How to Book Train Travel from New York to Washington, DC

Washington, DC is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the U.S., thanks to its numerous museums, national monuments and landmarks. Amtrak is a fast and easy way to get from New York to this historic city.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Computer with internet access.

Book Your Train Travel from New York to Washington DC

1. Call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL or visit Amtrak's web site in the "Resources" section below. On the web site, you can book your train reservations via Amtrak's Fare Finder. You can also navigate the site if you have a PDA, Blackberry or other handheld device.

2. Take advantage of any special offers or discount fares at the time you book your reservation. Amtrak is known for running special rates periodically, and for giving discounts to students and people with disabilities.

3. If you ordered your tickets online or by phone, pick them up at a ticket agent or at one of the Quik-Trak kiosks that can be found in Penn Station (you'll need to enter your reservation number). If you've booked your trip far in advance, you can also request that your tickets be mailed to you.

Navigate Your Way Around Washington DC

4. Exit Union Station in Washington via either the Massachusetts Avenue or the 1st Street NW exits.

5. Take a taxi, the Red Line Metro train from the Union Station Metro stop, or the MARC (Maryland Rail Commuter Service), which services the Washington, DC area.

6. Stretch your legs on the street when you exit Union Station. The Library of Congress and the U.S. Capitol are close by.

Tips & Warnings

• Reserve first- or business-class seats on the Acela Express, or coach- (and sometimes business-) class on the Regional Service. The Express will get you to Washington in about 3 hours, while the Regional takes 3 to 4 hours.
• Bear in mind that the ticket office at Penn Station closes at 9:50 p.m.
• Plan to spend some time at Union Station in Washington, DC; it's practically a destination in itself. Its 90-foot high vaulted ceiling, marble floors and gorgeous murals make every turn an Americana-inspired landscape. With its numerous restaurants and specialty shops, this century-old building is well worth exploring.