> Driving from NYC to Washington, DC: ~4.5 hours, ~225 miles. The capital's monuments and museums, an easy drive south. Compare car rental deals with free cancellation.

Road trip from NYC

# NYC to Washington, DC

The capital's monuments and museums, an easy drive south.

~4.5 hours · ~225 miles from New York City

NYC to Washington, DC is about 4.5 hours down I-95 through New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. A rental gives you the freedom to stop in Philadelphia or Baltimore on the way, though DC itself is very walkable and transit-friendly once you arrive.

## Trip highlights

- National Mall, Smithsonian museums and monuments
- Stop in Philadelphia or Baltimore en route
- Popular one-way route from NYC
- Comfortable full-size car for the I-95 miles

## Driving tips

### Use the Metro in DC

DC's Metro is excellent and parking downtown is limited. Park at your hotel and ride transit to the monuments and museums.

## NYC to Washington, DC FAQs

### How long does it take to drive from NYC to Washington DC?

About 4.5 hours and 225 miles via I-95, traffic permitting. The New Jersey Turnpike and I-95 corridor can be slow at peak times, so aim for off-peak departures.

## Renting a car for the trip

Compare deals for your dates in the search below. For longer hauls, consider an [SUV](https://www.newyorkautorental.com/cars/suv) or [full-size car](https://www.newyorkautorental.com/cars/full-size), and if you're flying back rather than returning to the city, check out a [one-way rental](https://www.newyorkautorental.com/guides/one-way-car-rental-from-nyc).

[More road trips from NYC](https://www.newyorkautorental.com/road-trips)

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