A day trip from New York to Washington, D.C. is your gateway to the history of the United States. The nation's capital, a compact city on the Potomac River, houses the three branches of the federal government, along with countless monuments and museums.

Here's an essential guide of tips and info about Washington D.C., one of the most exciting day trips from New York City.

How long do New York to Washington, D.C. day trips last?

Due to the distance between the cities, tours last at least a full day from 11 to 14 hours.

Multi-day tours from New York to Washington D.C. are also available, including two-, three- or four-day jaunts that also take in Philadelphia, the country's first capital city and the Niagara Falls.

A quick way to get to the capital is with an express bus ride that takes just four hours from the Big Apple, depending on traffic.

Best Washington DC tours from NYC

1-Day Bus Tour from New York to Washington, D.C.

Our least expensive option for a full-day roundtrip tour of Washington DC from NYC with pickup and drop-off from Times Square or 790 7th Ave.

Price: $119
Duration: 14 to 15 hours
Operating days: Monday to Saturday

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1-Day Washington DC and Philadelphia Tour Package

Our highest rated option for a tour to Washington DC from NYC makes an additional stop in Philadelphia to see the Liberty Bell and the Rocky Statue.

Price: $179 for adults, $161 for children (age 3 to 11)
Private tour: $179 per person (group of 15) to $560 per person (group of 6)
Duration: 14 to 15 hours
Operating days: Monday to Saturday

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Private Tour to Washington D.C. with Multi-lingual Guide

If you need a private driver/guide who speaks Italian, Russian, German, French or Spanish, this is the tour for you.

Price: $400 per person (group of 15) to $555 per person (group of 6)
Duration: 14 to 15 hours
Operating days: 7 days a week

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2-Day Washington DC, Philadelphia and Amish Country Trip

This tour package gives you an extra day to explore and includes a one-night hotel stay with breakfast at the Wyndham Garden in Washington, D.C.

Price: $395
Duration: up to 48 hours
Operating days: Wednesdays and Saturdays

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What can I see and do?

Depending on the tour, you can see and visit some or all of the following attractions in Washington, D.C.

Arlington Cemetery

This national cemetery is the burial place of hundreds of thousands of soldiers who have fought in every war of the United States from the Revolutionary War until the present day.

The most notable sites are the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, the grave of President John F. Kennedy and Arlington House — a 19th-century mansion constructed by the step-grandson of George Washington.

The White House

The official residence and workplace of the President of the United States has been called home by every president since John Adams in 1800. Construction of the mansion started in 1792 and eight years later it was ready for occupation, although it hadn't been completely finished.

Fun facts about the White House:

There are 132 rooms and 35 bathrooms.
The White House's current name was officially bestowed by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1901.

The Capitol Building

Located at the eastern end of the National Mall is one of Washington's most architecturally impressive buildings, the Capitol Building is a neoclassical structure that dates back to the last decade of the 18th century. It is the home of the Senate and the House of Representatives.

Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum

Embark on a mission of incredible discoveries as you immerse yourself in the country's history of aviation and space travel. See the 1903 Wright Flyer, touch some moon rock, look at Charles Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis and marvel at the Apollo 11 Command Module.

The Lincoln Memorial

This iconic memorial was built to honor the 16th President of the United States, Abraham Lincoln.

36 Doric columns surround the structure. There is one for each of the 36 states that were in the Union at the time of Lincoln's assassination in 1865.

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial

Your excursion from New York to Washington D.C. may also include a visit to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall. The tribute lists the names of more than 58,000 servicemen and women who gave their lives in service of their country.

The Washington Monument

Towering over the Washington skyline is this 555-foot marble obelisk that was built to honor George Washington. From its 500' level observation deck visitors can enjoy superlative views of the city as well as surrounding areas in Virginia and Maryland.

Traveling to Washington, D.C. from New York

By bus or car

A bus or car trip to Washington, D.C. from New York takes about 4 to 5 hours (including a 30-minute breakfast stop).

By train

A train from Penn Station to Washington Union Station will take from 3 to 4 hours. Ticket prices range from $40 to $300.

The best time year to visit Washington, D.C.

Summers in Washington, D.C. can be sweltering, so the best time of year is from September to November. The weather is warm, and the majority of tourists have gone back home.

March to May is also another good time, with pleasant weather and an added bonus of seeing the city's cherry blossoms in peak bloom.

Travel Tips

On a few of the tours, you will need to bring your government issues I.D. or passport. If your excursion includes a trip to the Canadian side of the Niagara Falls check that you meet any visa requirements
Many tours advise participants to be at their meeting points at least 15 minutes before departure.
If your tour includes a Maid of the Mist ride at the Niagara Falls, the boat operator will provide you with a complimentary hooded rain poncho. However, it is still advised to dress accordingly for a trip where you may get wet. So bring a light water-resistant jacket.

Washington DC: Day Trips and Tours from New York City