One day in DC from New York
The best day trips from NYC to Washington, DC
Guided day trips by road from New York or New Jersey to the Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial, the war memorials and Arlington National Cemetery. Here is how to pick one: how long the day really is, which stops you only see from outside, and when the train is the better deal.
See our 2 picks
Yes, you can see Washington, DC's main sights on a day trip from New York, but plan for a 14 to 15 hour day.
The best pick for most people is the guided day trip from New York or New Jersey, from €124. It includes admission to the landmarks it lists.
On your own, the train is the way: Amtrak says the Acela takes about three hours.
Our 2 picks for a day trip from NYC to DC
Both include the ride there and back, and both have free cancellation. We left off two others: one has a single low rating, and one is guided in Spanish only.
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from €124 per person Our top pick 14 to 15 hours 4.8 (23) reviews on GetYourGuide
Guided DC day trip from New York or New Jersey
Return transport, a live guide and "admission to all mentioned landmarks", per the listing. Stops include the Capitol, the Lincoln Memorial, the war memorials and Arlington National Cemetery. The guide may speak English and Spanish.
Best for First visit, a full guided day
Check availability: Guided DC day trip from New York or New Jersey on GetYourGuide -
from €97 per person 1 day 4.7 (7) reviews on GetYourGuide
DC landmarks day tour from New York
A day by road with a driver-guide, in a vehicle sized to your group. You see the Capitol, the National Mall, the Lincoln and Vietnam memorials, and the White House from outside. Few reviews yet.
Best for A lower price, pickup in New York
Check availability: DC landmarks day tour from New York on GetYourGuide
NYC to DC day trips compared
| Tour | From | Duration | Group size | Pickup | Goes inside | Who it suits | Why we picked it |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Guided DC day trip from New York or New Jersey | €124 per person | 14 to 15 hours | Up to 54 | Meeting point | Admission included, per listing | First visit, a full guided day | The better-rated pick, with 23 reviews. |
| DC landmarks day tour from New York | €97 per person | 1 day | Up to 55 | Pickup included | Mostly outside; White House from outside | A lower price, pickup in New York | The cheaper pick, from €97, with only 7 reviews so far. |
Guided DC day trip from New York or New Jersey
€124 per person14 to 15 hours 4.8 (23)
Details
- Group size
- Up to 54
- Pickup
- Meeting point
- Goes inside
- Admission included, per listing
- Who it suits
- First visit, a full guided day
- Why we picked it
- The better-rated pick, with 23 reviews.
DC landmarks day tour from New York
€97 per person1 day 4.7 (7)
Details
- Group size
- Up to 55
- Pickup
- Pickup included
- Goes inside
- Mostly outside; White House from outside
- Who it suits
- A lower price, pickup in New York
- Why we picked it
- The cheaper pick, from €97, with only 7 reviews so far.
- Both offer free cancellation.
- Prices and ratings as shown on GetYourGuide on 25 October 2026. Prices are "from" prices in euros and can change; the booking page shows the live price.
NYC to DC tours: which one to pick
Pick the New York or New Jersey day trip if you want admission included and a live guide.
Pick the landmarks tour for the lower price and pickup in New York. Neither tour includes meals.
Bus tour from NYC to Washington, DC: what the day looks like
A bus tour to Washington, DC from New York is a long day on the road. The landmarks tour uses vehicles chosen by group size, so it may not be a big bus.
Expect stops on the National Mall, at the memorials and outside the White House. The landmarks tour adds the Air Force Memorial and a distant view of the Pentagon.
Washington, DC tours from NJ
The guided day trip has two meeting points, one per option, and one of the options starts from New Jersey. Check which point your option uses before you book.
Is one day trip from NYC to Washington, DC enough?
One day is enough for a first look at the main sights. It is not enough to see the museums inside.
The tours take 14 to 15 hours, and much of that is on the road.
Most stops are on the National Mall and its monuments, which is open 24 hours a day.
Capitol tours are free. So the tour price buys the ride and the guide.
Staying a night instead? Our DC sightseeing tours start in the city and leave you more time.
Then see where to stay in DC.
The train from New York on your own
The train is the do-it-yourself way. Amtrak says the Acela takes about three hours from New York to Washington.
Then you plan your own day, at your own pace.
For times, stations and tickets, see our Washington DC NYC train guide.
Day trips from Washington, DC to New York City
None of our picks runs from DC to New York. The train is the way: Amtrak says about three hours on the Acela.
For trips that start in DC, see our day trips from Washington, DC.
Before you book a day trip from NYC
Check your meeting point
The New York or New Jersey trip has two meeting points, one per option. Check yours.
Send your pickup address
The landmarks tour needs your pickup address at least 3 days before you go.
Meals are extra
Neither tour includes meals, so bring money for food.
The sights are free
The National Mall is open 24 hours, and Capitol tours are free. The tour price buys the ride and the guide.
Free cancellation
Both tours have free cancellation on GetYourGuide. Check the cut-off time on your booking.
More DC day trips from New York, live
More options with live prices and availability, straight from GetYourGuide.
See every tour with today's prices and open dates on GetYourGuide.
Browse all on GetYourGuidePlan more of your DC day
Sources (3), facts checked on 25 October 2026
Written by the Things to Do in Washington DC editorial team.