Washington DC is located in a unique spot on the East Coast. It is close to many major cities that are within driving distance. But it is far from others for which flying or taking a train is a better option than driving. Before you plan your trip, it is better to know how long the journey takes from your starting point.
This guide covers drive times, train times and flight times from 12 East Coast cities. It also explains what affects your travel time, which routes have the most traffic and how to pick the best travel method for your trip.
How Long It Takes to Get to Washington DC
Washington DC has some of the worst traffic in the entire United States. The area around the city including Northern Virginia along I-95 and I-66 and Maryland along I-270 and Baltimore Washington Parkway, gets congested during morning and evening hours. If you are driving and arrive at or leave during rush hour expect 30 to 90 minutes more time in traffic than any other drive.
There are also many road closures in and around DC for security reasons. Presidential motorcades, state visits, and protests all affect road access in the city. This happens more in Washington DC than in other American cities because there are a large number of government activities here.
The I-95 corridor between Boston, New York, Philadelphia and DC is one of the most heavily traveled highways in the world. The traffic on the road is extreme on Friday afternoons, Sunday evenings and around any major holiday. A 4-hour drive on a Tuesday morning can take 7 or 8 hours on a holiday Friday afternoon.
1. Baltimore, Maryland to Washington DC
Distance: Approximately 40 miles
Drive time off-peak: 45 to 60 minutes
Drive time in traffic: 75 to 120 minutes
Train time: 35 to 45 minutes
Best way to get there: Train or drive
Baltimore is the closest major city to Washington DC. The distance between these two cities is only about 40 miles along I-5 and US-295 which is also called the Baltimore Washington Parkway.
At off-peak time this trip can be covered in under an hour. But during morning or evening rush hour the trip can take twice as long. The MARC commuter train runs between Baltimore Penn Station and Washington Union Station. Amtrak also covers this route in about 35 to 40 minutes.
2. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania to Washington DC
Distance: Approximately 140 miles
Drive time off-peak: 2.5 to 3 hours
Drive time in traffic: 3.5 to 5 hours
Train time: 1.5 to 2 hours
Best way to get there: Train
For Philadelphia to DC travel it is recommended to use a train. The Amtrak Acela and regional Northeast Regional trains run between Philadelphia 30th Street Station and Washington Union Station. The train takes about 1.5 to 2 hours and drops you directly in DC without any parking hassle.
Driving takes 2.5 hours at off-peak hours but the I-95 corridor between Philadelphia and DC is one of the most congested highways on the East Coast. At peak hours this drive time can increase to 4 or even 5 hours. The train avoids all of those entirely.
3. New York City, New York to Washington DC
Distance: Approximately 225 miles
Drive time off-peak: 4 to 5 hours
Drive time in traffic: 5 to 8 hours
Train time of Amtrak Acela: 2.5 to 3 hours
Train time of Amtrak Regional: 3 to 3.5 hours
Flight time with airport time: 3 to 4 hours total
Best way to get there: Amtrak train
New York City to Washington DC is one of the most traveled trips in the country. Every single day thousands of people make this trip for work, tourism, government business and personal travel.
The Amtrak Acela is the fastest train option and covers the route in about 2.5 to 3 hours. The regular Northeast Regional train takes about 3 to 3.5 hours. Both drop passengers at Washington Union Station which is in the center of DC and on the Metro Red Line. Driving from New York at off-peak hours takes 4 to 5 hours. But at peak hours, you get stuck in traffic, and it takes 5 to 8 hours to reach DC. Flying from New York airport to DC takes about an hour in the air but when you add security, boarding and ground transportation time the total becomes 3 to 4 hours.
4. Boston, Massachusetts to Washington DC
Distance: Approximately 440 miles
Drive time off-peak: 7 to 8 hours
Drive time in traffic: 9 to 12 hours
Train time: 7 to 8 hours
Flight time with airport time: 3.5 to 4.5 hours total
Best way to get there: Fly
Boston to DC is far enough that flying is usually preferred by travelers. The drive takes 7 to 8 hours during off-peak hours. The Amtrak Acela also takes about 7 to 8 hours which is a long time to be on a train even in a comfortable seat.
Flights from Boston Logan to Reagan National, Dulles or BWI take about 1.5 hours in the air. When you add getting to the airport, security and the time to get from the DC airport to your destination the total time is about 3.5 to 4.5 hours. That is still faster than driving or taking the train.
5. Richmond, Virginia to Washington DC
Distance: Approximately 110 miles
Drive time off-peak: 1.75 to 2.5 hours
Drive time in traffic: 2.5 to 4 hours
Train time: 2 to 2.5 hours
Best way to get there: Drive or train depending on timing
Richmond is close to DC therefore driving is the best option during off-peak hours. The route goes north on I-95, but the challenge is that it gets congested during rush hours.
The Amtrak train from Richmond Main Street Station to Union Station takes 2 to 2.5 hours and is a good alternative when you want to avoid highway traffic.
6. Charlotte, North Carolina to Washington DC: Long Drive or Short Flight
Distance: Approximately 395 miles
Drive time off-peak: 5.5 to 7 hours
Drive time in traffic: 7 to 9 hours
Flight time with airport time: 3.5 to 4.5 hours total
Best way to get there: Fly
Charlotte to DC is a long drive of about 400 miles. The I-85 and I-95 routes can also have heavy traffic, especially through Virginia. Most travelers prefer flying to save time and for convenience.
Flights from Charlotte Douglas International are available to all three DC-area airports and take 1 to 1.5 hours in the air.
7. Raleigh, North Carolina to Washington DC
Distance: Approximately 300 miles
Drive time off-peak: 4.5 to 5.5 hours
Drive time in traffic: 5.5 to 7.5 hours
Flight time with airport time: 3 to 4 hours total
Best way to get there: Driving or flying depending on preference
Raleigh to DC is a trip where driving and flying can almost take the same amount of time. The drive is about 4.5 to 5.5 hours at off-peak using I-85 North and I-95 North. Driving is a good option if you enjoy road trips and want flexibility, while flying saves you time and reduces travel stress.
8. Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to Washington DC
Distance: Approximately 245 miles
Drive time off-peak: 4 to 4.5 hours
Drive time in traffic: 5 to 6 hours
Best way to get there: Drive or fly
Pittsburgh to DC is actually a pleasant drive. The route takes you through the mountains of Pennsylvania on I-70 East before connecting south toward DC. The scenery is beautiful and the traffic is not as bad as the I-95 corridor.
The arrival into DC from the west via I-270 or I-66 can take more time during rush hours. But this route is usually easier than coming from the north on I-95. There are limited direct flights from Pittsburgh to DC and they do not save much time when you include the time spent at the airport.
9. Atlanta, Georgia to Washington DC
Distance: Approximately 640 miles
Drive time off-peak: 9 to 10 hours
Drive time in traffic: 11 to 14 hours
Flight time with airport time: 4 to 5 hours total
Best way to get there: Fly
Atlanta to DC is a long drive of about 640 miles. The trip uses I-85 and I-95 and can take most of the day on the road. Even in normal traffic the drive can take around 10 to 14 hours especially because of traffic on I-95 through Virginia.
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International has frequent flights to all three DC airports. The flights take about 1.5 to 2 hours. Total trip time including the time spent at the airport is about 4 to 5 hours which makes flying a better option than driving.
10. Norfolk and Virginia Beach, Virginia to Washington DC
Distance: Approximately 200 miles
Drive time off-peak: 3 to 3.5 hours
Drive time in traffic: 4 to 5.5 hours
Best way to get there: Drive
The route from Norfolk and Virginia Beach goes through the Hampton Roads area, across the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. Then it continues through the Eastern Shore and Maryland before reaching DC. This route avoids I-95 and is often a more pleasant and relaxed drive.
The alternative is to go via I-64 North, I-295 and then I-95 North to DC. This route is also a good approach for off-peak travel. The distance is similar through both ways.
11. Albany, New York to Washington DC
Distance: Approximately 300 miles
Drive time off-peak: 4.5 to 5.5 hours
Drive time in traffic: 5.5 to 7.5 hours
Train time: 4.5 to 5.5 hours with connection
Best way to get there: Drive or fly
Albany is far from DC and the travel takes most of a day by any method. Driving through New York and New Jersey before connecting to I-95 toward DC is the most direct road route. But traffic in New York and New Jersey adds a risk on this drive.
No direct train runs from Albany to DC. The train option needs a connection in New York City and the total time is almost equal to driving. Flying from Albany International is usually the fastest total option.
12. Providence, Rhode Island to Washington DC
Distance: Approximately 375 miles
Drive time off-peak: 5.5 to 6.5 hours
Drive time in traffic: 7 to 10 hours
Train time: 5 to 6 hours
Best way to get there: Train or fly
Providence is located far from the East Coast and driving involves the full gauntlet of I-95 through Connecticut, New York, New Jersey and Delaware. Traffic risk on this highway is very high especially on weekends.
The Amtrak train from Providence connects through New York and the total journey is much more reliable than driving. Flying is the fastest option at about 1.5 hours in the air.
Complete Drive Time Summary Table: All 12 Cities
| City | Miles | Off-Peak Drive | Rush Hour Drive | Train | Best Option |
| Baltimore, MD | 40 | 45 to 60 min | 1.5 to 2 hrs | 35 to 45 min | Train |
| Philadelphia, PA | 140 | 2.5 to 3 hrs | 3.5 to 5 hrs | 1.5 to 2 hrs | Train |
| New York, NY | 225 | 4 to 5 hrs | 5 to 8 hrs | 2.5 to 3.5 hrs | Train |
| Boston, MA | 440 | 7 to 8 hrs | 9 to 12 hrs | 7 to 8 hrs | Fly |
| Richmond, VA | 110 | 1.75 to 2.5 hrs | 2.5 to 4 hrs | 2 to 2.5 hrs | Drive/Train |
| Charlotte, NC | 395 | 5.5 to 7 hrs | 7 to 9 hrs | N/A direct | Fly |
| Raleigh, NC | 300 | 4.5 to 5.5 hrs | 5.5 to 7.5 hrs | N/A direct | Either |
| Pittsburgh, PA | 245 | 4 to 4.5 hrs | 5 to 6 hrs | No direct | Drive |
| Atlanta, GA | 640 | 9 to 10 hrs | 11 to 14 hrs | N/A direct | Fly |
| Norfolk/VB, VA | 200 | 3 to 3.5 hrs | 4 to 5.5 hrs | N/A direct | Drive |
| Albany, NY | 300 | 4.5 to 5.5 hrs | 5.5 to 7.5 hrs | 4.5 to 5.5 hrs | Fly/Drive |
| Providence, RI | 375 | 5.5 to 6.5 hrs | 7 to 10 hrs | 5 to 6 hrs | Train/Fly |
Arriving in Washington DC with a Professional Transfer
Once you land at Reagan National, Dulles or BWI, you still need to get from the airport to your hotel, meeting or final destination in the city. The Metro works well for most arrivals. But for travelers who want a confirmed, reliable transfer without figuring out train connections after a long journey, professional car service is the most suitable option.
AA Limousine and Sedan provides professional car service from all 12 East Coast areas to Washington, DC. We also provide airport car service to all three major DC-area airports. Our trained chauffeurs plan the best route for your trip and help you avoid unnecessary delays. We offer well-maintained luxury vehicles for groups of all sizes, so you can enjoy a comfortable and stress-free journey, even on long trips.
Contact All American Limousine and Sedan to arrange your arrival transfer before your trip begins.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to get to Washington DC by car from New York?
Off-peak, the drive from New York City to Washington DC takes approximately 4 to 5 hours. During rush hour or on busy weekends, the same drive can take 5 to 8 hours due to heavy traffic on I-95 through New Jersey and Delaware.
What is the fastest way to get to Washington DC from Philadelphia?
The Amtrak train is the fastest option to get to DC from Philadelphia. The Acela or Northeast Regional trains run from Philadelphia 30th Street Station to Washington Union Station in 1.5 to 2 hours.
How do I get to Washington DC without driving?
You can use Amtrak trains which connect DC to most major East Coast cities through Washington Union Station. Several airlines fly into Reagan National, Dulles and BWI. Greyhound and other bus services also connect DC to nearby cities at affordable prices.
What is the cheapest way to get to Washington DC?
For short distances like Baltimore, the MARC train is very affordable at under $10. From New York or Philadelphia, bus lines can cost as little as $15 to $40.
Is it worth driving to Washington DC from New York?
Generally no. The Amtrak Acela gets you there in 2.5 to 3 hours and drops you at Union Station in the center of DC. Driving the same route takes 4 to 8 hours depending on conditions and then you face expensive parking in the city.
What is the best airport to fly into for Washington DC?
Reagan National is the most convenient with a direct Metro connection. Dulles is best for international arrivals and now has Metro access.
