NYC is via I-95 S, allowing you to reach DC in around 4 hours. However, this route has a toll that may add up to $40. Alternatively, you can take the I-95 S and I-83 S or I-78 W and I-95 S routes, which take approximately 5 hours.
Best Stops between NYC and Washington DC
In case you are not in a hurry to reach DC and want to explore a little when driving to the capital, the options are endless. Here are the best stops between the two cities you can check out on your way:
- Annapolis
- Baltimore
- Wilmington
- Philadelphia
- Princeton
- Staten Island
- Newark
Leave the route slightly to visit all or some of these locations and see the best tourist attractions; it will make your drive even more fun.
The Bottom Line
The short answer to “How far is Washington DC from NYC,” is 255 miles or 362 kilometers. At the same time, the air distance is 213 miles. A direct flight to Washington takes around an hour and 6 minutes in the air. Moreover, it takes around 4 to 5 hours to reach Washington DC from New York City by car; the train takes around 3 hours.
Meanwhile, traveling by bus is the cheapest way to reach Washington from NYC. However, it is also the most time-consuming commute than the car, and you reach DC in 3.5 hours.
FAQs
How much is the train from DC to New York?
Traveling on a train from DC to New York can take between 2 hours and 51 minutes to 3 hours and 21 minutes. The lowest tickets are $20.
Can you do a day trip to Washington DC from New York?
Yes, you can do a day trip to Washington from New York. It will take you around 5 hours, one way to reach DC by car. Amtrak’s Acela Express train takes you to DC in around 3 hours. But most people prefer a longer trip instead of a day tour. If you are also planning a longer trip, do try the best Italian restaurants in Washington.
Is it cheaper to fly or take a train from NYC to DC?
Train tickets are typically cheaper anywhere you want to commute within the country. However, Acela Express is on the pricier side. You might be surprised that sometimes you can get air tickets to Washington from NYC cheaper than train tickets.
What is the easiest way to get from NYC to DC?
A train is the most convenient way to get to Washington from NYC. The train stations are closely connected to the public transport in DC, making it travel-friendly.
How much is the luxury bus from DC to NYC?
While bus services in NYC are typically the cheapest choice, you can take a luxury bus as well. The Jet is a luxury bus that takes you to Washington DC from New York City with tickets starting at $99. However, it offers snacks, drinks, and motion-canceling seating for added comfort.
Cristina Silva has graduated from New York University and has written for the Associated Press, the Tampa Bay Times, Salon, and NPR. She has reported from Mexico, Honduras, Cuba, Germany, Italy, and Bahrain, as well as from across the United States.