Planning a Washington Bus Tour from New York is one of the least costly ways to see the capital of the United States. The distance from these two famous cities is around 225 to 230 miles (360 to 370 kilometers), thus it is great either for a busy day trip or a nice weekend getaway.
If you are a traveler with a very limited budget, then a one-day trip to Washington DC from New York by bus is the most wallet-friendly option that you should choose. Actually, ticket prices are very often available at $35 or even less, thus, the bus is a lot cheaper than the other means of transport. The trip usually lasts for 4-5 hours and it is said that a comfortable ride is a good preparation for the many monuments which await in DC.
In this detailed guide, we will discuss all the things necessary to plan a bus tour to Washington from New York such as the most attractive places to visit, the stops for refreshments and rest along the route, and handy tips to make your 1-day bus tour really pleasurable and unforgettable. To sum up, whether you are a history lover, a fan of architecture, or merely wanting to check off another famous destination from your list, this travel guide is here to help you.
How Far Is Washington DC From New York And How To Get There
New York and Washington DC in a straight line are about 204 miles (328 kilometers) from one another. But the distance by the road between the two places is 229 miles (369 kilometers). So if you have an inclination to travelling by the Northeast Corridor, you had better find out what means of travel will be to your best liking for this journey.
By Bus: Most Affordable And Popular
Bus travel is still the most economical means of transport to get from New York to your Washington Bus Tour. One way fares are as low as $20, which is considerably less than other means of transport. The time of trip is usually around 4 hours and 15 minutes to 5 hours, depending on the traffic situations. Several companies operate along this route offering competitive services:
- Greyhound operate 24 daily buses each with free WiFi and power outlets
- Megabus delivers up to 59 trips a day with live bus tracking
- FlixBus has over 30 daily departures where passengers can use the onboard toilets and have a generous luggage allowance
Port Authority Bus Terminal in Manhattan is the principal place from where the largest number of buses bound for Washington Union Station can be boarded. Hence, you will end up being at the heart of both cities.
By Train: Fastest And Most Comfortable
If you care mainly for speed and comfort, then trains are certainly the right choice for you. Two major services are run by Amtrak on this route:
- Acela (high-speed): Reaches DC in about 2 hours and 45 minutes, tickets from $96 to $180
- Northeast Regional: The time is roughly 3 hours and 35 minutes, tickets between $22 and $89
There are many departures from Penn Station/Moynihan Train Hall to Union Station, where the train is also equipped with in-seat power outlets and WiFi and you can use it during the whole trip.
By Car: Flexible But Costly
Driving allows you to have the freedom to change your plans however it is not without its negative sides. A trip of 229 miles will take about 4 hours and 8 minutes if there is no traffic but the traffic during the rush hour can be very heavy and in this case, you will be delayed significantly. In addition, it is estimated that you will have to pay approximately $40 for tolls for one-way and also you will have to encounter the problem of parking as well as the parking cost in both cities which makes this method of traveling the least practical if you are not going to share a ride with a group.
By Air: Not Recommended For Short Trips
Though the flight takes only 1 hour and 20 minutes, it is not recommended to fly for this trip. Once you take into account the time for getting to the airport, going through security, and boarding, the whole trip is many times longer than that by train. Moreover, the average cost of flights ranges from $124 to $603, which makes this the priciest alternative with hardly any saving of time.
Top Attractions To Visit On A Washington DC Bus Tour
When your bus gets to Washington DC, you will be near to the monuments that are considered the symbols of the USA. What about visiting those places which are a must during a 1-day bus tour from New York to Washington DC?
The National Mall And Its Monuments
The National Mall, which is lovingly referred to as “America’s Front Yard”, extends from the US Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial and is visited by more than 24 million people each year. This vast national park is home to a large number of memorials dedicated to the presidencies and American history. First and foremost see the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and the Jefferson Memorial, and don’t forget the very poignant Vietnam Veterans Memorial with its highly reflective surface etched with the names of those who perished in the war.
The White House And Capitol Hill
Ahead planning is a must if these two landmarks are on your list of places to visit. White House visits require your local congressman to send a request for the tour to be arranged for you, at least 21-90 days before the day of your visit. In these self-guided tours, you see the public rooms of the State Floor, and the Secret Service officers are there if you need them for questions. Likewise, Capitol tours have to be reserved in advance and they allow the visitors to see the Crypt, Rotunda, and National Statuary Hall.
Smithsonian Museums
The Smithsonian is one of the best places in the world to visit because it is the biggest museum complex in the world. There are 21 museums and the National Zoo. Eleven of these museums ara (conveniently) on the Mall, so they are very easy to find. Why not pair your journey on the bus with a trip to the Smithsonian museums (where you can nearly always get in for free) for one of the cheapest and most perfect ways to check out the city that you can think of! In case you have a bit of time, you could also be at the National Museum of American History or the Air and Space Museum, couldn’t you?
Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial
It is a monument which has a lot of power in it and sits near the Tidal Basin. It was opened in 2011 as the very first one on the National Mall that is dedicated to an African American. The center piece of the memorial is a 30-foot sculpture called “Stone of Hope” coming out of the “Mountain of Despair”, which is probably a metaphorical reference to Martin Luther King’s “I Have a Dream” speech. The memorial also has the address 1964 Independence Avenue carved on it which is a gesture of gratitude to the Civil Rights Act of 1964.
Arlington National Cemetery
Arlington National Cemetery is only a few minutes away across the Potomac River. It extends over 639 acres and shelters the graves of more than 400,000 US military personnel. In addition to many other places to visit within, the graves of President Kennedy, lit by a flaming eternal light, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier that is renowned for the Changing of the Guard ceremony in total silence, and a large number of monuments dedicated to the American soldiers are the main attractions.
Best Stops Along The Way From NYC To DC
The trip linking these two huge cities is full of cool stops that would make your Washington bus tour from New York even more enjoyable. On the entire 229-mile journey, you will find quite a few treasures, both historical and cultural, waiting for you to discover them.
Philadelphia: Liberty Bell and Independence Hall
Philadelphia’s historic district is where you can find the most loyal-to-the-liberty garments of the United States of America just 95 miles away from NYC. The definitely one-of-a-kind Liberty Bell, with its very recognizable crack and the words “Proclaim LIBERTY Throughout All the Land Unto All the Inhabitants thereof” hammered on it, is located in the Liberty Bell Center, where people can come in at no cost at all. Independence Hall, the building where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution of the United States were “born,” is still there, not very far from it. Joint tours are conducted every 20 minutes from 10:00 am to 4:20 pm and it is necessary to book in advance tickets with a certain time.
Amish Country: Cultural Detour In Lancaster
Lancaster County is definitely the place that I’d recommend to anyone who wants to experience the lifestyle of the Amish people as it was traditionally done. The society which has been there since the 1720s and is still very much alive but in a more simplified way, they still do it with horses and buggies and they still make their products by hand. How does it sound to you to take a ride in an authentic Amish buggy through nice farmlands or make a visit to the Amish Village which has a restored 1840 farmhouse?
Baltimore: Quick Harbor Visit
Baltimore’s Inner Harbor is full of colorful amazing old ships, delicious seafood restaurant, and stunning museums. For example, The National Aquarium, a place that has been praised for its habitats, is home to 20,000 different animals of which to choose. On the other hand, the USS Constellation is a trip that will give you more insight into the navy history of the Civil War.
Princeton University: Scenic Campus Stop
A student-led tour of about one hour is the best way to see the beautiful Princeton campus. A tours of the campus on a weekend will allow the visitors to see the beautiful architecture of the university, but they should be informed that access to the buildings might be restricted. Admission is free at the Princeton University Art Museum for its amazing collection.
Tips For A Smooth 1-Day Bus Tour From New York To Washington, DC
A successful Washington bus tour from New York hinges on preparation. Here are essential tips to enhance your experience:
Pack Light And Wear Comfortable Shoes
If you are going to explore DC, a good pair of walking shoes is definitely a must. Most probably, you will be walking for more than 5 miles every day, so shoes that are comfortable and have good insoles can either make your experience or break it.
Try to keep your luggage as simple as possible – usually, one carry-on and a backpack will be enough.
Start Early To Maximize Sightseeing Time
Being at your point of departure 10-15 minutes before the planned time will guarantee that you do not miss your bus. If possible, opt for first morning trips (6-7 am) to have a whole day in DC.
Bring Snacks And Water
Opt for nutritious and non-crumbly snack items such as trail mix, dried fruit, and sliced vegetables. You will definitely need a refillable water bottle since staying hydrated is still very important during your trip.
Check Museum Hours In Advance
Nevertheless, the museums of the African American History and Culture, Air and Space, National Zoo, and Cooper Hewitt need free passes or tickets. Thus, getting them beforehand will save you from the hassle of not finding them.
Book Your Tour Early During Peak Seasons
Tours are booked approximately 24 days ahead on average. First of all, early booking secures your preferred departure time and often provides better rates, particularly during busy travel periods.
Conclusion
A bus tour to Washington from New York is definitely a good way to save money while still being able to see the capital of the US. What makes this trip even more valuable is the chance to see the history of America in person and at the same time make your own memory. It is also a perfect trip for those who have little time for a vacation as the distance between these two famous cities is not that long.