More about: 3 Best Day Trips to Washington DC from New York
The illustrious city of Washington embodies the spirit of the United States with its streets and museums dominated by the Capitol. On a trip to Washington you can see, among other sights, the White House and the Pentagon.
A trip to Washington from New York is one of the best excursions you can do from the Big Apple and, in fact, there are several types to suit all budgets and trip lengths. Here are the ones that, for me, are the best:
Washington D.C. Day Trip From NYC
The best of Washington, in one day, at the best price.
Perfect if you want to leave New York for a day to see Washington DC and its most popular attractions, such as the White House, the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial.
The best way to visit Washington from New York in one day and learn about the history of every monument in the city with a professional guide is with an organised tour. The Washington tour is a full day tour with round trip bus transportation and takes about 4 hours.
During the city tour you will see the highlights of Washington such as The White House, the US Capitol, Arlington National Cemetery, The Pentagon and the Lincoln Memorial, among others. You will have free time to explore at your leisure and have lunch where you choose.
Why I like this tour: In addition to its good value for money, I recommend this activity because it includes a very complete tour of Washington and you'll get the most out of the tour.
Recommended if... you want to visit Washington DC and see the main attractions, but don't want to spend too much time or budget on it.
Philadelphia and Washington DC 2-Day Trip from New York
The most complete getaway to Washington
If you're looking forward to seeing Washington DC but are afraid that one day might be too short, join this tour which also stops in Philadelphia. Accommodation included.
If you prefer to make the most of your time and combine two tours in one, I recommend booking the two-day tour of Washington with a visit to Philadelphia. In Washington you will discover all the essential attractions, such as the White House, the Capitol, the Pentagon and the Vietnam and Korean Veterans Memorials.
On tours to Philadelphia from New York you'll also see an important part of American history by visiting the Liberty Bell. You'll also get to see the legendary Rocky Statue and its famous staircase and visit a traditional Amish Community.
Why I like this tour: This is a more comprehensive tour and takes you to the main points of interest, not only in Washington, but also in Philadelphia. It's a great way to make the most of your trip and get to know the major cities on the East Coast.
Recommended if... you fancy a couple of days break during your trip to New York and don't want to have to worry about organisation, transport or accommodation.
America 4-Day Tour from New York City (Niagara Falls, Washington and Philadelphia)
The best of the East Coast in four days
The United States is much more than New York and this tour to Washington, Philadelphia and Niagara Falls will take you to the highlights of the East Coast. Accommodation included.
If you have time to spare for a tour of the East Coast of the United States, this trip is for you. In four days, you can tour Washington, Philadelphia and Niagara Falls from New York, seeing the highlights of each place.
In Washington you'll tour the city with a guide who will take you to the White House, the Capitol, Arlington National Cemetery, the Pentagon and the Lincoln Memorial, among other points of interest. While in Philadelphia, you'll visit the Liberty Bell and the Rocky Statue, as well as a traditional Amish community to see how members of the Amish colonies still live.
Finally, in Niagara, the wildest and most natural jewel of the East Coast, you'll enter the National Park, Watkins Glen State Park and She-Qua-Ga Falls.
Recommended if... you have extra days on your trip to New York, because this tour will offer you four days of contrast to what you will have seen in the Big Apple. The nature of the Falls, the history of Philadelphia and the stately spirit of Washington will seem like another world.
Why I like this tour: If you were to do this tour on your own, it would be impossible to fit it into such a short time, so this seems like the most efficient way to make the most of your time.
We compare the three options
The best of Washington, in one day, at the best price.
Perfect if you want to leave New York for a day to see Washington DC and its most popular attractions, such as the White House, the Capitol and the Lincoln Memorial. Free time included.
The most complete getaway to Washington
If you're looking forward to seeing Washington DC but are afraid that one day might be too short, join this tour which also stops in Philadelphia. Accommodation included.
The best of the East Coast in four days
With this tour to Washington, Philadelphia and Niagara Falls you will see the highlights of the East Coast. Accommodation included.
What to see in Washington?
Seeing Washington's major monuments is easy, as most of them are located within the National Mall. As you might imagine, the main interest of these monuments is related to the political history of the United States and its presidents. Most Washington day trips and two-day tours follow a similar itinerary:
- National Mall: National Mall (also known as the National Mall) is the expanse that contains the Capitol, the famous Obelisk, the Lincoln Memorial, the Smithsonian Institution building, and other points of interest.
- Capitol Hill and the Library of Congress: Start the day with a visit to the iconic Capitol, home of the United States Congress, and the Library of Congress, which is free to enter at your leisure and marvel at its spectacular interior.
- U.S. Marine Corps War Memorial: You'll know this memorial statue when you see it. It depicts American soldiers raising the flag on Iwo Jima, and if you're lucky you'll see a military parade passing in front of it.
- Lincoln Memorial: Located at the west end of the National Mall, the memorial dedicated to President Abraham Lincoln has been the site of numerous historically significant speeches, including Martin Luther King's famous speech in 1963.
- Korean War Veterans Memorial: To the southeast of the Lincoln Memorial you will find a series of steel statues depicting a group of soldiers, arranged in the shape of a triangle in front of a wall with images of the Korean War.
- The White House: A must-see if you take a trip to Washington. Even if you don't take a tour of the interior, you can still see the distinctive building from the outside fence (except on some occasions, such as official events).
- Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial: Unveiled in 2011, the memorial consists of a granite statue of the leader of the Civil Rights Movement carved out of a rock on his back, which bears a series of inscriptions relating to Martin Luther King Jr.
- Arlington National Cemetery: This military cemetery is home to the remains of more than 14,000 veterans of wars as old as the American Civil War. Arlington National Cemetery is quite unique, with headstones rising out of the ground along a grove of trees.
Plan your Washington tour from New York City
First of all, if you book a tour to Washington from New York, the round trip will take about seven hours. If you're reading this, you know that discovering new places is always worthwhile, and the truth is that Washington is an interesting enough city in general to justify the long trip from New York.
Plus, with an organised tour you won't have to worry about how to get to Washington from New York That said, one day is enough time to see the sights and buildings of interest in Washington, so some tours combine a visit to Washington with a tour of Philadelphia.
Can you visit Washington in one day from New York?
It is possible to visit Washington, D.C. from New York in a single day, but it is essential to plan your trip carefully or book a tour to Washington from New York to see the highlights and make the most of your time.
Ideally, start your trip early in the morning, arriving in Washington between 10-11am. For the return trip, it is best to opt for the last shuttle service, around 6pm - 7pm.
How far is Washington from New York?
Before booking your trip to Washington from New York you should know that the distance between the two cities is approximately 360 kilometres. Travel time can vary depending on the means of transport you choose:
- By bus or car, the journey usually takes between 4 and 5 hours depending on traffic. The most common route is via Interstate 95, a busy highway, especially during rush hour.
- By train, the trip takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours with Amtrak.
The affordable distance allows the trip to be made in a day or weekend getaway.
How to get to Washington from New York?
If you're travelling to Washington, D.C. from New York, you're in luck because you have a number of transportation options available depending on the time and price you have available. Here are the different options:
- Train
- Duration: 3-3.5 hours.
- Price: can range from $50 to $150 (€45 to €135) depending on how far in advance you book.
- A comfortable and quick option.
- Company: Amtrak.
- Bus
- Duration: 4-5 hours.
- Price: very cheap, from 15 to 40 dollars (13-36 €), depending on the operator and the date.
- A very economical option.
- Company: Megabus or Greyhound.
- Plane
- Duration: 1-1.5 hours, but transfer and check-in must be added.
- Price: From US$100-300 (€90-270), depending on how far in advance and the operator.
- A good option if you need to travel quickly and prefer to fly for convenience.
- Car
- Duration: Approximately 4-5 hours depending on traffic.
- Price: varies depending on the price of fuel, tolls and whether you have to rent a car.
- An ideal option if you prefer total freedom of movement and flexibility.
In short, if you're looking for speed and comfort, the train is an unbeatable option. But if you're on a tight budget, the bus is the best value for money.
What's the best day of the week for a trip to Washington?
As you might imagine, it's best to visit Washington during the week and avoid Saturdays and Sundays.
In particular, if you're booking a tour to Washington from New York, the best days to visit are Mondays and Wednesdays, as the sights tend to be less crowded after 2pm. Many of the museums and monuments are closed on holidays, so try to avoid public holidays to see as much as possible.
When is the best time of year to visit Washington?
If you happen to be visiting New York in spring or autumn, you'll be lucky to be able to book a tour to Washington at the best time of year. Winter in Washington is quite cold, and the problem with summer in Washington is that it tends to rain at least once a week and it's also quite hot.
The best time to visit Washington is spring, when you'll have the chance to see the city full of almond blossoms.
- Winter
- December - March
- Weather: Occasional blizzards
- High 7ºC
- Low -7ºC
- Spring
- March - June
- Climate: Changeable
- Maximum 25ºC
- Minimum -2ºC
- Summer
- June - August
- Climate: Hot
- Maximum 28ºC
- Minimum 13ºC
- Autumn
- September - November
- Climate: Sunny
- High 23ºC
- Minimum 1ºC
Can I explore Washington on my own?
Yes, you can explore Washington, D.C., on your own, especially if you are looking for 100% flexibility. The main advantages are:
- Flexibility: you have the ability to plan the route as you see fit and according to your interests.
- Economy: it is a more economical experience than booking an organised tour, as Washington has many monuments and museums that are free to enter.
- Personalised pace: you can take breaks, eat where you want, and modify the itinerary as you please.
However, if you book your Washington tour from New York, you'll have the following advantages:
- Historical depth: guides often provide detailed information, interesting anecdotes and historical context.
- Easy logistics: You won't have to plan your tour, so you can focus on relaxing and enjoying yourself.
- Thematic experience: there are tours that focus on specific themes, such as political history, iconic monuments, food or African-American culture, so you can focus the trip on your interests.
All in all, if you enjoy autonomy and are comfortable exploring and getting around on your own, exploring Washington on your own can be very rewarding. But keep in mind that a tour can enrich your visit.
Where to eat on your Washington tour from New York?
If you're booking a trip to Washington from New York, bewareof restaurants in the more touristy areas! A meal for two can easily run up to $50 (approximately €46.50).
If you're on a tight budget, it's best to pack food in your backpack or look for cheaper dining options, as most tours to Washington from New York don't include food.
Some of my recommendations
- Pho 75: Near Arlington National Cemetery you'll find this Vietnamese restaurant, ranked #7 of 712 on TripAdvisor.
- Five Guys, Swizzler Burger Truck or Proper 21: Washington is known for its all-American food and especially its burgers, so any of these options will delight any meat lover.
- Lincoln's Waffle Shop: Another option is to have a hearty, American-style breakfast. If the combination of pancakes, bacon, and scrambled eggs makes your mouth water, this is the place for you.
- Astro Doughnuts & Fried Chicken: If doughnuts are your thing, head to this place and take one (or more) of these delicacies to go.
What should I take with me on a trip to Washington?
If you're booking a tour to Washington DC from New York, as a general rule, I recommend that you wear comfortable clothes and footwear suitable for a full day's walking, as even if you take public transport you'll still have to walk a little to visit each monument.
Washington DC is an elegant city and the locals reflect this: the style of dress tends to be smart rather than casual. You won't find too many people wearing flip-flops, shorts or a T-shirt, so if you don't want to look like a tourist, it's best to avoid this type of dress.
Check the weather before you travel to Washington
With this in mind, it makes sense if you're visiting the city in summer to dress as cool as possible, as temperatures are quite high. As you know, it tends to rain, so it's a good idea to bring a mackintosh or umbrella just in case.
Winters in Washington are cold and temperatures rarely rise above freezing, so be prepared for some pretty extreme temperatures. And if you're visiting Washington in warmer weather, Arlington Cemetery will be swarming with mosquitoes - take repellent if you don't want to get massacred!
Latest tips on your trip to Washington from New York
If you book a tour to Washington from New York you'll love it if you're a lover of American politics and history, if you enjoy wandering through cities full of monuments, parks and imposing squares and if you're interested in architecture and urban planning, as Washington has a somewhat unique floor plan.
If you find it's not your style, since you're in New York, try some of the hundreds of tours of New York City that exist.
Washington with kids
And if you' re visiting Washington with kids, don't worry: it's easy to get around the city using public transport, which is also safe and good quality. You won't have to walk too far and thanks to the large number of parks and esplanades you'll be able to take a break from sightseeing when you need to.
Don't forget
- A few tips we can give you before your trip is not to carry too much cash to avoid having it stolen or lost, but be aware that some restaurants and local shops do not accept credit cards (for example, at Pho 75, you can only pay in cash).
- For the same reason, avoid carrying valuables and leave what you don't need at your hotel or flat.
- Remember to carry your passport and be prepared to go through the occasional security check, especially at monuments and landmarks such as Arlington Cemetery. Washington DC takes security quite seriously, not least because of the city's political importance.
All that's left for me to say is... get on the road!