Mejores Tours de Nueva York desde Washington DC

How to Get to New York from Washington, D.C.

There are several ways to travel between Washington, D.C. and New York City, and the best choice depends on your budget, schedule, and comfort preferences.

By Train: Amtrak’s Northeast Regional and Acela services are the most convenient options. The ride typically takes 3 to 3.5 hours, with Union Station in DC connecting directly to Penn Station in Manhattan. Acela is faster and more comfortable but also more expensive, while the Northeast Regional offers a balance of speed and affordability.

By Bus: Budget-friendly carriers like Megabus, Greyhound, and FlixBus run frequently between DC and NYC. Travel time is around 4 to 5 hours, depending on traffic. Buses usually arrive in central Manhattan, which makes them a practical choice for those watching expenses.

By Car: Driving gives you the freedom to stop along the way. The trip via I-95 is about 225 miles and typically takes 4 to 5 hours without heavy traffic. However, keep in mind tolls and New York’s parking costs.

By Air: Flights between DC and New York are short (about one hour in the air), but when you add airport transfers and security, it’s usually not much faster than the train. Still, it can be useful if you’re connecting to international flights out of New York.

By Guided Tour: A popular option is to book a guided DC to NYC tour. These packages often include transportation, sightseeing stops, and sometimes hotel stays, making them stress-free for first-time visitors.

Washington D.C. to NYC & East Coast Itineraries

How long you plan to stay in New York makes a big difference in what you’ll see and do. Here are some suggested itineraries:

1-Day New York Trip from DC

If you’re on a tight schedule, a one-day DC to NYC tour is doable, though it will be fast-paced. Many guided day tours leave DC in the early morning and return late at night.

Morning: Start with Lower Manhattan - the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island are must-sees if time allows. If you’re limited, take the Staten Island Ferry for free views of Lady Liberty instead. Then, walk through Wall Street and see the Charging Bull and New York Stock Exchange.

Afternoon: Head uptown to Midtown Manhattan. Visit Times Square, stroll along Fifth Avenue, and see landmarks like Rockefeller Center or the Empire State Building.

Evening: End the day in Central Park or enjoy dinner at one of the many Midtown restaurants before catching your bus or train back to DC.

Tip: Stick with 3-4 attractions; New York is huge, and you don’t want to spend all your time rushing between places.

3-Day New York Itinerary

A long weekend gives you time to see more of Manhattan while enjoying a slower pace.

Day 1: Focus on Midtown and Central Park. Walk through Times Square, see a Broadway matinee, and enjoy Bryant Park or the New York Public Library. In the afternoon, explore Central Park - highlights include Bethesda Fountain, Bow Bridge, and Strawberry Fields. Wrap up with dinner in Hell’s Kitchen or Koreatown.

Day 2: Explore Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. Visit the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, take in views from One World Observatory, and walk across the Brooklyn Bridge. In Brooklyn, explore DUMBO for skyline views and grab a slice of famous New York pizza at Grimaldi’s or Juliana’s.

Day 3: Dedicate this day to culture. Spend the morning at the Metropolitan Museum of Art or MoMA. Afterward, stroll through the Upper East Side or SoHo for shopping. End the day with sunset views at Top of the Rock or Edge Hudson Yards.

Tip: Buy skip-the-line tickets online for major attractions - it saves valuable time during a 3-day visit.

7-Day East Coast Adventure

With a full week, you can enjoy New York more thoroughly and even add side trips to nearby cities.

Day 1-3: Follow the 3-day plan above to cover the essentials of Manhattan and Brooklyn.

Day 4: Dive deeper into NYC neighborhoods. Spend the morning in Chinatown and Little Italy, then explore SoHo and Greenwich Village. These areas are great for food tours and local shopping.

Day 5: Take a day trip from New York. Options include Philadelphia (1.5 hours by train), Boston (4 hours by train), or even Niagara Falls with an overnight tour. Many organized East Coast tours combine these cities for convenience.

Day 6: Explore outer boroughs. Head to Queens for Flushing’s authentic Asian food or Citi Field if the Mets are playing. Alternatively, visit the Bronx Zoo or Yankee Stadium.

Day 7: Keep your last day light. Shop at Chelsea Market, walk the High Line, and enjoy final views of Manhattan before heading home to DC.

Tip: A 7-day trip allows you to see both iconic attractions and off-the-beaten-path neighborhoods. Consider a multi-day MetroCard for unlimited subway rides - it’s the easiest way to get around.

Places to Stop When Driving from D.C. to NYC

If you’re making the journey by car, there are several interesting spots to break up the drive:

Baltimore, Maryland: Just an hour from DC, Baltimore offers the Inner Harbor, National Aquarium, and delicious Maryland crab cakes.

Wilmington, Delaware: A smaller city with historic attractions and tax-free shopping, great for a quick stop.

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: Roughly halfway to NYC, Philly is worth a half-day visit. See the Liberty Bell, Independence Hall, and try a famous cheesesteak.

New Jersey Scenic Stops: Depending on your route, you could pause along the Jersey Shore or enjoy views of Manhattan from Liberty State Park before entering New York City.

Trip Planning Tips for a Smooth Journey

Here are some practical suggestions to make your Washington DC to New York trip hassle-free:

- Book in advance: Trains and buses are usually cheaper when booked early, especially for weekends and holidays.

- Travel light: If you’re doing a short NYC trip from DC, a carry-on is enough and will save you time moving around the city.

- Consider traffic: If driving, avoid peak hours around DC, Baltimore, and NYC. Leaving early morning or late evening can save hours.

- Use travel passes: In New York, a MetroCard or OMNY tap card makes getting around the subway and buses easier and more affordable.

- Stay central: Even if hotels in Manhattan cost more, being close to attractions saves time and transit costs.