How to visit Washington D.C. from New York

Do you want to visit Washington D.C. during your trip to New York? A day trip to Washington D.C. is one of the best excursions you can take from NYC. You’ll swap the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple for the political heart of the United States, where history is palpable on every corner. And you can tailor the trip entirely to your own preferences: would you rather travel by coach or by train, and do you want to see just Washington D.C. or include Philadelphia on the way? It’s all possible.

Attractions in Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. is the capital of the United States and lies around 360 km south of New York. It is the place where American politics is made, with the White House and the Capitol as its most famous landmarks. For you as a visitor, this means one thing above all else: plenty of iconic monuments and museums, all close together and easily seen in a single day. Here’s what you could see and do during your day trip to Washington D.C.:

National Mall

The beating heart of Washington D.C., the National Mall, is a long, green avenue lined with the city’s most famous monuments and museums. Here, you can walk from the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, with the Washington Monument and the major Smithsonian museums within easy reach along the way. It’s the ideal place to start, as virtually all the sights can be reached from here.

Capitol

The Capitol is where the US Congress convenes, making it the heart of the law. The building, with its distinctive dome, stands at the end of the National Mall. You’ll recognise it straight away from countless photographs and news footage.

White House

The White House is the home and workplace of the President of the United States. It is one of the most famous buildings in the world and a must-see photo opportunity during your visit.

National Air and Space Museum

See the largest collection of aircraft and spacecraft in the world at the National Air and Space Museum. Here you can view historic aeroplanes, rockets and space capsules up close.

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

The Vietnam Veterans Memorial is an impressive memorial to the American servicemen and women who lost their lives during the Vietnam War. The names of more than 58,000 fallen soldiers are engraved on the long black granite wall. This, too, is located on the National Mall.

Lincoln Memorial

The Lincoln Memorial, which honours President Abraham Lincoln, is also situated on the National Mall. He was the president who abolished slavery. The memorial features a large statue of a seated Lincoln, looking across the Reflecting Pool towards the Washington Monument. From the steps, you have a magnificent view of the entire Mall.

Arlington National Cemetery

Arlington National Cemetery is the national cemetery on the opposite bank of the Potomac River, where fallen servicemen and famous Americans are laid to rest. Here you will find the grave of President John F. Kennedy, marked by the eternal flame. A valid ID or passport is required for entry, so be sure to bring one with you.

Korean War Veterans Memorial

The Korean War Veterans Memorial honours the American servicemen who fought in the Korean War. Consisting of a series of steel sculptures of soldiers in the field, the memorial creates a striking sight at dusk. It is located close to the Lincoln Memorial on the National Mall.

From New York to Washington D.C.

There are several options for how to get from New York to Washington D.C. The best way depends on how much time you have and what you prefer. For example, you could take the bus to the capital for the day, or visit Philadelphia on the same day. If you’d rather take it easy, there’s also a multi-day tour.

Day trip by bus

The day trip by bus is the most popular choice, and a good one! You set off early in the morning and head south, travelling through several states: New York, New Jersey, Delaware, Maryland and Virginia. Along the way and in Washington D.C., a guide will tell you about the history and background of the capital, and once there, you’ll visit the main attractions as part of a packed itinerary.

It’s a long day: you’ll usually arrive back in New York in the evening, so don’t make any plans for that night. Check out the day trip from New York to Washington D.C. by bus.

Day trip by train

Would you prefer more freedom once you’re there and less time spent travelling? Then the train is a great option. From Penn Station, you can travel to Union Station in Washington in just a few hours, after which you can explore the city at your leisure. This way, you set your own pace and decide which sights you want to see, all easily accessible with the included hop-on hop-off bus ticket. Take a look at the Washington D.C. day trip by train.

Washington D.C. and Philadelphia in a day

Would you like to see more of the United States? Then why not combine a visit to Washington D.C. with a trip to Philadelphia, home to Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell? That way, you can see two historic cities in a single day trip. Find out all about the day trip to Washington D.C. and Philadelphia.

Multi-day tour of Amish country

Would you like to explore the area at your own pace? There’s a two-day bus tour that combines Washington D.C. and Philadelphia with a visit to the Amish. Discover two unique cities and the American countryside. As the tour lasts two days, you’ll have more time to explore at each destination. Read more about the two-day bus tour to the Amish, Philadelphia and Washington.

Practical tips

A day trip to Washington D.C. is packed with things to do, and with a bit of planning you can make the most of it:

• Bring your passport. You’ll need this to enter Arlington National Cemetery.
• Wear comfortable shoes. You’ll be doing a fair bit of walking in D.C.
• Don’t forget to bring water and a snack. That way, you’ll be well-prepared for a busy itinerary.
• Bear in mind that the itinerary is packed. During a guided day trip to Washington, you’ll see a lot of the city in a short space of time, but you’ll have little time to wander around or go shopping on your own. If you’d prefer a more leisurely pace, a day trip by train, a multi-day tour or planning your own trip from New York to Washington are good alternatives.