dc to nyc travel options

From Washington, D.C. to New York City: 4 Best Ways to Get There

Written by Lavanya Sunkara and Freddy Sherman Updated May 11, 2023

From the heart of the U.S. government to the cultural capital of America, there are many ways to travel. Getting from Washington D.C. to New York is a breeze, thanks to planes, buses, and trains. The easiest mode still remains flying, but if you are looking for a more leisurely or affordable way to travel between these two big Eastern cities, there are many ways to do so.

Catch an early morning flight to reach NYC in time for lunch, followed by sightseeing and dinner and a Broadway show in the evening. Travel through states like Maryland, Delaware, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey by way of train, bus, or car for a weekend in New York City . Allocate at least a few days if you are visiting for the first time to explore its world-class museums and cultural attractions, catch sports games and concerts, and dine at fine restaurants.

Start planning your trip to New York City from Washington D.C. with our list of the four best transportation options, along with things to keep in mind with each choice. The ideal way will ultimately depend on your comfort level, budget, and personal preferences, but keep your itinerary in mind when picking the right mode of transportation.

On This Page:

• From Washington, D.C. to New York by Train
• From Washington, D.C. to New York by Car
• From Washington, D.C. to New York by Bus
• From Washington, D.C. to New York by Plane

1. From Washington, D.C. to New York by Train

Highlights: Enjoy fast, comfortable travel to the city center, reliable off-season choice

Whether you are traveling for business or pleasure, train travel is a reliable and easy way to go from Washington D.C. to New York City, especially during the winter months, when other means experience extensive delays. Travel aboard the Amtrak Acela express train from Union Station to reach the Moynihan Train Hall at NYC's Penn Station in just over three hours , comparable to the time it may take you to get to and from the airport, go through security, and fly. The trains leave as early as 5am, reaching NYC around 8am.

More importantly, the train connects you to the centers of both cities; arriving at Manhattan's Penn Station makes it easier to get on with your day of sightseeing right away with help from connecting trains. Some of New York City's attractions , like Times Square and Broadway, are within walking distance of Penn Station; Central Park, the Museum of Natural History, and the Met are accessible via the subway.

While the Acela offers nonstop service with Business and First classes, the Northeast Regional train is a bit cheaper and only adds 30 minutes to the overall commute. Both trains have quiet cars and cafés and provide free basic Wi-Fi, so you can stay connected.

2. From Washington, D.C. to New York by Car

Highlights: Provides many sightseeing opportunities, good choice if traveling with pets

When you have the time and desire to drive, the ride from Washington D.C. to New York City can be done in four to six hours , depending on traffic and road conditions due to weather. Driving is advisable if you are traveling with family or friends, or if you are bringing pets (Amtrak only allows small companion animals). Driving also gives you an opportunity to stop wherever, for a meal or to add a bit of sightseeing. Highlights along the way include Philadelphia's historic sites and attractions , Baltimore's National Aquarium, and the Jersey shore beaches .

The best route to take is I-95 North through Maryland, Delaware, and Pennsylvania, connecting to the New Jersey Turnpike and entering the city via the George Washington bridge, Lincoln Tunnel (for Midtown), or Holland Tunnel (for Downtown).

Keep in mind that there are several tolls along the way; an E-ZPass makes passage through toll plazas quicker. E-ZPass is a cashless toll device used by 19 northeast U.S. states. If you are renting a car and already have an E-ZPass, bring it with you to use, otherwise rental companies charge a daily fee to use their own transponders, or bill you later with an administrative fee.

In New York State, you can use tollsbymailny.com to pay your bridge, tunnel and road tolls online via credit card within 48 hours of the transaction (even without an E-ZPass). International travelers should make sure to pay online before leaving the U.S., as the site does not accept international payments.

If you want to rent a car to drive from Washington to New York City, companies like National , Hertz , and Avis are all good options. At Reagan Airport (DCA), the rental car companies are on-site, located on the ground floor of Terminal Garage A. At Dulles Airport (IAD), you will need to take a free shuttle bus from the terminal to the rental car center a few minutes away.

If you're not flying in, consider picking up your rental car at a non-airport location as it can be cheaper. Large rental car companies like Enterprise , Alamo , and Budget have numerous locations in and around Washington.

3. From Washington, D.C. to New York by Bus

Highlights: Cheap and stress-free, some green or carbon-neutral travel options are available

Avoid the hassle of driving and save money otherwise spent on gas and tolls by opting for a bus ride, which takes approximately five to six hours . Catch a Greyhound bus from Washington's Union Station to Port Authority Bus Terminal in New York City.

Buses from other companies like Megabus and Peter Pan also leave from Union Station and offer curbside drop offs in Midtown, while the Chinatown Bus has a few departure points in D.C. and leaves you in Chinatown. Most bus companies offer free Wi-Fi onboard, power outlets, reserved seating, and onboard entertainment.

FlixBus has about 15 buses running between Washington and Manhattan throughout the day. Their departure point is New York Ave. and 6th Street NW, and they drop off in Midtown right next to Penn Station. They also have a few buses each day that drop off in Chinatown.

The FlixBus routes are direct and take between four and five hours. FlixBus is also a green way to travel between DC and NYC, with buses that emit less CO2 per mile than passenger cars. You can even travel carbon-neutral by buying compensation credits used to offset the emissions of your personal journey.

Bus lines have buses leaving regularly daily, with Greyhound leading the charge with double the number of buses. If you are looking to travel in more comfort, opt for the Washington Deluxe bus, which has fewer passengers, larger seats, extra legroom, and provides complimentary Wi-Fi, a bottle of water, and movies on your mobile device. The Washington Deluxe bus picks up at Dupont Circle, DC Union Station and Pentagon City. In NYC, it stops near Penn Station and Times Square (36th between 7th and 8th), in Chinatown (Allen Street between Grand and Broome), and in Brooklyn. They even offer a LUX service on a smaller bus a few times a day, with individual captain's chairs and a more Business Class-like experience.

4. From Washington, D.C. to New York by Plane

Highlights: Frequent direct flights with many airline choices

A convenient way to travel between Washington D.C. and New York is by plane. Major airlines like Delta , JetBlue , and American Airlines have non-stop shuttle service daily. Although the actual flying time is around an hour , time getting to and from the airport and clearing security could easily add two to three hours to your commute.

The airport closest to Downtown D.C. is Reagan National (DCA), which is accessible by a short cab or Uber ride or Metro . However, a shuttle to Dulles International (IAD) or Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI) can also get you to NYC airports with more flight options. Flights depart as early as 6am. Passengers can fly to any of the NYC area airports, John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK), LaGuardia (LGA), or Newark International Airport (EWR), all of which have connections to public transit.

Take the AirTrain to connect to Long Island Rail Road (LIRR) or the MTA subway from JFK to reach various points in the city; the M60 bus from any terminals at LaGuardia brings you to 125th street in Manhattan, where you can connect to local trains with the free transfer; the AirTrain New Jersey Transit trains from the Newark airport will get you into Penn Station in the heart of New York City. NYC Airporter or Go Airlink NYC (the official airport shuttle partner) also offer shuttle buses and vans you can use to transfer from any of the area airports to major transportation hubs in the city.

Rideshare apps like Uber and Lyft are also options to get from the airports into Manhattan, as are regular taxi cabs. Visitors should be aware that cabs have rates set by the government for the trip from the airport to the city, most are around $60. This is per car not per person but does not include a gratuity or bridge/tunnel tolls, which are the responsibility of the rider.

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The Ultimate DC to NYC Commute: Fastest, Cheapest, Most Convenient

As a New York City based pilot living in the Washington DC metro, I’m one of tens of thousands facing the same predicament: how can I commute from Washington DC to New York City (NYC) as efficiently as possible?

The answer might surprise you.

Commuting to NYC: it’s a tough one

Whether it’s for business meetings, conventions, special events, fun, or work, a smooth commute is absolutely crucial. Trust me, I can’t be late for my assigned flights out of New York City’s 3 airports.

After years of commuting from Washington DC to New York City, I have a pretty good handle on the pros and cons of buses, trains, ubers, driving, and flying (by plane and helicopter!) So far, I’ve only missed one commute.

If you’re new to the commute to NYC or have been facing endless frustrations, you’re not alone. I’ve spent many long nights figuring out my commute plans – especially during Covid-19 when bus routes, trains, and flights were basically nonexistent.

Here’s how you can figure out your ultimate commute from Washington DC to New York City.

Related: Ask a Pilot: Which NYC Airport is Best, LGA, JFK, or EWR? , including commute comparisons to downtown Manhattan.

Is it best to fly, drive, or take a bus or train from DC to New York City?

The answer is: yes!

But seriously, it depends. You have to decide what mix of cost, speed, and convenience you prefer when commuting from DC to NYC.

Weather impacts each mode of transport from DC to NYC, some more that others. No option is totally reliable, but some are better than others.

But there is a new contender to consider: floatplanes!

Fastest: Flying from DCA to LGA

Usually, flying to NYC is the quickest. Though flights are typically scheduled for an hour and 25 minutes, they take less than an hour about 80% of the time.

Most planes flying these routes are 2×2, meaning you won’t have a middle seat.

One issue to consider, however, is weather delays; New York airspace is easily overwhelmed by bad weather. Still, there are rarely delays of more than an hour.

If flights are delayed due to weather, chances are trains, buses, and car traffic are all affected too.

Pro Tip: In any case, you can standby for an earlier flight and if lucky, arrive on time or even early! Just ask a gate agent.

Benefits of flying to NYC:

• Boarding up to 5 minutes before departure
• Quickest transit time (typically under one hour)
• Complimentary beverages, including coffee, beer, and wine
• Free Wi-Fi above 10,000 feet

Downsides of flying to NYC:

• Flight availability (15-20 flights per day, not hourly anymore – especially weekends)
• Weather delays

If this is your typical commute, I highly recommend applying for CLEAR 1 . TSA PreCheck is pretty crowded these days – but in all my years as a pilot I’ve never seen a line for CLEAR.

A new, fast and convenient flying option from DC to NYC: Floatplanes!

If you’re familiar with the history of Wall Street, you’ll know that floatplanes are nothing new.

In the history of New York City, there have been floatplanes to/fro cities across the Eastern Seaboard, from Philly to Boston to DC and more.

Tailwind Air , known for their convenient direct seaplane service from New York City (Manhattan E 23rd St) to Boston (Fan Pier Marina), is now offering that same service to Washington-Dulles.

Flights depart once or twice per weekday, and costs tend to rival typical Amtrak prices. Duration of flight is 90 minutes filled with more intimate views of the gorgeous Mid-Atlantic.

Benefits of taking a floatplane from DC to NYC:

• Direct drop off at E 23rd St in Manhattan
• Super convenient for those working outside of DC in Northern Virginia
• Only show up 10 minutes before departure

Downsides of taking a floatplane from DC to NYC:

• Only one or two flights per day
• Prices are higher than for normal flights
• No service from December to March
• Flights take 90 minutes

Most Convenient: Driving from DC to NYC

As much as I hate to admit it, I often find myself driving to and from work.

Sometimes, the schedules just don’t line up. Other times, it’s just quicker door-to-door or more convenient.

The biggest downsides to driving from DC to NYC are fuel, toll, and parking costs. Parking is extremely expensive in New York and so are the tolls to get there. In gas and tolls alone, you’ll end up paying about $55 each way . THEN, you still have to pay insane parking fees in New York.

This can easily drive costs higher than the other ways of getting to New York, even flying. Pun intended.

Benefits of driving from DC to NYC:

• Most convenient, no public transportation necessary
• Sometimes quickest door-to-door
• You can’t miss your car even if you’re running late

Downsides of driving to NYC:

• Tolls, gas, maintenance, insurance, parking costs
• Often unpredictable and slow traffic
• Stress of driving, possibility of breakdowns, and potholes (I’ve had 3 flats driving to/from NYC)

A good compromise: Acela or Amtrak Trains from Union Station (WAS) to Penn Station (NYC)

Though it might be obvious, trains are usually the second fastest way to get from DC to NYC, after flying. Plus, Amtrak schedules allow for earlier and later departures and arrivals compared to flying.

Depending on where you are commuting from in DC, it may be harder getting to Union Station than Reagan National (DCA) airport. On the New York side, Penn Station will remain more convenient than LaGuardia (LGA) at least until the NYC Metrorail extends to LGA in 2022.

Fares start reasonably (around $39 for non-refundable tickets) but skyrocket during peak times or when booked last-minute.

Benefits of the Acela and Amtrak DC-NYC lines:

• Stations are more convenient to each city, possibly saving you on ridehsare/taxi costs
• Duration of 3h20m, 3x slower than flying but slightly quicker than driving

Downsides of the Acela and Amtrak DC-NYC lines: :

• Trains are known to break down enroute or face track delays
• The ride can be noisy, wobbly, and uncomfortable

Cheapest, Slowest: Taking a bus to New York

I often regard buses to New York as the clunkiest way to get there from DC. However, they are by far the most affordable.

Buses are pretty convenient because they drop you off downtown, but they’re not great for anyone who has motion sickness. They typically offer WiFi but it’s almost always too slow to even use.

The boarding process is often a mess and can even be unnerving, and the buses are often late – probably due to traffic. I would consider taking a bus the least reliable method of transportation to New York City.

Benefits of taking a bus to NYC from DC:

• By far the cheapest (usually)
• Typically goes from downtown DC to downtown Manhattan

Downsides of taking a bus to NYC from DC :

• Can be a pretty rough ride
• Schedules are not great, often tardy
• Service fees are added to reservations

Make sure to check out other articles from the Travel Like a Pilot section!

I am an affiliate with CLEAR and as such may receive compensation if you sign up. This is what keeps this website alive so I can continue to pass along my travel expertise!

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How to Travel From New York City to Washington, DC by Train, Bus, Car, and Plane

New York City was the original capital of the burgeoning United States of America before it was moved 225 miles south to Washington, D.C. For a comprehensive tour of U.S. history, seeing both of these major cities is practically obligatory. While they are close enough that you could technically make a quick day trip just to say you've been there, Washington has so much to see that it's worth a few days on its own.

Even though the cities are geographically not that far, you can take a quick flight from NYC to D.C., although you'll likely end up spending more time getting to and from the airport than on the plane. For a truly quick ride, taking the train is the fastest option for getting from city center to city center. It can get expensive, however, and buses tend to be the cheapest way to travel. If you have a car, the drive is direct but often backed up with traffic, and parking in either city is usually more trouble than it's worth.

What Is the Cheapest Way to Get From New York to Washington, DC?

Although it might take a little bit longer, bus service from New York City to the nation's capital is the reliably cheap option. The journey takes around four and a half hours so it's quite a bit slower than other methods of travel, but with seats starting for as low as $1 on Megabus , the prices are unbeatable. You'll need to book at least a few weeks in advance to get deals like $1 tickets, but the bus is also the cheapest option for saving money on last-minute plans. Train tickets and flights can both get prohibitively expensive if you don't reserve them early, but even same-day bus tickets should only cost about $30—assuming they're still available.

Greyhound and Bolt Bus are two other popular options for bus transport around the Northeast. Only Greyhound departs from within Port Authority Bus Terminal  while other bus services depart curbside at different venues across the city.

What Is the Fastest Way to Get From New York to Washington, DC?

Traveling to Washington, D.C., from New York City by train is a quick, low-stress option that often offers comfortable seating with in-seat power outlets. Additionally, trains travel directly from Penn Station in central Manhattan to Union Station in Washington, D.C., allowing visitors quick access to both city's central areas of tourism.

Times vary by the number of stops by each service, with Acela service taking less than three hours and other trains taking about three-and-a-half hours. You can purchase tickets in advance on Amtrak's website or in person at Penn Station. If you plan to travel by train, booking your seats as early as possible is the best way to get the cheapest seats. This popular route sells out quickly and prices rapidly go up.

How Long Does It Take to Drive?

You can certainly rent a car to drive from New York City to Washington, D.C., as the route is fairly direct along I-95 and takes just under four hours if you don't hit traffic. You'll want to avoid rush hour times on this busy commuter route or you could easily add an extra hour or two to the total journey, which is generally from about 8–10 a.m. and 4–7 p.m. on weekdays.

Unless you're traveling with a group and want to make stops along the way, going by car doesn't make sense for most visitors. Having a car in either city isn't necessary and is usually more trouble since parking is complicated and expensive. In addition to paying for parking, gas, and a rental car, there are also several tolls to be paid on the journey from New York to D.C.—adding up to $37 for a one-way trip depending on which route you take.

You can rent cars in Manhattan, though the rates at the airports outside of the city tend to be cheaper. Newark Airport is a great place to rent a car so that you can avoid the expensive tolls getting out of New York City and start the journey away from Manhattan traffic.

How Long Is the Flight?

Flying to Washington, D.C., is the fastest way to travel when only taking into consideration time actually spent in the air, which is about an hour and 15 minutes. But once you factor in all of the time checking in at the airport, clearing security, waiting at your boarding gate, and actually getting to and from the airport, it actually takes much longer, and a train from Penn Station to Union Station will get you from one city center to the other much faster.

If you choose to fly to cut down on time, make sure to choose the airports that are most convenient for you. Each city has three major airports, so choosing one that is farther away could drastically cut out any time you save by flying. Ronald Regan National Airport is the closest one to the D.C. city center, but many flights land at either Dulles Airport or Baltimore Airport, which are significantly farther.

The two cities are close enough that flying usually doesn't make much sense, although this commuter route is so popular that you may find flights that are cheaper than train tickets (although never as cheap as bus tickets).

When Is the Best Time to Travel to Washington, DC?

The best time to visit Washington, D.C. , depends on what you're looking for. Patriotic holiday weekends like Memorial Day or Fourth of July are especially festive times to visit the nation's capital, although be prepared for extra big crowds. The Cherry Blossom Festival in March and April adds some vibrant pops of color to the city and it's one of the best springtime celebrations in the country, but this is also peak tourism season.

If you're looking for a balance of good weather with minimum crowds, then head to D.C. in the fall. By September, the oppressive mugginess of summer has finally died down and so have the summer crowds, allowing visitors to enjoy the best of Washington's monuments and the gorgeous fall foliage .

Can I Use Public Transportation to Travel From the Airport?

Of the three Washington, D.C-area airports , Ronald Regan National Airport is by far the most convenient and best connected to the city center. The Washington metro system connects directly to the airport, costing just a couple of dollars and bringing passengers to the National Mall in just 15 minutes. If you want to take a taxi, the airport is just across the river and a short ride away.

Dulles Airport is the main international airport but also the worst connected to Washington, D.C. Travelers have to take an airport bus to a suburban metro station and then travel into the city from there, for a total journey of about 75 minutes. Baltimore Airport in Maryland is the farthest away, but it's actually better connected than Dulles. The MARC regional train stops at the airport and connects directly to Union Station, taking about 35 minutes.

What Is There to Do in Washington, DC?

The U.S. capital is home to some of the country's most iconic landmarks, museums, and monuments, and the vast majority of them are completely free to enjoy . Start at the National Mall , an expansive lawn that stretches from the Lincoln Memorial to the Capitol Building and is known as "America's Backyard." Apart from landmarks like the Washington Monument, White House, and Vietnam Veterans Memorial, many of the Smithsonian Museum buildings are located on the Mall and all of them are free to enter. But there's a lot more to Washington, D.C., than just history. The Georgetown neighborhood is known for its rich foodie and bar scene, with top restaurants and lively spots for going out.

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How to get to New York City

Whether you're coming for a weekend getaway, a business trip, or a more extended vacation, there are several options for getting to New York City, including by plane, train, bus, boat, and car. Read on to learn more about the best ways to get to the Big Apple—from anywhere in the world.

New York City is one of the most visited cities in the world, and for a good reason. The city boasts a rich cultural heritage, world-famous landmarks, and diverse culinary delights. With so much to see and do, it's no wonder New York City is on the bucket list of many travelers. However, getting there can be overwhelming—especially for first-time visitors. But luckily, with three major airports and a multitude of transit hubs, it’s easy to get to New York from virtually anywhere in the world. Whether traveling on a tight budget or looking for a luxurious experience, we've got you covered.

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Arrival by plane.

New York City is a global hub for air travel, and it’s no surprise that the city has three primary airports that cater to millions of passengers every year: John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) and LaGuardia Airport (LGA) in Queens, and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) in New Jersey. All three airports are well-connected to the city via public transportation, taxis, and ride-hailing services.

John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) is the largest airport in New York City. It serves as the primary international gateway to the city, serving more than 70 airlines that fly to nearly 200 destinations worldwide. The airport has five active terminals, each with various restaurants, shops, and services for passengers, as well as several lounges, including those catering to specific airlines and independent lounges, like the American Express Centurion Lounge.

LaGuardia Airport (LGA) is in Queens, just a few miles from Midtown Manhattan. LaGuardia is primarily a domestic airport and serves several carriers, including Delta, American, and United Airlines. The airport is undergoing a massive renovation, including new terminals, parking garages, and improved transportation options, making for a more modern and efficient travel experience for passengers.

Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR) is located in Newark, New Jersey, about 16 miles from Manhattan. The airport serves several domestic and international airlines, including United Airlines, which has a hub at the airport. Newark has three terminals, serving more than 30 airlines.

When choosing an airline to fly to New York City, passengers have several options. Some major airlines operating in New York City include Delta, United, American, JetBlue, Southwest Airlines, and international carriers like Lufthansa, Emirates, and Qatar. The price of airfare to New York City can vary depending on several factors, such as the time of year, the airline, the route, and how far in advance the ticket is purchased. Generally, booking tickets in advance and being flexible with travel dates can help save money. It’s also a good idea to compare prices across different airlines and booking websites to find the best deal.

Arrival by Train

If you’re looking for an alternative to flying, taking the train to New York City can be a comfortable and convenient option. The city has several major train stations, including Moynihan Train Hall (part of Penn Station) and Grand Central Terminal in Midtown Manhattan.

Amtrak is a national train service connecting New York City to several cities nationwide, including Boston, Washington, DC, and Philadelphia. Amtrak offers several train services, including the Acela Express , a high-speed train between Boston and DC, and the Northeast Regional, which provides service to several cities along the Northeast Corridor. Amtrak also offers long-distance train service, which connects New York City to other parts of the country, such as Chicago, New Orleans, and San Francisco.

Metro-North Railroad is a commuter train service that connects New York City to the suburbs of Westchester, Putnam, and Dutchess counties. The service has two main lines—the Harlem Line and the Hudson Line—from Grand Central Terminal. The service also offers several branches, including the New Haven Line, which operates from Grand Central Terminal and serves several cities in Connecticut.

The cost of train tickets varies depending on your chosen service and the distance you travel. A one-way ticket from DC to New York City on Amtrak costs around $35, while a one-way ticket from Grand Central Terminal to Poughkeepsie on Metro-North costs about $20. Amtrak also offers several discount options, including student discounts, senior discounts, and military discounts, which can help save money.

Arrival by Bus

Taking the bus to New York City can be budget-friendly and convenient. Several bus companies offer services to the city, including Greyhound , Megabus , and FlixBus . The main bus terminal in New York City is the Port Authority Bus Terminal, located in Midtown Manhattan. The terminal is easily accessible from different parts of the city via public transportation, taxis, and ride-hailing services.

To save money (and hassle) on your trip to NYC, consider the time of day or year you’re traveling. Booking a flight during off-peak hours can often result in lower prices and shorter wait times, and if you're taking a train or bus, traveling during non-peak times can also help you avoid crowds and potential delays.

Greyhound is the best-known national bus service that offers services to several cities in the United States, including New York. Greyhound operates from the Port Authority Bus Terminal, providing reclining seats, free Wi-Fi, and power outlets. Megabus and FlixBus are similar low-cost bus services that operate in several cities across the United States and Canada. Both offer several amenities, including Wi-Fi, power outlets, and reserved seating.

Bus ticket costs vary depending on your chosen company and the distance you travel. A one-way ticket from Boston to New York City on Greyhound costs around $30, while a one-way ticket from Washington, D.C., to New York City on Megabus costs around $25.

Arrival by Car

If you’re planning a road trip to New York City, several main roads, including the New York State Thruway, the Garden State Parkway, and the New Jersey Turnpike, lead to the city. However, driving in the city can be challenging due to heavy traffic, limited parking options, and high tolls on certain roads and bridges.

If you’re driving from the north, you can take the New York State Thruway (Interstate 87) and connect to the Major Deegan Expressway, which leads to the George Washington Bridge, or the Harlem River Drive to Midtown Manhattan. If you’re driving from the south, you can take the New Jersey Turnpike (Interstate 95) and connect to the Lincoln Tunnel, which leads to Midtown Manhattan. If you’re driving from the west, you can take the Garden State Parkway and connect to the Holland Tunnel, which leads to Lower Manhattan.

When driving in the city, being aware of traffic conditions and parking regulations is essential. Traffic can be heavy during rush hour and on weekends, and parking can be limited and expensive in certain parts of the city. It’s a good idea to plan your route ahead of time and research parking options, including garages and street parking.

The cost of tolls varies depending on your route, but it’s a good idea to research toll prices ahead of time and bring cash or an E-ZPass to avoid surprises. Some major toll roads and bridges in the city include the George Washington Bridge, the Lincoln Tunnel, and the Holland Tunnel.

Arrival by Boat

If you’re traveling from abroad or elsewhere in the US, boating to New York City can be an exciting option.

The city has several ports, including the Manhattan Cruise Terminal, Brooklyn Cruise Terminal, and Cape Liberty Cruise Port, which are served by several cruise lines, including Royal Caribbean , Norwegian Cruise Line , and Carnival Cruise Line . The cost of taking a cruise to New York City varies depending on the duration of the trip, the cruise line, and the type of cabin you choose.

Passport and Visa Policies

If you’re traveling from outside the United States, check the passport and visa requirements before planning your trip. Most visitors to the United States need a valid passport and a visa or an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) to enter the country. The type of visa you need depends on your nationality, the purpose of your trip, and the length of your stay. Check the U.S. Department of State’s website for the most up-to-date information on passport and visa policies. Lastly don’t forget to check for travel restrictions .

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La Grande Boucherie Makes a Jaw-Dropping Entrance Into D.C.

The sophisticated brasserie out of NY debuts for dinner service on Thursday, April 18

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If its opulent pre-opening party is any indication, La Grand Boucherie just may be the hottest new restaurant downtown has seen in years. Over the course of a glitzy Wednesday evening, complete with a red carpet, jazz band, and absinthe towers dispensed at its two pewter bars, a symphony of servers floated around the white tablecloth dining room and wraparound mezzanine to drop off some $80,000 of plated French fare. Hundreds of attendees dressed to the nines sauntered up the marbled staircase to step back in time and get a first sit-down taste of the stunning revival of the historic Federal-American National Bank Building that’s sat vacant for decades ( 699 14th Street NW ).

The D.C. location, opening for dinner to start on Thursday, April 18, is the sixth member of NY-based Group Hospitality’s Boucherie family. The 4-year-old Midtown flagship that takes up a city block (and got a lunchtime cameo in the Sex and the City reboot) is joined by subsequent outposts in Union Square and the West Village. The well-oiled La Grande Boucherie machine, which recently arrived in Chicago, will expand to Miami this summer.

Upon entering its newest 500-seat showpiece, situated one block from the White House, it’s hard not to instantly look up to gawk at the extravagant chandelier suspended from an equally gilded ceiling — all while thinking about busy bankers doing the same a century ago. The most recent occupant was Hans Shoes, which closed in the mid-1990s.

Originally designed by Art Nouveau-era French architect Jules Gabriel Henri de Sibour, the multi-million dollar reincarnation as a restaurant strives to encapsulate circa-1920 Paris. Timely soirees surrounding the 2024 Paris summer Olympics are, of course, in the works. The Group Hospitality’s founder Emil Stefkov worked with Legeard Studio to put together the look.

Along with brasserie building blocks like French onion soup, escargots, steak and tuna tartare, mussels, caviar service, and a dedicated raw bar, Boucherie — which means “butchery” — naturally carves out room for lots of meats on the menu . Think: filet mignon au poivre, grass-feed ribeye, and chateaubriand steak for two, plus an in-house program full of dry-aged and wagyu options. The surf side of the equation plans to add seasonal seafood like Maryland blue crab and fish from the Chesapeake Bay.

Corporate executive chef Maxime Kien celebrates spring out of the gate with bowls of creamy gazpacho and local heirloom tomatoes dotted with green fava beans, the latter of which gets punched up with a wine vinegar aged in oak barrels. Kien, who’s from the Côte d’Azur region of Southern France, loops in lots of native ingredients like an olive oil-based basil sauce (pistou) that gets slathered around fettuccini and shrimp. A bustling kitchen on full display behind window panes joins a commissary one below.

Mahogany wood and glass partitions provide intimate dining nooks across the 14,000-square-foot space. Along with that newly restored central chandelier, illumination comes in the form of colorful Tiffany glass fixtures, back-lit Belle Epoque images overseeing brown leather booths, glowing orb sconces, and flickering votive candles at every table setting. Walls covered in hundreds of vintage French prints offer customers a crash course in the language and culture. A powder room leads the way to a pretty lavatory area, where wooden doors are accented in hand-painted gold.

“We’re bringing the building back to life and giving a great ambiance that transports you somewhere else,” says general manager Mehdi Limami, a 20-year local hospitality vet who came from the Hay-Adams hotel. “Add good food and cocktails into the mix, you will have a beautiful evening.”

A curved bar on each level, topped with a big backsplash of distressed mirrored tiles, was imported from Paris. Cocktails like lavender-infused martinis and Old Fashioneds join a wine list that includes lesser-known grapes like tannat, mondeuse, and picpoul.

Boucherie’s best-selling pink coupe comprised of Absolut, Lillet Blanc, lychee, cranberry, and bubbles is topped with tiny floating roses to match the floral arrangements shooting out of huge vases atop the bar. D.C. mixologist and winner of Netflix’s Drink Masters LP O’Brien contributed a trio of cocktails to the menu.

Boucherie doubles as a greenhouse of sorts, with billowing majestic palms and plants of all kinds benefiting from generous sunlight streaming through windows framing the two-story perimeter.

Incoming lunch starting at 11 a.m. runs right into dinner to accommodate late-afternoon meals. Opening service runs from 4 p.m. to midnight, and weekend brunch kicks off at 11 a.m.

The Group Hospitality will import two more NYC brands to the same limestone building this year: Italian trattoria Olio e Più and its Japanese Omakase Room, plus an underground speakeasy where the vault once stood.

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Foxtrot, Dom’s Kitchen & Market Closing All Locations

The move comes five months after the company merged to form Outfox Hospitality

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Five months after Foxtrot and Dom’s Kitchen & Market merged, the new company appears headed to bankruptcy and all its stores in Illinois, Texas, and the D.C. area are closing on Tuesday, April 23.

Corporate workers were informed Tuesday morning via a conference call with management that the stores would be closing by noon. Store workers were left in the dark and instructed not to talk to customers about the matter. Their emotions ranged from frustration to fear about losing their jobs. Dom’s locations in Lincoln Park and Old Town closed Tuesday morning, with one account claiming staff had to kick out Lincoln Park shoppers to close the store.

Outfox Hospitality — the combined venture of the two Chicago-based entities — is filing for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, according to Substack newsletter Snaxshot . A meeting was called for Tuesday evening, as confirmed by Eater, to discuss the company’s future with workers. Outfox has yet to return an official request for comment, though employees are scrambling after Snaxshot’s Monday afternoon scoop. No filings have shown up in court records, as of Tuesday morning. About 1,000 staffers work at Outfox across several states, with about 100 full-time workers in Chicago. No notices were made on Illinois ’ or Texas’ WARN report pages, which track notices of mass firings. In Illinois, that covers companies with 75 full-time workers; they’re legally mandated to submit layoff notices with a 60-day warning. WARN still applies if a company files for bankruptcy.

The company posted an announcement around 11:30 a.m. Central Time. Here’s a portion of the statement. There was no mention of bankruptcy:

This decision has not been made lightly, and we understand the impact it will have on you, our loyal customers, as well as our dedicated team members. We want to express our sincerest gratitude for your support and patronage throughout the years. It has been our highest honor to elevate the everyday and create a remarkable shopping experience for people who love food as much as we do. It has been a privilege serving you and being a part of your everyday lives.

Snaxshot reports that last week Dom’s didn’t make its routine purchase orders; the grocer has two Chicago-area locations in Lincoln Park (near the border of Lakeview) and Old Town. On a Monday visit to the Old Town location, the produce section was picked over, with several staples missing. Some items, like cucumbers, were already rotting. Several key members of Outfox C-Suite began jumping ship last week, Snaxshot reports.

In February, the company hired a new CEO, Rob Twyman, a 27-year vet of Whole Foods. Foxtrot debuted in 2016 in Chicago as a delivery-only app, capitalizing on liquor delivery. Sales boomed during the pandemic, with bars closed due to COVID precautions. But as the company matured, it grew into a modern alternative to corner stores, partnering with esteemed restaurant brands like Pretty Cool Ice Cream and pasta restaurant Tortello . It provided another place for restaurant owners to sell their goods and build their brand while giving Foxtrot an edge over traditional corner stores.

While growing its footprint, it began raising millions. In 2023 alone , the company raised $18.6 million in debt financing while expanding to 33 locations primarily in four markets: Chicago, Austin, Texas, Dallas, and the Washington, D.C. area. The company invested in stores in prime locations including Fulton Market and Wicker Park’s Four Corners and tapped Karen Herold — a restaurant designer who’s worked on trendy venues like GT Fish & Oyster , Maple & Ash , and the Guinness Open Gate Brewery — to create Foxtrots. There are 15 Foxtrots in Chicago in locations including Wilis Tower and the former Tribune Tower. Aside from the Willis, all are on the North Side . In January 2023, they brought in Chicago Bulls star Zach LaVine to hype up a candy collaboration . Foxtrot reps visited Chicago earlier this year and said the brand was interested in New York expansion.

Dom’s has historic Chicago grocery store connections. Bob Mariano was the chain’s co-founder and co-chair. Mariano was a friend of Dominick DiMatteo, of Dominick’s Finer Food fame. He worked through the ranks and eventually became CEO, but left after Safeway bought the chain. He would start a new brand, Mariano’s, which debuted in 2010 ( pending federal approval , Mariano’s is set to combine with Chicago’s iconic Jewel-Osco).

After Kroger took over Mariano’s, Bob Mariano left the company in 2016 and would eventually co-found Dom’s. Dom’s was supposed to open a location in summer in River North , plus a location in Fulton Market . Another location was headed to suburban Vernon Hills .

Dom’s, a store that toed between a basic grocery and a gourmet vendor, debuted in 2021 at the southwest corner of Diversey and Halsted in Lincoln Park. A second location opened in November 2022 in Old Town , and a ribbon cutting was attended by former Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot, who listened as the company talked about expanding throughout Chicago; Dom’s goal was to open 15 stores in Chicago by 2025.

Lightfoot lauded Dom’s food court, which had an agreement with Bonci pizza, a famous Italian pizzeria endorsed by Anthony Bourdain, to sell pies. In Lightfoot’s eyes, stores like Dom’s were key to providing affordable prepared food options as inflation made restaurants costly for many people.

The Old Town location was controversial. Dom’s arrival pushed out Plum Market , a Michigan-based retailer that had found a comfortable home along Wells Street for nine years. Plum’s ownership was angry about the deal, saying it was done in secret, and didn’t allow them to negotiate. Apparently, according to Snaxshot, the Lincoln Park location was making money while Old Town struggled. Neither Bonci nor Pretty Cool Ice Cream’s owners knew about the shutdown when reached by phone on Tuesday morning.

In the last two weeks, workers were worried about the future of Outfox, which was a stark contrast to the image that ownership wanted to project. The company had shown ambition early in the year when it switched coffee roasters, bringing in La Colombe — Foxtrot’s coffee bar was considered competition with neighborhood coffee shops. They planned a pop-up dinner to drum up interest for a new snack. They saw potential in their private label chips and other snacks, including its Chicago-Style Hot Dog Chips . But in the last two weeks, workers sensed trouble for the once-promising company.

The story is developing and will be updated if more information becomes available.

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