New York City

Washington DC Day Trip from New York City

New York, United States

From US$169.00

Select Date and Travelers

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
Unique Experiences
  • 11 to 13 hours
  • 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 Travelers 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

U.S. Capitol

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

White House

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

National Air and Space Museum

1 hour 30 minutes • Admission Ticket Included

Vietnam Veterans Memorial

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Lincoln Memorial

30 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Korean War Veterans Memorial

20 minutes • Admission Ticket Free

Additional Info

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Stroller 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
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • 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.
  • Infant seats available
  • 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
  • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
  • Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
  • 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
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 54 travelers

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 canceled 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

Traveler Photos

See more

Traveler 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
1,842 reviews
Total review count and overall rating based on Viator and Tripadvisor reviews
0
0
0
0
0
Reviews by Viator travelers.
Showing 1-10 of 1,842 reviews
The tour brought us to...
Lorenzo_D, Sept 2023
The tour brought us to the most important attractions in Washington and we could save a lot of time as everything was organized very well. The tour guide gave us a lot of information about the places we visited. It was really a great tour!
Response from Host, Sept 2023
Hi Lorenzo Thank you for your review We are glad that you enjoyed the highlights of Washington DC and that our team made this experience memorable. We look forward to hosting you again Stephanie Empire Vacations
See, Learn and Listen to Interesting Historic Details by MacKenzie the Tour Guide!
Cathy_N, Sept 2023
MacKenzie was our tour guide. As young as she looks, she has a knack for providing interesting historical information about our destinations and on our way there. Her voice was easy on the ears, and something I appreciated, later on after a few tours, is that she stood during the transport and faced the group versus sitting down and pointing or verbally directing. She was very clear, responsive, and communicated with the group well; it was easy to follow, remember, and accommodating. Verdict: I wish there were a way you could select your tour guide for day tours. #MacKenzie
Great trip to Washington DC
Ashleigh_N, Sept 2023
This tour was great! We are from Australia so it was a great way to see Washington DC. All commentary along the way was very concise and interesting for us as we don’t know anything about American History. Recommend you pack a neck pillow and headphones for the long bus ride
Response from Host, Sept 2023
Hi Ashleigh Thank you for your review We are glad that you enjoyd your tour and that our team brought back to life all the amazing history this place has to offer We look forward to hosting you again Stephanie Empire Vacations
Great
Simon_C, Sept 2023
We had Iris who was a very knowledgeable guide. We were able to see all of the major attractions in Washington in one day
Response from Host, Sept 2023
Hi Simon Thank you for your review We are glad that you enjoyed your tour to Washingotn DC and that Iris and the rest of the team made this experience memorable for you. Stephanie Empire Vacations
DC in a day
Linda_M, Sept 2023
If you are short on time but want to see the highlights of Washington DC, then this is a great your. Seeing Arlington cemetery, the Abraham Lincoln memorial, Washington Square, Whitehouse and Capitol Building were great yo see with my own eyes
Response from Host, Sept 2023
Hi Linda Thank you for your review. We are glad that you enjoyed your tour to Washingotn DC and that our team made this experience memorable for you Stephanie Empire Vacations
Great Tour
John_L, Sept 2023
Great tour, plenty of time at each place, aircon bus with Wi-Fi. Got to see a sunrise and a sunset in the day. Good atmosphere and friendly tour guide, even though it was baking hot 37c.
Response from Host, Sept 2023
Hi John Thank you for your review We are glad that you enjoyed your tour to Washingotn DC and that our team made this experience memorable for you We look forward to hosting you again Stephanie Empire Vacations
5 Star Washington Tour
Ian_W, Sept 2023
Thoroughly enjoyable trip, although a long 14 hour day. Our tour guide was very informative and knowledgeable about Washington. Slightly off-putting was that our guide was not able to use his microphone as this was a multi language tour and three guides were giving commentary at the same time in different languages so at times difficult to hear what he was describing.
Response from Host, Sept 2023
Hi Ian Thank you for your review We are glad that you enjoyed your tour to Washignton DC and that you were able to see all the highlights in just one day! We look forward to hosting you again and get that extra star that you forgot to push Stephanie Empire Vacations
Washington day trip
Daphne_H, Sept 2023
We saw all the iconic Washington sights. Arlington cemetery definitely a highlight, very beautiful and poignant seeing all the headstones and Kennedy memorial
Response from Host, Sept 2023
Hi Daphne Thank you for your review We are glad that you enjoyed your tour to Washington DC and that our guides made it memorable for you. We look forward to hosting you again Stephanie Empire Vacations
Good way to see DC highlights in a day
Deepika_A, Sept 2023
The whole tour was amazing. The guide was fun and knowledgeable. We were given enough time in each location, we could have used more but that's all they could have given us in a day trip. The bus' tyre got busted midway, immediately they got us onto another bus. We got back a bit late but nothing from the tour was missed. That's the advantage of booking with good tour companies, they have resources. The only thing that was bad was the fact that bus driver was not letting anyone stay back on the bus while on a stop. My mother is 72yrs and can't walk a lot. So she didn't want to step out in some locations that were of not much interest to her. But the driver didn't let her stay. She had to step out and sit outside the bus in the heat. In the last location, the bus dropped us at a point and was going to pick us up at another point, so everyone had to walk to the attraction and then some more to get to the bus. I fought with the driver to let my mom stay back. He let her sit back after a lot of resistance. Apart from this, everything else on the tour was good. Good rest stops. First bus had bathroom on board, charging points. Second didn't have it but that's okay, at least we got a second bus! Good trip overall.
Response from Host, Sept 2023
Hello Thank you for your review During the tour we want you to enjoy the entire itinerary, during the times that the passengers are off the bus there are maintenance things, such as fueling, that need to be taken care of. We are glad that overall you enjoyed your tour and that we were able to make this experience memorable for you. Stephanie Empire Vacations
Great trip
Gail_B, Sept 2023
A lot to do in a day but Nick made it very interesting with his in depth knowledge of the Capital and the workings of government. We saw the most significant attractions. Kudos to Nick and the drivers
Response from Host, Sept 2023
Hi Gail We are glad that you enjoyed your tour to Washington DC and that we were able tomake this experience memorable for you Stephanie Empire Vacations
Great trip
Susan_E, Sept 2023
White House Smithsonian air museum Lincoln memorial The whole trip was good It’s a long way but it was worth the time to get there being based in New York
Response from Host, Sept 2023
Hi Susan Thank you for your review We are glad that you enjoyed your tour to Washington DC and that our guides made this experience memorable for you We look forward to hosting you soon Stephanie Empire Vacations
A perfect day
Jack_D, Sept 2023
The best day of the holiday!!! Both guides full of interesting facts, kept everyone entertained. Can’t wait to book another tour with Viator, been hassle free from start to finish 10/10
Response from Host, Sept 2023
Hi Jack Thank you for your review We are glad that you enjoyed your tour and that our team made your visit to the highlights of Washington DC memorable. We look forward to hosting you again Stephanie Empire Vacations
Not enough time
Joshua_H, Aug 2023
When we spent over an hour standing looking at jfk’s grave but then we only had 20 minutes inside of the entire smithsonian museum.
Response from Host, Aug 2023
Hi Joshua Thank you for your review We understand that time flies when you are having fun, and no lenght of time will ever seem enough to visit the amazing historic places that Washington DC has to offer. We look forward to hosting you again Stephanie Empire Vacations
Waaay tooo fast forwarding experience.
Inta_S, Aug 2023
First disappointment - tour was in two languages. Organizer obviously merged to groups together in one big buss - english and french. So the tour guide was very busy. It left us with less information about the places we were visiting. Overall feeling is that we didnt get what we hoped for. Some basic facts about White house etc. Second dissapointment - the tour was waaaay to fast forwarding. I get it - DC is far from Manhattan. However - you will sped 4,4-5 hours on the road in each direction just be there for 4 hours. So no wonder we had only 10mins at the White house.. the space museum is sooo interesting that you need to be there 3-4h at least but we were given only 70mins.. so this huge rush was the downside of this tour. PS - tourguide Mackenzie as a person seem super nice and friendly.
Response from Host, Aug 2023
Hi Inta Thank you for your review. We understand that time flies when you are having fun, and that 12-14 hours on tour might seem like is not enough, specially when trying to get back between 8-8:30PM so that everyone can have dinner with their families. We are glad that you enjoyed your tour to Washington DC and that our team made this experience memorable for you. We look forward to hosting you again Stephanie Empire Vacations
A wonderful trip to Washington!
Josephine_N, Aug 2023
Having the chance to have a glimpse of the famous White House . And learned history of their National Cemetery where famous Presidents, politicians and military men and their families were buried . Also admired the architecture designs of office buildings lining up the streets of Washington.
Response from Host, Aug 2023
Hello Thank you for your review We are thrilled to know you enjoyed your tour to Washignton DC and that our team made this experience memorable Stephanie Empire Vacations
Great time
Lisa_J, Aug 2023
The White House and the capital was by far the most awesome part for me. We also had an amazing tour guide. I definitely recommend.
Response from Host, Aug 2023
Hi Lisa Thank you for your review We are glad that you enjoyed your tour to Washingotn DC and hope to see the amazing pictures you took #empirevacations . We look forward to hosting you again Stephanie Empire Vacations
Great trip, totally worth it
Randolph_D, Aug 2023
Excellent Guide and even though we faced traffic they didn't compromise on the stops and covered all attractions. The bus was also very comfortable. Only issue was wifi wasn't working.
Response from Host, Aug 2023
Hi Thank you for your review We are glad that you enjoyed your tour to Washington DC and that our team made this experience memorable for you. We look forward to hosting you again Stephanie Empire Vacations
Good
Brenda_G, Aug 2023
This was a very good day, and I would recommend it to others. The only reason I knocked a star off is that it was very rushed, and I would have preferred not to have gone to the aerospace museum and instead visited the Martin Luther King memorium.
Response from Host, Aug 2023
Hi Brenda Thank you for your review We are glad that you enjoyed your tour to Washingotn DC and that we made this experience was memorable. We look forward to hosting you again Stephanie Empire Vacations
Is great place, is...
Beatriz_S, Aug 2023
Is great place, is beautiful the White House, I love. I am happy for travel . Next time again take more pictures, thanks for travel.
Response from Host, Aug 2023
Hello Thank you for your review We are glad that you enjoyed your tour to Washington DC and that we made this experience memorable for you. We would love to see your pictures #empirevacations . We look forward to hosting you again Stephanie Empire Vacations
The tour was enjoyable...
MICHAEL_B, Aug 2023
The tour was enjoyable but long. Due to the long drive from New York you dont get to spend alot of time or see many of the monuments
Response from Host, Aug 2023
Hello Thank you for your review. Time flies when you are having fun! We are glad that you enjoyed your tour to Washignton DC and that our team brought back to life all the amazing history this place has. Stephanie Empire Vacations
...

Compare Similar Experiences

1 / 3
Current
No Photo
Washington DC Day Trip from New York City
1,826
13 hours
Free Cancellation
From
US$169.00
Likely to Sell Out
No Photo
Washington DC Day Tour from New York City
686
14 hours
Free Cancellation
From
US$145.00
No Photo
Washington DC and Philadelphia in One Day from NYC
639
15 hours
Free Cancellation
From
US$167.00

Customers Who Bought This Tour Also Bought

Explore Similar Things to Do

Help CenterCustomer CarePrivacy and Cookies StatementAbout ViatorNewsViator blog
© 1997-2023 Viator, Inc.
Terms & Conditions