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Washington DC Day Trip from New York City

New York, United States

From USD 169.00

Select Date and Travellers

Free cancellation
Up to 24 hours in advance.
New York City Tours
All New York City Tours
Audio Guides
Kid-Friendly
Likely To Sell Out
  • 11 to 13 hours (approx.)
  • Mobile ticket
  • Offered in: English

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 Travellers Choose This Tour

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

What's Included

  • 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

Meeting And Pickup

Meeting point

  • 330 W 42nd St
    330 W 42nd St, New York, NY 10036, USA

    6:30 AM Departure In front of Port Authority side entrance Bus Terminal Building on 42nd Street (between 8th & 9th Avenue)

Start time

06:30 am

End point

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What To Expect

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.

Help create a better planet for everyone to travel and explore. We have partnered with One Tree Planted to plant one tree for every passenger that travels with us along with an extra tree for anyone that books multiple trips.

Empire Vacations Day Tours - New York

15 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Arlington National Cemetery

45 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • 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
  • Air and space Museum is currently under renovations - entrance is not guaranteed
  • Travellers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 54 travellers

Cancellation Policy

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 cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

The answers provided below are based on answers previously given by the tour provider to customers’ questions.

Filter by:

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

Traveller Photos

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Traveller Tips

If you are short on time, this tour is a must.
Very long day, plus 1.5 hr traffic accident delay, but still well worth it.
Probably a bit long and boring for children, better suited to adults and perhaps teenagers with an interest in history.
Reviews
4.0
1,676 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
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Reviews by Viator travellers.
Showing 1-10 of 1,676 reviews
Great day out in Washington, recommend it to anyone who wants to go to Washington
David_S, Mar 2023
Being told everything about the trip in Washington by our fantastic lady guide, she was very knowledgeable
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Hello David Thank you so much for your review We are glad that you enjoyed your trip to Washington DC We look forward to hosting you again soon Stephanie Empire Vacations
I am from Brazil but the...
robson_v, Mar 2023
I am from Brazil but the tour was very organized and guide very helpful and friend. All group some was from my country. My tour from New York city to Washington was unforgettable. I am very help for own decision to be made in the tour.
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Hello Thank you for your review We are glad that you enjoyed your trip to Washington DC and that all the team made this experience even more memorable than you imagined. We look forward to hosting you soon again Stephanie Empire Vacations
Absolutely Amazing
Stacey_R, Mar 2023
The day was fantastic and I would highly recommend. Very well organised and plenty of time at each site for a good look around and to take pictures.
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Hello Stacey Thank you for your review We are glad that you enjoyed your trip to Washington DC and that our team helped you capture this memorable experience through forever lasting pictures. We look forward to hsoting you again soon Stephanie Empire Vacations
Great thing to do if you have the time.
Crystal_S, Mar 2023
It was a great trip great experience. The guides were fabulous by teenagers loved them. They had a lot of knowledge and they were funny
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Hello Crystal Thank you so much for your review. We are glad that you enjoyed your trip to Washington DC and that our guides and the rest of the team made this experience even more memorable than you imagined We look forward to hosting you soon. Stephanie Empire Vacations
Very comfortable if you...
Jakkrit_T, Mar 2023
Very comfortable if you have a short time for Sightseeing. Great place for history lover. Easy for one day trip
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Hello Thank you for your review We are glad that you enjoyed your trip to Washington DC and that our team was able to bring back to life all the history that this amazing place has to offer. We look forward to hosting you soon Stephanie Empire Vacations
A fabulous day trip! Highly recommended
Fiona_S, Mar 2023
This was a long day but so interesting. We enjoyed every minute. We learned a lot from the knowledgeable guide at each stop. You see a lot on this trip and the Arlington Cemetery is really moving. I would have liked more time there to visit the tomb of the unknown soldier but seems this was not possible. A day full of history and important landmarks that everyone should visit!
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Hello Fiona We are glad that you enjoyed your tour to Washington DC and that our guides and rest of the team were able to bring back to life all the amazing history this place has to offer. We look forward to hosting you soon. Stephanie Empire Vacations
Amazing
Megan_T, Mar 2023
The day was fantastic! Our tour guide was clear and very funny ☺️ very enjoyable day. Pick up was very simple and the rest stops were good also.
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Hello Megan We are glad that you enjoyed your trip to Washington DC. Our goal is to provide a memorable experience. We look forward to hosting you soon Stephanie Empire Vacations
A fantastic day trip from NYC
Sarah_H, Mar 2023
We knew we wanted to visit Washington while we were in NYC but didn’t know the best way to get there. After looking at trains and day trips this looked like the most stress free option, getting us to all the places we wanted to see. The team that took us were fantastic, with a special shout out to our guide Okai (hope I've spelled that right!) who was so knowledgeable and ready to take any photos for us! The bus was lovely and clean and there were plenty of well timed stops for food and comfort breaks, I’d definitely consider another of Empire’s day trips the next time we’re in New York.
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Hello Sarah Thank you for your review We are glad that you enjoyed your trip to Washington DC and that Okai and the rest of the team made this experience even more memorable than you imagined. We look forward to hoting you again Stephanie Empire Vacations
Great Day!!!
BarbaraAnn_S, Mar 2023
Fantastic trip to Washington DC. Our guide was excellent and well worth the money. The sights were everything we expected and more. A friendly and safe driver.
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Hello Barbara Thank you so much for your review. We are glad that you enjoyed your trip to Washington DC and that the guides and the rest of the team were able to bring back to life all the amazing history this place has to offer. We look forward to hosting you soon again Stephanie Empire Vacations
Well worth it!
Catherine_B, Mar 2023
I thoroughly enjoyed this trip, it was a great day out! I loved the sights and it made us wish we could stay longer. Our tour guide was lovely and the weather was beautiful which made it even better. The day didn’t feel too long, despite some traffic on the way back. Would definitely recommend.
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Hello Catherine Thank you so much for your wonderful review. We are glad that you enjoyed your trip to Washington DC and that our guides and the rest of the team were able to bring back to life all the amazing history that this place has to offer. We look forward to hosting you again. Stephanie Empire Vacations
Fun and memorable
Don_L, Feb 2023
Very informative and made the trip fun even for my son. We got ample time to take pictures of the monuments and buildings.
Response from Host, Mar 2023
Hello Don Thank you for your review We are glad that you and your family enjoyed this trip to Washington DC. We strive to make every experience memorable. We look forward to hosting you soon Stephanie Empire Vacations
Great experience
Louise_W, Feb 2023
Would definitely recommend this day trip Joseph was an excellent tour guide he was very informative and kept us up to date on all the local history of the places we visited and also along the way on our bus journey.
Response from Host, Feb 2023
Hello Louise Thank you for your review We are glad that you enjoyed your trip to Washington DC and that Joseph and the rest of the team were able to bring back to life all the History that this amazing place has to offer. We look forward to hosting you soon again. Stephanie Empire Vacations
A 5 star day out
Sophie_H, Feb 2023
The day was excellent from the start to the end. The chosen sites and times there were great to get a good feel for each one and take plenty of pictures for prosperity. The tour guide, Brian, was knowledgeable and enthusiastic, he really made it a wonderful experience. And the bus driver Herbert, made us feel safe and got us round effectively. A 5 star day!
Response from Host, Feb 2023
Hello Sophie! Thank you for your wonderful review. We are glad that you enjoyed your trip to Washington DC and that Brian and the rest of the team made this experience even more memorable than you imagined. We look forward to hosting you soon. Stephanie Empire Vacations
Highly recommended.
MaCecilia_H, Feb 2023
I highly recommend this tour. The itinerary was good, it covered almost all the places that I wanted to see/visit. It was a long but very comfortable trip. And I love long drives. 😉 Both tour guides (for English/non-English speakers) were very nice and had a great sense of humor and very knowledgeable. In summary, this is an excellent and amazing tour.😊
Response from Host, Feb 2023
Hello Thank you so much for such a wonderful review. We are glad that you enjoyed our tour and that our team made this experience memorable. We look forward to hosting you again soon. Stephanie Empire Vacations
One day in Washington.:...
Eden_F, Feb 2023
One day in Washington.: pleasant tour guide, reliable tour company. It’s worth the trip; we will book again with Viator on our next trip.
Response from Host, Feb 2023
Hello Eden Thank you for your review We are glad that you enjoyed your trip to Washington DC and that our Tour guide and entire team made this experience even more memorable than you imagined. We look forward to hosting you soon again Stephanie Empire Vacations
Quick day trip from NYC to DC
Jason_Y, Feb 2023
Our guide Moses was very charming and entertaining. He was very patient and calm in dealing with a family that was always running late in getting back to the bus after each stop. Great tour if you’re looking for something very general and only have a day.
Response from Host, Feb 2023
Hello Jason Thank you so much for your review We are glad that you enjoyed your trip to Washington DC and that Moses and the rest of the team brought back to life all the history that this amazing place has to offer. We look forward to hosting you again soon. Stephanie Empire Vacations
Fabulous day trip
Di_S, Feb 2023
A very full day but great value and well worth it to see the major sites of DC in one day. Fantastic organisation and operation by this tour company. We learnt heaps about US history and Jutta the guide was great. They had three interpreter guides to cover the languages of the group.
Response from Host, Feb 2023
Hello Thank you for your review. We are glad that you enjoyed your trip to Washington DC and that Jutta and the rest of the team brought back to life all the history that this amazing place has to offer. We look forward to hosting you soon again. Stephanie Empire Vacations
The team was good, the...
MohamedTahar_M, Feb 2023
The team was good, the French translator (reed) was excellente, the bus was comfort, the schedul was respected. I recommend it
Response from Host, Feb 2023
Hello Thank you for your review We are glad that you enjoyed the tour to Washington DC and that our team was able to make this experience more memorable than imagined. We look forward to hosting you soon. Stephanie Empire Vacations
Interesting tour
Vladimir_F, Feb 2023
Information provided by tour guide was excellent. The places visited were excellent. Bus was confortable .
Response from Host, Feb 2023
Hello Vladimir Thank you for your review We are glad that you enjoyed the tour to Washington DC and that our tour guide and the rest of the team made this experience more memorable than imagined. We look forward to hosting you soon Stephanie Empire Vacations
Interesting trip
Marin_O, Jan 2023
Alex was great guide. He spoke interesting stories. It was obvious that he has a lot of knowledge. He also shared with us some tipas&tricks. We visited all interesting places like White House, Capitol, Lincoln Memorial...
Response from Host, Jan 2023
Hello Thank you for your review We are glad that you enjoyed your trip to Washington DC and that Alex and the rest of the team made it even more memorable than you expected. We look forward to hosting you again Stephanie Empire Vacations
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