Tours/New York City/Washington DC Day Trip from Manhattan or New Jersey
Viator · group up to 54 pax

Washington DC Day Trip from Manhattan or New Jersey

4.0(4)New York City1 hour
VIATOR4.0(4)

Description

Take a full-day shared excursion from New York City to Washington, DC, and immerse yourself in the rich history and iconic landmarks of the nation’s capital. Depart early in the morning from New York City in a comfortable, shared vehicle like a luxury bus or van. Throughout the trip, a knowledgeable guide will provide interesting commentary about the history and significance of Washington, DC's landmarks. With all the details taken care of, you can relax and enjoy the journey without the hassle of planning or navigating. This day trip combines history, culture, and iconic sights, offering a must-do experience for anyone visiting New York City who wants to explore Washington, DC. Bring your curiosity and get ready for an unforgettable day of discovery!

Tour Options

New Jersey
  • Starting point: 820 31st St, Union City, NJ 07087, USA
New York
  • Starting point: 790 7th Ave, New York, NY 10019, USA

Itinerary

Pass by

New Jersey may be small, but it’s rich in history, culture, and scenic beauty. From stunning beaches and vibrant cities to its famous diners, the Garden State offers a diverse and unique experience for visitors and locals alike.

Pass by

Delaware, known as The First State, may be small, but it boasts rich historical significance, scenic beauty, and a charming coastal appeal. Its blend of colonial heritage, picturesque landscapes, and tax-friendly shopping makes it a unique destination.

Pass by

Maryland, known as The Old Line State, may be small, but it is rich in history, culture, and geographic diversity. From the Chesapeake Bay and bustling cities to its deep colonial roots, Maryland offers a unique blend of heritage and natural beauty.

300 min

Washington, D.C., the capital of the United States, is a city steeped in history, politics, and culture. Home to iconic landmarks, world-class museums, and the heart of the nation’s government, it offers a unique blend of heritage and modern influence.

Admission not included15 min

The United States Capitol in Washington, D.C., is one of the most iconic and historically significant buildings in the country. As the home of the U.S. Congress, it stands as a powerful symbol of American democracy, governance, and history.

Pass by

The Ulysses S. Grant Memorial in Washington, D.C., honors the 18th president of the United States and the Union Army's commanding general during the Civil War.

Pass by

The Peace Monument, also called the Naval Monument, is a historic sculpture in Washington, D.C. It honors naval officers, sailors, and marines who died during the American Civil War.

Pass by

The National Museum of the American Indian in Washington, D.C., preserves, studies, and showcases the history, culture, and art of Indigenous peoples of the Americas.

Pass by

The Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum in Washington, D.C., is one of the world's most popular museums, featuring exhibits on aviation, space exploration, and related sciences.

Pass by

The Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, part of the Smithsonian Institution, is dedicated to modern and contemporary art.

Pass by

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is the U.S. government agency that regulates and oversees civil aviation. It ensures the safety, efficiency, and advancement of the nation's aviation system.

Pass by

The Museum of African Art is a leading institution dedicated to collecting, studying, and exhibiting African art.

Pass by

The Washington Monument is an iconic obelisk honoring George Washington, the first U.S. president. It symbolizes national pride and his lasting legacy.

Pass by

The Jefferson Memorial is a neoclassical monument honoring Thomas Jefferson, the third U.S. president and principal author of the Declaration of Independence.

Pass by

Virginia, known as the Old Dominion and the Mother of Presidents, is rich in history and played a key role in the founding of the United States.

Pass by

The Pentagon is a symbol of U.S. military strength and resilience, representing its historical importance and ongoing role in national security.

30 min

Arlington National Cemetery is a revered burial ground honoring the men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces.

10 min

President John F. Kennedy's gravesite at Arlington National Cemetery is marked by an eternal flame.

15 min

The Lincoln Memorial honors Abraham Lincoln, the 16th U.S. president, symbolizing his leadership, the abolition of slavery, and the preservation of the Union during the Civil War.

10 min

The Reflecting Pool, stretching between the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, offers a serene setting and has been the site of many historic events.

30 min

The National Mall is a vast, iconic park in Washington, D.C., symbolizing American democracy, history, and culture.

10 min

The Korean War Veterans Memorial honors the men and women who served in the Korean War.

Pass by

The World War II Memorial honors the 16 million Americans who served, the 400,000 who lost their lives, and those who supported the war effort from home.

10 min

The Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial honors his commitment to justice, equality, and the dream of a better America.

Pass by

The Albert Einstein Memorial honors one of the greatest scientific minds of the 20th century and his contributions to science and humanity.

Pass by

The Organization of American States (OAS) is a regional intergovernmental organization that promotes democracy, human rights, security, and development across the Americas.

Pass by

The American Red Cross Headquarters serves as the central hub for one of the world’s most recognized humanitarian organizations, providing emergency assistance, disaster relief, and education.

Admission not included15 min

The White House is the official residence and workplace of the U.S. president, serving as a symbol of American leadership, democracy, and history.

Pass by

Ford's Theatre is known as the site where President Abraham Lincoln was assassinated.

Pass by

The J. Edgar Hoover Building serves as the headquarters of the FBI, the United States' primary federal law enforcement and intelligence agency.

Pass by

The Robert F. Kennedy Department of Justice Building serves as the headquarters of the United States Department of Justice.

Pass by

The National Archives houses some of the most important documents in U.S. history, including the Declaration of Independence, U.S. Constitution, and Bill of Rights.

Pass by

The United States Navy Memorial honors the men and women who have served in the Navy, Marine Corps, Coast Guard, and Merchant Marine.

Pass by

The Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies (SAIS) is a renowned graduate institution specializing in global affairs, international economics, diplomacy, and public policy.

Pass by

The E. Barrett Prettyman United States Courthouse plays a central role in the federal judiciary system.

Pass by

The Japanese American Memorial to Patriotism During World War II commemorates the bravery and sacrifices of Japanese Americans during the war.

Pass by

The Columbus Fountain at Columbus Circle commemorates Christopher Columbus’ voyages and symbolizes the connection between Europe and the Americas, honoring exploration and discovery.

60 min

Union Station in Washington, D.C., is more than just a transportation hub—it’s an architectural masterpiece, a shopping destination, and a dining hotspot. With its rich history, stunning design, and variety of amenities, it’s a must-visit whether you're catching a train or exploring the city.

Highlights

5 hour tour of Washington DC
Air-conditioned vehicle
Arlington National Cemetery -Travelers must have a valid passport.US residents must bring a state ID
Professional bilingual licensed guide

What's included

Included
5 hour tour of Washington DC
Air-conditioned vehicle
Arlington National Cemetery -Travelers must have a valid passport.US residents must bring a state ID
Professional bilingual licensed guide
Not included
Gratuities
Food and drinks are not included. Cash is recommended, as the tour allows time for refreshments.
Souvenirs are available for purchase.

Traveller Ratings

4.0
4 reviews
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Important Information

  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
  • Due to traffic, security measures, special events, and operational conditions in Washington, D.C., the itinerary may be altered without prior notice.

Reviews(4)

H
HenryNai_Z
May 22, 2026
Local tour operator cancelled/ Rescheduled the last minute.

On the day before the tour, the local tour operator (not the Viator) texted and rescheduled the tour to next day, which we couldn’t make due to previous commitments. But tour operator didn’t notify Viator, so we had to contact Viator to make sure it’s not a spam/scam since we weren’t notified the actual tour operator.

Operator response

Thank you for your feedback. We sincerely apologize for the inconvenience caused by the last-minute rescheduling. Unfortunately, Washington, D.C. can experience unexpected street closures, security restrictions, demonstrations, and operational disruptions with very little notice, especially because it is the nation’s capital and home to many government events and presidential movements. Rather than providing an experience where travelers would arrive to find major landmarks and areas closed, we made the difficult decision to reschedule the tour to the next available date. We understand this alternative did not work with your travel plans, and we truly regret the frustration caused. For security and booking protection reasons, we always recommend customers confirm any changes directly through the booking platform as well. We appreciate your understanding and thank you for sharing your experience.

B
Brionna_W
April 10, 2026
First time in Washington !

I booked this tour for me and my mom and our experience was absolutely wonderful. We arrived to the 790 7th Ave. stop around 5am and Josh arrived a little before 5:30am to greet us. He was very warm and welcoming and handed us some tour schedules that detailed every stop we would make on the way to and through Washington. We stopped for breakfast around 8:30am and stopped for lunch a little after 2pm. We had a group of about 14 and the bus was temperature controlled and provided a charging port if needed but if you have the latest iPhone device I would suggest carrying a portable charger and snacks! While in Washington Josh narrated each stop and its meaning while also allowing us to stop at certain landmarks to take pictures and explore. He informed us of the time to meet back at the bus and where exactly he would be positioned. He was very knowledgeable of each landmark and addressed any question of concern we had. Overall I give this tour a 10/10. Josh has the perfect personality for this type of tour and it was money well worth spent. Thank you again Josh !!

H
HIREN_S
December 6, 2025
Excellent

Our tour guide, JOSH, he was good 👍 in detail he had said about the tour and places, having a good knowledge of all the stuff. It was great 👍

C
Christy_N
July 27, 2025
A Day in DC

The pickup location was at a gas station. We were worried we weren’t in the right place. But then our prince in form of a black Shuttle Service came around and took us on our adventures. It was wonderful very hot week for this type of tour yet the shuttle bus driver kept the air on while we were on the adventures and when we got back on the bus, it was smooth sailing. It’s worth your time. Our guide was amazing. The tour had plenty of stops for us to gander and take our time.

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