Cheap Train Tickets New York to Washington DC
The New York to Washington DC corridor is the busiest train route in the US, and the price gap between a bargain seat and a last-minute fare is huge. Here is how to find cheap train tickets from New York to Washington DC, and when the faster Acela is actually worth it.
Route snapshot
| Stations | New York Penn Station to Washington Union Station |
|---|---|
| Northeast Regional | about 3h 20m to 3h 45m, roughly $50 to $150+ |
| Acela | about 2h 45m to 3h 05m, roughly $100 to $250+ |
| Frequency | Trains run all day, roughly every 30 to 60 minutes on weekdays |
| Bus alternative | about 4h to 5h, roughly $20 to $50 |
Acela vs Northeast Regional: which is cheaper?
The Regional is the budget pick and the Acela saves around 30 to 40 minutes. On this route that rarely justifies double the fare unless you have a meeting at the other end. Book the Regional early and you can often pay less than half the Acela price.
When to book for the lowest fare
Fares climb as seats sell. Booking 2 to 4 weeks ahead usually beats booking the week of travel, and midday departures on Tuesday through Thursday tend to price lower than Friday evening and Sunday afternoon trains.
Seats, bags and boarding at Penn Station
Penn Station announces the track only shortly before departure, so arrive 20 to 30 minutes early. Both trains allow two free carry-on bags plus personal items, which makes the train easier than flying for a quick trip.
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Station guides and more trips
Planning this trip? See the station guides for New York Penn Station and Washington Union Station, or browse all train tickets from New York and from Washington DC. To save money, read our guide to cheap train tickets or learn how to book a train.
Frequently asked questions
How much is a train from New York to DC?
Typical Northeast Regional fares run from about $50 to $150 or more, and Acela fares from about $100 to $250 or more depending on date and demand.
What is the cheapest day to take the train from NYC to DC?
Midweek, especially Tuesday and Wednesday, off-peak departure times are usually the cheapest.
How long does the train from New York to DC take?
About 2h 45m on the Acela and 3h 20m to 3h 45m on the Northeast Regional.