Washington Day Trip vs Weekend Trip from NYC

Traveling to Washington is a plan that I recommend you to make, if you have time to visit the Big Apple. If, for example, your plan is to visit New York in 15 days this is one of the essential excursions to do from New York. You will be able to see first hand the places where the most important political decisions in the world are made. No more, no less.

My advice without hesitation is to hire a tour to Washington from New York. This will save you the hassle and logistics of traveling, focusing all your energy on enjoying American sightseeing.

To help you manage your trip from New York to Washington, here are the advantages of doing the tour in one day or two. Prices, sightseeing spots and key information so you can choose to have it all organized.

To visit Washington you have several options. And if you opt for an organized trip, you will be able to choose between a one-day tour or if you prefer you also have the possibility to visit the city in two days. Both options will give you enough time to get a glimpse of the capital of the United States. But it is true that there are several differences between the one-day and the two-day tour of Washington. Mainly in the itinerary and the included visits.

In the one-day tour you will tour Washington exclusively and in the two-day trip, you will also visit the city of Philadelphia and get to know the Amish community from the inside. This means that, although it may seem contradictory, you will not necessarily see more on the longer tour.

If you decide to visit Washington in one day, you should know that the tours last about 15 hours. You will leave very early in the morning and arrive late in the afternoon, so you will have a full day to visit the U.S. capital between trips and sightseeing.

The most important visits and points of interest that you will see on the tour are:

• Arlington Cemetery: The largest military cemetery in the United States and where the remains of veterans of major wars such as the World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War, Civil War and the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan are located.
• Iwo Jima Memorial: Monument representing the Marines on Mount Suribachi during World War II.
• Jefferson Memorial: Iconic work of architecture dedicated to President Thomas Jefferson, one of the founders of the nation.
• Lincoln Memorial: Famous marble statue immortalizing the figure of Abraham Lincoln.
• Vietnam Veterans Memorial: Monument honoring the men and women who gave their lives for the country in that history-making war.
• Korean Veterans Memorial: Very close to the Lincoln Memorial is this work that names each and every one of the fallen in this conflict.
• Washington Monument: It is the obelisk built in the name of Commander George Washington and first president.
• White House: Official residence of the president of the United States and all presidents in history.
• Martin Luther King Memorial: Monument inspired by the African-American leader and his struggle.
• National Mall: The mythical park full of gardens that you have seen in countless movies.
• World War II Memorial: Monument commemorating those who died and served in the conflict.
• National Archives Museum: Home of the original Declaration of Independence, Constitution and Bill of Rights. More than 15 billion records and documents are housed in this building.
• Air and Space Museum: Museum dedicated to the history of aviation.
• The Capitol: One of the city's most emblematic buildings and the seat of the Legislative Branch.

If you have more time, two-day tours are an excellent option. Not only will you be able to see Washington, but they will also take you to Philadelphia. So you will have a two for one, plus the possibility, in many cases, to visit the Amish community on the way.

If you choose to hire a two-day tour, some of the visits and points of interest you will see are:

In Philadelphia:

• Liberty Bell: Historic area of the city and one of the symbols of the American War of Independence
• Rocky Statue: Work in honor of the boxer's films and in front of the most famous steps of all the scenes.
• Amish Country Tour: Tour in a typical Amish buggy to learn in depth how this curious community lives.

In Washington:

• Jefferson Memorial: Iconic work of architecture dedicated to President Thomas Jefferson, one of the nation's founders.
• Arlington Cemetery: The largest military cemetery in the United States and home to the remains of veterans of major wars such as the World Wars, Korea, Vietnam, the Cold War, the Civil War and the conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
• Capitol Hill: Scenic viewpoint and residential neighborhood overlooking the Capitol.
• White House: Official residence of the President of the United States and all the presidents in history.

As you can see, the differences are in the purpose of the getaway. If your intention is to see and tour Washington in depth, I advise you to take a day trip. If, on the other hand, you want to walk around and see as many attractions as possible, I recommend choosing a two-day trip in which you can also visit Philadelphia and the Amish community.

One of the advantages of opting for a two-day tour is the possibility of seeing and touring Washington by night. While most two-day tours departing from New York spend the first day in Philadelphia, you will arrive in Washington in the evening. There you will have free time to stroll, dine and experience the city when the lights come on.

I recommend this experience if you go as a couple or with friends, as you will get to see the other side of the city, its nighttime attractions and warm up for the next day's sightseeing.

Of course it's worth it! If your main interest is to get to know the city, its museums and monuments in order to soak up the political history of the country, the two-day tour may not be enough for you. I recommend a day trip so that you don't leave out any of the points of interest.

If you are one of those who prefer to see less things but in depth and with more time, taking a day trip is ideal. It will give you a more complete idea of the cradle of American politics.

Travel to Washington with the convenience of the train

If you are traveling with your family or just like to ride the train, you also have the possibility to reach the nation's capital by this means of transportation. This tour, which also includes a bus ride to see the city, lasts half a day and includes lunch at the Hard Rock Café.

Washington day tour prices and two-day tour prices

A one-day tour to Washington costs around 95 €, while a two-day tour costs around 300 €. If you feel like it, you can also calculate what it would cost you to do the trip on your own, my advice is that in this case, the numbers are not worth the logistics involved. Also, all tours in general have free cancellation, which allows you to have the freedom to regret it if you don't have the time or the money.

And here's a tip: Most of the museums and monuments you visit have free admission.

Washington day tour schedules vs. two-day tour schedules

Departure times for the tours are very similar and leave from New York between 6:00 and 6:30 am. Very early, I know! But at those hours there is less traffic and less time is spent getting around. Plus, the buses are super comfortable, so you can sleep in and arrive refreshed and energized to enjoy the destination.

Services included in the Washington Day Tours vs. the two-day tours

The services and extras included in each excursion are according to the type of trip. In the case of a day trip, the idea is to make the most of the city of Washington and visit as many points of interest as possible.

To this end, a day trip to Washington generally offers:

• Professional guide
• Air-conditioned bus, bathroom and WiFi on board

Two-day tours to Washington and Philadelphia are longer and therefore usually include:

• 1 night accommodation including taxes
• Continental breakfast
• Professional guide
• Transfer by 15-passenger van or bus (with WiFi)
• Sightseeing in Philadelphia and Washington DC
• Amish farm buggy tour
• Entrance fee - Jefferson Memorial

In general, the time you have to visit the attractions and points of interest, whether going on one day trip or two, is around 20 minutes. With the exception of one-off visits where you have to spend more time.

There are many places where you will only be passing through and will not be able to stop.