New York City Travel Forum

We are staying in New York in September for 5-6 days. We had hoped to then travel to Washington for 2-3 days but need to be back home in the UK. Is it possible to visit Washington for the day whilst we are in New York and which is the best, cheapest and fastest way to get there? Thanks Kaz UK

You know, of course, that "best", "cheapest", and "fastest" never go together ;-)

Take a look at www.amtrak.com . This corridor is the only place in the US where the rail system is viable. You will spend at least 3 hours going each way, but when you count the amount of time to get out to the airport, waiting around, and flying, going by air is hardly any faster.

Bill

Yes, I agree with Bill; take Amtrak's high speed train. You start out in the inner city and end in the inner city. The major sights Capitol, Mall, National Gallery of Art, Smithsonian Institute, White House, Washington Monument etc. can easily be reached by walking from the railroad station. The Lincoln Memorial and the Jefferson Memorial are further away. Did I leave out some sights? Yes, many. You cannot cover Washington in one day; you should, if you can, allow three days. Could I cover London in one day? No, but I could get some good impression and this is all you can hope for in Washington in one day.

Have a good journey and enjoy the USA,

Henry

I wouldn't do Washington in one day. There's just so much to see there. Can you do an overnight? That would give you two full days, which I think is the least you'd need to see the sights. Can you rebook your ticket so you fly into NYC and then out of Washington?

I was considering Amtrak too for an upcoming NYC & DC trip but was advised that there are bus services that are just as good but much, much cheaper. They take about 3 hours between cities, just like the trains. These are the ones that were recommended to me: MegaBus or BoltBus (google them for websites).

I haven't actually used them yet so any input by Newyorkers or Washingtonians would be welcome!

It's true that there are bus services, and people talk about them here from time to time.

I would suggest this, however, that the buses are subject to the vagaries of traffic whereas the train is not. No, the trains can certainly be late occasionally (for the last several weeks? months? the Amtrak line between Boston and New York has been out for repairs, so you're put on a bus for part of the trip), but the bus can be late every day based on traffic volumes and incidents on I-95 or whatever route it take.

Plus, I think the train is more comfortable.

So, since this is a day trip, I would think that it would be safer to 'fix' your travel time by going with the more reliable source....the train...

Bill