Amtrak’s pleasant and effective rail services make it easier than ever to travel between New York City and Washington, DC. Everything you need to know about Amtrak New York to Washington DC routes, schedules, tickets, and more is covered in this guide, whether you’re traveling for work or visiting the East Coast’s cultural hotspots.

Amtrak New York to Washington Route Details
The following table contains important information on Amtrak’s route from New York to Washington, D.C., which mostly follows the Northeast Corridor:
Aspect | Details |
---|---|
Route Name | Northeast Corridor (NEC) |
Primary Stations | New York City, NY: Moynihan Train Hall (Penn Station) Washington, D.C.: Union Station |
Distance | 225 miles (362 km) |
Travel Time | 2h 45m – 3h 30m (varies by service): Acela Express: Fastest (2h 45m – 3h 10m) Northeast Regional: 3h 15m – 3h 30m |
Frequency | 30–40 daily departures (combined services): Acela: 15–20 trains/day Northeast Regional: 20–25 trains/day Other long-distance trains (e.g., Cardinal, Silver Star): Limited stops |
Train Services | Acela Express (Premium high-speed) Northeast Regional (Standard) Long-Distance Routes (e.g., Cardinal, Silver Meteor) |
Key Intermediate Stops | Newark (NJ), Trenton (NJ), Philadelphia (PA), Wilmington (DE), Baltimore (MD), BWI Airport (MD) |
Amenities | Acela: Business/First Class, Wi-Fi, Café, Power outlets, Quiet Car Northeast Regional: Coach/Business Class, Wi-Fi, Café, Power outlets |
Accessibility | All trains and stations comply with ADA requirements. |
Loyalty Program | Amtrak Guest Rewards (points earned per dollar spent). |
Pet Policy | Small pets allowed in carriers (reservation required; $29 fee). |
Baggage Allowance | 2 carry-ons + 2 personal items 2 checked bags (free on most routes). |
Ticket Options | Flexible, Semi-Flexible, Saver (refund/cancellation policies vary). |
Peak Travel Times | Weekdays (business travel), holidays, summer. Book early for discounts. |
Additional Notes | Delays possible due to track congestion or weather. Acela offers First Class lounge access at stations. |
Booking Options | Online via Amtrak website or app, at station kiosks, or through ticket agents. |
Important Amtrak Stop of New York to Washington
This table lists the major cities, transport hubs, and unique characteristics at each station along Amtrak’s New York (NYP) to Washington, D.C. (WAS) route:
Stop Name | Location | Distance from NYC | Notable Features |
---|---|---|---|
New York (NYP) | New York, NY | 0 miles | Moynihan Train Hall at Penn Station; connects to NYC Subway, LIRR, NJ Transit. |
Newark (NWK) | Newark, NJ | 10 miles | Links to Newark Liberty Airport via AirTrain; major NJ Transit hub. |
Trenton (TRE) | Trenton, NJ | 55 miles | New Jersey’s capital; connects to NJ Transit and SEPTA Regional Rail. |
Philadelphia (PHL) | Philadelphia, PA | 95 miles | 30th Street Station (historic landmark); SEPTA, buses, and regional rail access. |
Wilmington (WIL) | Wilmington, DE | 120 miles | Delaware’s largest city; close to tax-free shopping districts. |
Baltimore (BAL) | Baltimore, MD | 185 miles | Penn Station (Charles Street); connects to MARC commuter rail and Charm City Circulator. |
BWI Airport (BWI) | Baltimore, MD | 195 miles | Free shuttle to BWI Airport terminals; MARC and Amtrak Thruway buses available. |
Washington, D.C. (WAS) | Washington, D.C. | 225 miles | Union Station (iconic architecture); Metro, buses, and VRE/MARC commuter rail. |
Amtrak Timetable of New York to Washington DC
The Amtrak train schedule from New York City (NYP) to Washington, D.C. (WAS) is shown in this table.
Departure Time (NYP) | Arrival Time (WAS) | Service Type | Duration | Key Stops | Notes |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
5:00 AM | 8:15 AM | Northeast Regional | 3h 15m | Newark (NWK), Trenton (TRE), Philadelphia (PHL) | Early morning train; limited crowds. |
6:30 AM | 9:45 AM | Acela Express | 3h 15m | Newark (NWK), Philadelphia (PHL), Baltimore (BAL) | Peak business service; Quiet Car and Wi-Fi. |
8:00 AM | 11:15 AM | Northeast Regional | 3h 15m | Metropark (MET), Trenton (TRE), Wilmington (WIL) | Connects to NJ Transit at Metropark. |
9:30 AM | 12:45 PM | Acela Express | 3h 15m | Philadelphia (PHL), BWI Airport (BWI) | Mid-morning express; First Class meals included. |
11:00 AM | 2:15 PM | Northeast Regional | 3h 15m | Newark (NWK), Philadelphia (PHL), Wilmington (WIL) | Standard midday service; café car available. |
12:30 PM | 3:45 PM | Acela Express | 3h 15m | Trenton (TRE), Philadelphia (PHL), Baltimore (BAL) | High-speed option; fewer stops. |
2:00 PM | 5:15 PM | Northeast Regional | 3h 15m | Philadelphia (PHL), Wilmington (WIL), BWI (BWI) | Afternoon service; ideal for leisure travel. |
4:00 PM | 7:15 PM | Acela Express | 3h 15m | Newark (NWK), Philadelphia (PHL) | Evening rush-hour train; crowded but efficient. |
5:30 PM | 8:45 PM | Northeast Regional | 3h 15m | Trenton (TRE), Philadelphia (PHL), BWI (BWI) | Connects to commuter rail at Philadelphia. |
7:00 PM | 10:15 PM | Acela Express | 3h 15m | Philadelphia (PHL), Wilmington (WIL) | Last Acela with full dining service. |
9:00 PM | 12:15 AM (next day) | Northeast Regional | 3h 15m | Newark (NWK), Trenton (TRE), Baltimore (BAL) | Late-night option; limited amenities. |
11:00 PM | 2:15 AM (next day) | Northeast Regional | 3h 15m | Philadelphia (PHL), Wilmington (WIL), BWI (BWI) | Overnight service; minimal crowds. |
Amenities of Amtrak New York to Washington
- Spacious Seating: Comfortable seats with ample legroom and adjustable headrests.
- Free Wi-Fi: Stay connected throughout your journey with complimentary internet access.
- Power Outlets: Conveniently located at your seat to charge your devices.
- Quiet Car Option: A peaceful environment for those who prefer a noise-free experience.
- Cafe Service: Onboard snacks, beverages, and light meals available for purchase.
- Scenic Views: Large windows offering picturesque views of the East Coast.
- Luggage Allowance: Generous baggage policy with space for carry-ons and checked luggage.
- Accessibility Features: Accommodations for passengers with disabilities, including priority seating and accessible restrooms.
Amtrak New York City to Washington DC Cost
This table shows the price of popular Amtrak routes from New York City to Washington, DC, along with fare types, discounts, and pricing-influencing factors. Prices are estimates that could change, (check Amtrak.com).
ervice | Fare Type | Price Range (One-Way) | Key Features | Discounts |
---|---|---|---|---|
Northeast Regional | Saver Fare | 20–20–50 | Non-refundable, limited availability, no changes allowed. | 10% off for seniors (60+), AAA, military, students (through Amtrak’s deals). |
Value Fare | 40–40–80 | Partially refundable, moderate flexibility. | Same as above. | |
Flexible Fare | 60–60–120 | Fully refundable, last-minute changes allowed. | Rarely discounted. | |
Business Class | 100–100–180 | Priority boarding, extra legroom, complimentary non-alcoholic drinks. | Discounts apply to base fare only. | |
Acela Express | Business Class | 120–120–220 | High-speed service, Wi-Fi, power outlets, Café Car access. | Limited discounts (seniors/military may apply). |
First Class | 200–200–350+ | Premium dining, wider seats, exclusive lounge access at stations. | No standard discounts; upgrades available. |
Planning Your Trip for New York City to Washington DC Amtrak
- Choose Your Train Service: Decide between the Northeast Regional (affordable) or Acela Express (fast and premium) depending on your budget and travel preferences.
- Check the Schedule: Review the Amtrak New York to Washington DC Schedule to pick a departure time that suits your needs.
- Book in Advance: Secure your tickets early to enjoy the best rates on Amtrak Tickets from New York to Washington DC.
- Plan for Onboard Comfort: Bring along any personal items like headphones, snacks, or reading materials for a relaxing journey.
- Explore Additional Services: Consider options like the Quiet Car or Cafe Service for added convenience and comfort.
- Know Your Stops: Familiarize yourself with the Amtrak Washington to New York Stops for potential destinations or pickup locations along the way
Conclusion
Amtrak offers comfort and trustworthiness whether you’re traveling for work or pleasure from Washington, DC, to New York. It’s the best option for East Coast travel because of its regular timetables, affordable prices, and hassle-free experience.
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FAQs for Amtrak from New York City to Washington, DC
The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 35 minutes on Acela Express and about 3.5 hours on Northeast Regional trains.
Tickets can be purchased online via Amtrak’s official website, through the Amtrak mobile app, at station kiosks, or with station agents.
Amtrak offers multiple daily departures on both Acela Express and Northeast Regional services.
Yes, depending on the fare type purchased. Details on modifying reservations can be found on Amtrak’s Tickets & Reservations page.
The most up-to-date schedules are available on Amtrak’s official website under the Train Schedules & Timetables section.
Trains run from 4:00 AM to 10:00 PM daily; check Amtrak’s official timetable.
Acela is faster with premium amenities; Regional is budget-friendly.