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Washington DC Day Trip from New York City

star-41,560 Reviews
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New York, United States
Washington DC Day Trip from New York City
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Washington DC Day Trip from New York City
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From $169.00

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Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance. Learn more
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Safety measures
icon11 to 13 hours  (approx.)
Mobile ticket
iconOffered in: English and 8 more

Overview

On this New York to Washington DC tour, check out the nation’s capital in a day with all logistics, transport, and entrance fees included so you’re totally free to focus on the sights. Traveling by comfortable minivan or bus with a guide for commentary—another advantage over an independent trip—view landmarks including the White House and Washington Monument. Plus, visit Arlington Cemetery and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (while Air and Space Museum is closed due to renovations)
  • Experience the signature sights of Washington DC on a day trip from NYC
  • Hassle-free way to see and learn about the US capital’s landmarks
  • See the White House, Lincoln Memorial, and domed Capitol building
  • Visit Arlington Cemetery and the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (while Air and Space Museum is closed due to renovations)

Why Travelers Choose This Tour

See nearly all of DC's key attractions and spend time at the Air and Space Museum—a rare combo.
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From $169.00

Lowest Price Guarantee
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Professional tour guide
Transportation by 15-passenger van or a full-sized bus
Free Wi-Fi on bus only
Gratuities
Hotel pickup and drop-off
330 W 42nd St , 330 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036, USA
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6:30 AM Departure In front of Port Authority side entrance Bus Terminal Building on 42nd Street (between 8th & 9th Avenue)

6:30 AM
This activity will end right where it started.
This day trip to Washington DC from New York begins with a drive south through the East Coast states of Delaware, New Jersey, and Maryland before arriving in the US capital.

When you arrive, start your DC sightseeing tour at Arlington Cemetery where you're free to visit JFK's gravesite. Then, take a drive through the city center to admire landmarks such as the domed Capitol building and White House before visiting the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History (while Air and Space Museum is closed due to renovations). Finally, enjoy photo ops at some of DC’s most famous attractions near the National Mall—the Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and Korean War Veterans Memorial. Finally, begin the trip back to NYC, where your tour ends.

Please Note: This tour is scheduled to stop in front of the White House and the Capitol building for commentary and photo ops. However, please be aware that occasionally this is not possible due to security issues in Washington. If this occurs during your tour, the itinerary will be adjusted accordingly.
Itinerary
Stop At:  
Empire Vacations Day Tours - New York
Departing from New York and heading south, pass through the states of New Jersey, Delaware, and Maryland before arriving at Washington DC's Capitol Hill. Here, your tour will start with a stop at Arlington Cemetery to visit JFK's gravesite. Next, head further into Washington to see the Capitol, Senate, and White House, the heart of the US government. Your tour then continues to the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum before visiting the Washington, Lincoln, Vietnam, and Korean Memorials for exploration and pictures. Late in the afternoon, you'll embark on a panoramic city tour before departing Washington for an early-evening arrival back in New York City. Please Note: This tour is scheduled to stop in front of the White House, Capitol, and Senate for commentary and photo ops. However, please note that sometimes this is not possible due to security issues. In the event of this occurring, your tour will be adjusted accordingly.
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Duration: 15 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Arlington National Cemetery
Veterans of every American war from the Revolution to the country's most recent conflicts are buried at Arlington, which was officially declared a military cemetery in 1864. Among the more than 260,000 dead are three unidentified service members, buried at the Tomb of the Unknowns, and John F. Kennedy, whose gravesite is marked by an eternal flame. Due to security a passport or U.S. ID will be required to enter Arlington Cemetery
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Duration: 45 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
U.S. Capitol
The Capitol is among the most architecturally impressive and symbolically important buildings in the world. The Senate and the House of Representatives have met here for more than two centuries. Begun in 1793, the Capitol has been built, burnt, rebuilt, extended, and restored; today, it stands as a monument not only to its builders but also to the American people and their government.
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Duration: 20 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
White House
One of America's most recognizable historical and political symbols is also the home and office of the President of the United States.
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Duration: 20 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
National Air and Space Museum
The most popular of the Smithsonian museums features the Wright Brothers' 1903 Flyer and Lindbergh's Spirit of St. Louis. TEMPORARILY CLOSED FOR RENOVATION - WE WILL RETURN TO AIR AND SPACE AS SOON AS IT RE-OPENS IN THE MEANTIME WE GO TO THE SMITHSONIAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY.
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Duration: 1 hour 30 minutes
Admission Ticket Included
Stop At:  
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
We visit the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History and visit the extremely popular "Deep Time" exhibit full of real dinosaur fossils including the T-REX and Triceratops. THIS MUSEUM IS A TEMPORARY ATTRACTION WHILE THE AIR AND SPACE MUSEUM IS CLOSED.
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Duration: 1 hour 15 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Vietnam Veterans Memorial
This emotionally stirring memorial pays tribute to the men and women who served in one of America's most controversial wars.
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Duration: 20 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Lincoln Memorial
"In this temple, as in the hearts of the people for whom he saved the Union, the memory of Abraham Lincoln is enshrined forever." Beneath these words, the 16th President of the United States sits immortalized in marble as an enduring symbol of unity, strength, and wisdom.
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Duration: 30 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
Stop At:  
Korean War Veterans Memorial
This memorial to Korean War veterans consists of the Pool of Remembrance and the triangular Field of Service depicting 19 soldiers on the field of combat.
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Duration: 20 minutes
Admission Ticket Free
  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Wheelchair accessible; please advise at time of booking if wheelchair assistance is required
  • Depending on the rules on the day, sometimes a stop can be made for photographs from outside the fence
  • Time at the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum is approximately 1.5-hours
  • For tours with fewer guests, vans may be substituted - wifi and restrooms on full size buses only.
  • Tours can be bilingual/multilingual as they are offered in many different languages
  • Children under the age of 2 are free, please advise at time of booking if infant is traveling
  • Stroller accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Infant seats available
  • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
  • Due to security, there is no entry to the White House
  • Due to security a passport or U.S. ID will be required to enter Arlington Cemetery
  • In the event that parts of this itnerary remain inaccessable due to COVID 19 an alternate itinerary will be followed. Final details will be available prior to each departure. On our tours we use a wide variety of attractions which all have different policies regarding Covid 19. In order to enjoy the full experience of the tour it is recommended to bring a face covering as it may be required for entry at certain locations.
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • Air and space Museum is currently open under Limited COVID schedule - entrance is not guaranteed
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 54 travelers
  • OPERATED BY Empire Vacations
You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance of the experience for a full refund.
  • For a full refund, you must cancel at least 24 hours before the experience’s start time.
  • If you cancel less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time, the amount you paid will not be refunded.
  • Any changes made less than 24 hours before the experience’s start time will not be accepted.
  • Cut-off times are based on the experience’s local time.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Learn more about cancellations.

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.
Q:
Is hotel pickup included for the Washington DC Day Trip?
A:Hotel pickup is not available for this tour. You will have to make your own way to the meeting location listed in the 'Departure & Return" section above.
Feb 2022
Q:
Is parking available at the pickup point for the Washington DC Day Trip?
A:There is a parking lot available near the departure point (parking rates apply), however, it is highly recommended to utilize public transportation or a ride-share service.
Feb 2022
Q:
What type of vehicle is used for the Washington DC Day Trip?
A:Depending on the group size, you will travel in either a comfortable air-conditioned bus or van.
Feb 2022
Q:
Is Wifi available during the tour?
A:Wifi services are available on full-size coaches only. Mobile wifi is not designed to support streaming services.
Feb 2022
Q:
Can I bring an infant with me on the Washington DC Day Trip?
A:Children under 2 years old travel free as lap children with a paid adult who will be responsible for the behavior and wellbeing of any passengers on their reservation
Feb 2022
Q:
Do I have to advise that I will be bringing an infant ahead of time?
A:Yes - Please specify that you will be bringing an infant (along with infant age) in the "Special Requirements" box at checkout.
Feb 2022
Q:
Can I bring a stroller for my child?
A:Yes - Please notate that you will be bringing a stroller with approximate folded dimensions in the "Special Requirements" box at checkout if you plan to bring one.
Feb 2022
Q:
Are car seats available for use during the Washington DC Day Trip?
A:Yes - If you require a car seat, please notate the request in the "Special Requirements" box at checkout. The local operator provides car seats but requires at least 24 hours notice.
Feb 2022
Q:
Is the Washington DC Day Trip available in languages other than English?
A:All tours are operated in English, Italian, Spanish, Portuguese, French, German, Hebrew, Japanese and Chinese; the requested language must be specified at the time of booking.
Feb 2022
Q:
Is smoking allowed on the Washington DC Day Trip??
A:Smoking is not permitted on the motorcoach. Stops are provided en route for smoke and bathroom breaks.
Feb 2022
Q:
What time will we arrive back in New York City at the end of the tour?
A:Tours are scheduled to arrive in NYC in the early evening. This is an estimated time only. Actual time may vary based upon local conditions, traffic, weather, etc.
Feb 2022
Q:
What is the policy on sanitization during Washington DC Day Trip from New York City?
A:The policies on sanitization are:

  • Regularly sanitized high-traffic areas
  • Gear/equipment sanitized between use
  • Transportation vehicles regularly sanitized
See all safety measures taken by Washington DC Day Trip from New York City.
Q:
What measures are being taken to ensure staff health & safety during Washington DC Day Trip from New York City?
A:The policy on staff health & safety is:

  • Guides required to regularly wash hands
See all safety measures taken by Washington DC Day Trip from New York City.

Traveler Photos

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Traveler Tips

  • "If you are short on time, this tour is a must." See review
  • "Very long day, plus 1.5 hr traffic accident delay, but still well worth it." See review
  • "Probably a bit long and boring for children, better suited to adults and perhaps teenagers with an interest in history." See review

Reviews

4.0
star-4
1,560 Reviews
5 stars
676
4 stars
528
3 stars
184
2 stars
120
1 star
52

Reviews by Viator travelers

We perform checks on reviews

Showing 1-10 of 1,560 reviews
star-5
Very nice experience!...
Ridge_I
, Jul 2022
Very nice experience! They deserve more than 5 stars ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ That’s something to do every year
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star-5
Highly Recommend!
arti_t
, Jul 2022
A very well organized and planned day trip from NY. I was scared of the drive from/to NY/DC but it was very well managed. We had a stop every 1.5 - 2 hrs. At one stop we were about 20 mins late but the guide(Brian) and the driver were very patient. Thanks Brian! DC was very well covered in the day. I would highly recommend it to anyone wanting to visit DC from NY.
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star-5
Thank you Brian
John
, Jun 2022
A great experience. Full of information that was factual and shared in a friendly manner. Our first and most memorial NYC tour.
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star-5
Washington great day and experience!
DEBRA_K
, Jun 2022
Great day out at Washington. Arlington Cemetary is a must see and the White House and George Washington. Lots of statues and memorials to see and all fitted in to the day with plenty off time for photos.
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star-5
We had a wonderful...
Norma_F
, Jun 2022
We had a wonderful experience. DC has so much history and beauty. Our guide (Brian) was extraordinarily informative and had such a wealth of knowledge in every subject aside the fact that he was multi-lingual (impressive).
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star-5
Great to see while in NYC
Paul_B
, Jun 2022
The whole day was fantastic from start to finish, well organised, informative and worthwhile. Only downer is too much to really see in a day, much more could have seen and spent more time.
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icon Response from Host , Jun 2022
Hi Paul, With wonderful customers like you, our job is a pure pleasure. Thanks Mike
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star-4
Hassle free way to visit Washington from NYC
Heather_W
, Jun 2022
If you are on a tight schedule just want an easy way to see Washington DC, this is convenient option.
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icon Response from Host , Jun 2022
Hi Heather, We would love to serve you again! Thanks Mike
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star-5
Highly recommended
Fernando_M
, Jun 2022
It was was a really cool experience. Chris was great! Even though it was Memorial Day, we managed to see everything and go everywhere we were supposed to go. I really appreciated the open ended stop at the museum toward the end. Me and my friend chose to go check out the parade and the stuff around the Capitol instead, and meet up later. Another bonus, we saw the president on The Arlington cemetery, very cool!
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icon Response from Host , Jun 2022
Hi Fernanda, It was a pleasure having you! Thanks Mike
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star-4
A great day - just not long enough!
Kelly_W
, May 2022
Washington DC is well worth the 8 hour bus ride, although a half day is not long enough to see everything. Our tour guide Bruno was so knowledgeable and funny. A great American history lesson! The bus striver was excellent - very safe, navigated tricky Memorial Day detours around Washington and was very safe. Parked in easy to find spots and always waiting for us. It was a shame that the wifi on the bus only worked for about 20 minutes at the start of the journey. The Tour Guide commented to the bus that it hardly ever works. It might be a good idea to remove the wifi offering from the trip details,
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icon Response from Host , Jun 2022
Hi Kelly, Thank you for the review. Will investigate wifi issue. Thanks Mike Amadeo
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star-4
It’s a good way to see...
Jigish_R
, May 2022
It’s a good way to see the ‘highlights’ of DC in a short time. The experience is however dependent on weather and whether you go on a holiday. The tour guide (Chris) was friendly and gave a good overview of the sites we visited. The tour bus was good and so was the travel experience. However, the price for the tour is on a higher side, considering most of the places you go to anyway have a free entry. I wish it was more pocket friendly.
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icon Response from Host , Jun 2022
Hi Jigish, Thank you for taking the time to review our trip. Mike Amadeo Team
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star-5
Great bus tour!
Michael_B
, May 2022
Had an awesome time and got some really great pictures! The tour guides were very knowledgeable and friendly. My husband and I are glad we did this!
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icon Response from Host , May 2022
Hi Michael, Thank you for taking the time to review our trip. It was a pleasure having you. Thanks Mike Amadeo Team
... MoreLess
star-5
First time Trip
Silvenne_D
, May 2022
From start to finish trip was amazing even though it rained everything without being said great experienced
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icon Response from Host , May 2022
Thank you for your kind words even though the weather was not so kind to us. Hopefully will see you again. Mike Amadeo Trip
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star-5
Brilliant trip
louisebutler221
, May 2022
We had the most fantastic day going on the trip to Washington DC Joseph the guide and his colleagues were brilliant, we saw all of the main sites, received lots of information throughout the day from Joseph, and overall just had a great day. It’s a very long day but totally worth it. Highly recommend this trip.
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icon Response from Host , May 2022
Thank you for traveling with us! It was our pleasure to serve you! Mike Amadeo Team
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star-5
Washington bus trip from New York
joel_h
, May 2022
Amazing city to see so much history and sights to see, early start to the day it was a big bus we got on with a toilet, our guide was great spoke a few languages and very informative on the areas we drove past and whilst in DC, we got of the bus many times so we could walk around the buildings we stopped at (plenary of time to look around when we stopped) so humbled at the graves of all the US soldiers buried there and also JF Kennedy grave, the Lincoln memorial was amazing and bigger that I thought, and the monuments of the Vietnam and Korean wars humbled, long drive back to New York but you can snooze and the sun set skyline of New York was amazing on our return.
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star-5
Good guide
VivianHede_J
, May 2022
Super good German guide (Bryan). he knew a lot about the city. And Washington is a nice city. We will be back.
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star-4
Vietnam memorial wall was...
Simon_S
, May 2022
Vietnam memorial wall was very poignant. Also enjoyed the Lincoln memorial. Not a lot of time for the museums though.
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star-5
The bus ride is long but...
CarloFelicito_B
, May 2022
The bus ride is long but we were comfortable and was able to see great views from New York to Washington DC. The return trip ended nicely with a skyline view of New York with all the lights at night.
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1 traveler found this review helpful
star-5
Excellent
Lalitha_S
, May 2022
We had a wonderful experience. The tour guide Mr. Bruno was explaining about each and every State we cross by. He narrated American history very well. Drivers are well mannered. Bus was comfortable.
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star-5
Day trip to Washington D.C.
Emilie_M
, May 2022
I was in New-York for one week, and I though that it was a shame to be so close to Washington and not visited it as well. This day trip was perfect for me as it allowed me to see a maximum of monuments in a minimum amount of time. I was also delighted by the stop we did at the National Gallery, where we could also see beautiful works of art. The guides shared interesting stories with us during the whole trip. I highly recommend it.
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icon Response from Host , May 2022
Thank you for taking the time to review our trip. I hope will see you again on some of tours! Mike Amadeo Team
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star-4
The tour was well planned...
dermot_c
, May 2022
The tour was well planned the courier did an excellent job. One slight negative was that her accent was not easy to understand.
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1 traveler found this review helpful
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