Neighborhood Guides
Day trip guide: washington, d.c..
If you live in Philly and love history, nature, art, and/or free experiences, Washington, D.C., can be a great day trip destination. (Andra C. Taylor Jr./Unsplash)
Special thanks to City Cast DC ’s Bridget Todd, Julia Karron, Priyanka Tilve, Mark Kulkosky, and Kaela Coate-Stemmerman for their contributions to this guide.
If you’re willing to set aside any hard feelings about Washington, D.C., taking U.S. capital city status away from us here in Philly a couple hundred years ago, it’s actually a pretty fun place to visit.
Located about 150 miles southwest of Philly, Washington is a city known for its museums, historical sites, and government buildings. But there’s even more worth checking out there: The city is renowned for its parks and has its share of good food and charming neighborhoods. So, here are some ideas for how a visitor can spend a day there, including some suggestions from my colleagues at City Cast DC (Psssst … many of these recs are free! )
Disclaimer: This guide is far from exhaustive — think of it just as a starting point. And for even more Washington day trip tips, tune in to this episode of the City Cast Philly podcast 🎧
PHL ↔ DC: Local Guide to a Good Time
🌛 see the monuments at night.
City Cast DC co-host Bridget Todd recommends skipping the National Mall during the day and instead visiting at night to beat the heat and enjoy a nicer ambiance. The Lincoln Memorial is open 24/7, and in the dark, it’s actually a nice date spot .
🏘️ Get To Know Neighborhoods
While it makes sense for a visitor to want to see all the touristy sites, it can also be fun to hang out in some of Washington’s great neighborhoods . City Cast DC senior executive producer Priyanka Tilve recommends checking out Adams Morgan , which has a strong dining and shopping scene, as well as Eastern Market , a public market where you can find indoor and outdoor merchants selling things like food, flowers, pottery, desserts, jewelry, and more.
A display at the Bonsai & Penjing Museum in the U.S. National Arboretum. (Jeffrey Greenberg/Universal Images Group via Getty Images)
🌳 Appreciate Nature and Plants
There are lots of opportunities to appreciate the natural world in our nation’s capital, and City Cast DC senior producer Julia Karron recommends taking some time to experience it. Step away from the city’s hustle and bustle at Rock Creek Park , or visit Anacostia Park , where you can go skating at the roller rink during the summer months. (Skate rentals are free!)
For a more curated plant experience, you can visit the U.S. Botanic Garden by the U.S. Capitol, or the National Bonsai & Penjing Museum inside the U.S. National Arboretum , where City Cast DC Account Executive Mark Kulkosky likes to take out-of-town visitors.
🏛️ Don’t Sleep on the Smithsonian
This may sound like an obvious one. But there’s way more to this famous museum system than what you probably experienced on your middle school field trip, so make sure you check out the full list of 20+ locations when you’re planning your trip. You can look at a huge collection of portraits , see animals in action , learn about the history of Indigenous Peoples , explore galleries of Asian art , and more. The National Postal Museum is a personal favorite of mine for learning some niche history.
🍽️ Where To Dine and Drink
You’ve got options! For some help making up your mind, I’ll refer you to these new restaurants and bars , these underrated food spots , these meals under $10 , and these accessible bars . (Shoutout to Kaela Cote-Stemmerman, editor of the Hey DC newsletter, for writing the linked pieces!)
🚆 Getting There from Philly
The train ride between Philly and Washington takes about two hours, and Amtrak runs frequent train trips between the two cities. (Pro-tip: Book as far in advance as you can to get the lowest fares. Last-minute Amtrak trips can get pricey.)
Commercial bus carriers, like Megabus, Flixbus, and Greyhound, offer trips as well. Although it takes longer, it’s generally a more affordable last-minute option than taking the train.
You can also drive — it takes about two and a half hours, depending on traffic. Just be warned: Finding parking could get a little tricky, depending on where you’re going.
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Philadelphia To Washington DC Day Trip - With Reviews & Ratings
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Philadelphia To Washington DC Day Trip
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Tour Information
Key Details
- Mobile Voucher Accepted
- Hotel pickup Available
- Duration: 14 Hrs
- Language: English
- Departure Time : Daily Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.
- Departure Details : Amtrak Station
- Return Details : Amtrak Station
- Cancellation Policy : This activity is non-refundable Tours booked using discount coupon codes will be non refundable.
Take a relaxing day trip by rail from Philadelphia to Washington DC and enjoy a hop-on hop-off tour, which will take you past DC's top monuments and museums. Enjoy plenty of free time to explore on your own. Train fare, the bus tour and a 2-course lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe are all included.
- Exclusive to Viator
- Family friendly
- Lunch included
- Round-trip train fares
- Likely to Sell Out
- Day trip (destination A to B)
Know More about this tour
Make your way to Amtrak Station in Philadelphia for a rail trip to Washington. Take a seat on Amtrak's rail cars with a hot beverage and relax. By late morning, you'll be in Union Station in Washington DC, ready for a wonderful day of shopping, sightseeing and dining. If you're hungry, have a bite at the station or make your way over to Hard Rock Cafe for your included Priority Seating 2-course lunch. Otherwise, do lunch later or grab a muffin at the station. Your double-decker bus will be waiting right outside to take you on a wonderful tour of what makes Washington such an important city. Hop on and off at any of the stops to enjoy the multitude of museums and monuments in the US capital. Visit the National Archives, containing a signed Declaration of Independence, or any of the Smithsonian Museums including the National Air and Space Museum or the National Museum of Natural History. Check out Madame Tussauds, the National Holocaust Museum, the International Spy Museum and more. The list is endless! For history buffs, visit Arlington National cemetery, Vietnam Memorial or Ford's Theater, the theater where President Lincoln was assassinated. Save some time to return in the late afternoon to Union Station and walk around to view this magnificent 1908 station saved from demolition in the 1980s. After a day of Washington DC sightseeing, tour Amtrak train will whisk you back to Philadelphia in the evening.
Hop-on hop-off tour
Additional Info
Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
Availability for shows cannot be checked without making a booking. Credit cards will only be charged upon confirmation of show availability
The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
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- About this activity
Philadelphia Day Trip from Washington D.C. by Train
- Printed Voucher
- Instant confirmation
- Selective hotel pickup
- Sightseeing day trip from Washington, D.C. to Philadelphia
- Scenic rail journey taking you past numerous quaint towns
- Hop-on hop-off bus stops at city's major landmarks & sights
- Tasty pub fare at the musically inclined Hard Rock Cafe
- Leisure time to explore Philadelphia attractions on your own
Activity location
- Philadelphia, PA, USA
Meeting/Redemption Point
- 2 West /40 Massachusetts Ave., NE
- 20002, Washington, DC, USA
- Thu, May 30 -
- Fri, May 31 $330
- Sat, Jun 1 $330
- Sun, Jun 2 $330
- Mon, Jun 3 $330
- Tue, Jun 4 $330
- Wed, Jun 5 $330
- Thu, Jun 6 $330
- Fri, Jun 7 $330
- Sat, Jun 8 $330
- Sun, Jun 9 $330
- Mon, Jun 10 $330
- Tue, Jun 11 $330
- Wed, Jun 12 $330
- Thu, Jun 13 $330
7 AM Excursion
- Activity duration is 14 hours 14h 14h
What's included, what's not
- What's included What's included Self-guided day trip to Philadelphia from Washington, D.C.
- What's included What's included Roundtrip rail ticket between Washington, D.C. and Philadelphia
- What's included What's included Hop-on hop-off bus pass for Philadelphia
- What's included What's included Lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe
Know before you book
- Children 1 and younger are complimentary when accompanied by a paying adult provided they do not occupy their own seat.
- Trains generally depart around 7 AM and return around 7 PM; times can vary based on the rail schedule. You will receive confirmation of your exact departure time when you call to confirm your reservation.
- At least 2 people are required for this activity to take place.
What you can expect
Travel from Washington, D.C. to the City of Brotherly Love by rail for a day exploring the area's historic sights and intriguing landmarks. Enjoy a comprehensive city tour aboard a double-decker bus, hopping-on and off as you like, and then sit down for a delectable meal featuring pub-style fare at the Hard Rock Cafe.
Board your train at Union Station and find a comfortable window seat for a relaxing journey to Philadelphia, meandering through Baltimore and many scenic towns. Once you get there, make your way to the city center and jump on a hop-on hop-off double-decker bus. Feel free to explore the many monuments, museums, and historic sites that make up the city that was, during Revolutionary times, the nation's capital.
Explore the corners of Independence Mall, including Independence Hall, the enormous Liberty Bell, the immaculately preserved Betsy Ross House, and the National Constitution Center. Do some shopping at the famous Reading Terminal Market, and check out the immersive exhibits and world-renowned displays at the Philadelphia Museum of Art, the incomparable Barnes Foundation Collection, and the Rodin Museum.
With so much sightseeing, you're sure to work up an appetite. When you do, set a course for the Hard Rock Cafe, where a delicious lineup of tasty sandwiches, juicy burgers, and lip-smacking appetizers are the perfect way to refuel before you head back to the train station for your return journey to Washington, D.C.
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Discover the Best Washington, DC Tours From Philadelphia
Situated along the Potomac River between the states of Maryland and Virginia, Washington, DC, is chock full of iconic national landmarks and memorials, including the White House, Capitol Hill, Washington Monument, and Lincoln Memorial. It is also a place to pay our respects - at the Korean War Veterans Memorial, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial - to all those who served the nation proudly. And don't forget the preponderance of museums geared toward practically every taste and age group, two of the most popular being the National Air and Space Museum and Ford's Theatre.
Washington, DC Overview
Family-Friendly Washington DC Tours: History, Museums & More
Planning a memorable family vacation to Washington DC? Take a package tour is a great idea since they take care of all, so your family just has to show up and have a great time! Plus, their bundling policies will definitely save you some money.
Discover exciting things to do in DC that will educate and entertain all ages! Children can explore history with a free interpretive tour of the National Mall or try out some spy gear at the International Spy Museum. A trip during spring lets your family see the full splendor of vibrant cherry blossoms taking over the city.
Diverse Tour Options to Suit Every Family
There are many tour guide services in DC offering private and public tours that range in cost and in the attractions covered. For example:
• DC at Dust Tour: With the Washington DC night tour , you can explore the Washington Monument bathed in moonlight on a lantern-lit adventure led by guides is full historic costume.
• History Comes Alive at the White House: Learn about American government and history in a fun and interactive way at the White House Visitor Center. Explore a replica of the Oval Office and enjoy engaging exhibits designed specifically for kids. Don't forget to book your official White House Tour in advance.
• National Mall Must-Sees: Explore iconic landmarks like the Washington Monument and Lincoln Memorial on a captivating bus tour. Imagine the stories these structures hold!
• Pay-What-You-Wish Tours with DC by Foot: Explore DC's iconic landmarks on a budget with DC by Foot's highly-rated walking tours. This flexible option allows you to pay what you think the tour is worth, making it a great choice for cost-conscious families.
• Luxury Tours with a Personal Touch: Treat your family to an exclusive experience with Fiat Luxe Tours. Led by private guides, these customized tours offer a luxurious way to explore DC in style.
Interactive Learning at World-Class Museums
Museums in Washington DC offer great interactive fun for kids. The world famous Smithsonian Institution has 16 museums in the DC metro area, all with free admission. Kids will think it’s really cool getting to watch the tarantula feeding at the Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History.
Exciting Excursions from Washington DC
Baltimore (1 Hour Away): Discover Baltimore's vibrant culture on a day trip. Explore the American Visionary Art Museum, featuring a whimsical 55-foot whirligig, and marvel at the fascinating marine life at the National Aquarium.
Harpers Ferry (90 Minutes Away): Take a step back in time with a free guided tour of Harpers Ferry National Historical Park, learning about the town's significant role in American history.
Middleburg (70 Minutes Away): Immerse yourselves in the beauty of the Blue Ridge Mountains on a day trip to Middleburg. Enjoy activities like fishing, hiking, or a relaxing picnic amidst the breathtaking scenery.
Gettysburg (90 Minutes Away): Witness the historic grounds of the Gettysburg Battlefield and learn about this pivotal Civil War battle from knowledgeable tour guides. A Gettysburg tour from DC is a great way to spark an interest in history for your kids.
Amish Country & Chocolate Delights (Full Day): Experience a unique cultural encounter with a day trip to Amish Village. Enjoy a traditional Amish lunch and continue the fun at Hershey's Chocolate World, indulging in delicious treats and learning about chocolate making.
Maximize Your Savings with Tour Packages
Whichever you choose, Washington DC is a great vacation spot to spend quality time together and bond in a meaningful way. You can think about selecting one of the Washington DC tour packages that to get the best value for money if visiting multiple cities in USA east coast all at once is what you are planning to do for your family trip.
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Find train tickets from Washington, D.C. to Philadelphia
Good to know, top tips for finding washington, d.c. to philadelphia train tickets.
- 25% of our users found round-trip train tickets from Washington, D.C. to Philadelphia for $30 or less.
- You will generally catch the best train deals if you travel in the evening.
- The cheapest train from Washington, D.C. to Philadelphia was found 53 days before departure, on average.
FAQs when traveling from Washington, D.C. to Philadelphia by train
How long is a train journey to philadelphia from washington, d.c..
The train journey from Washington, D.C. to Philadelphia takes 1h 57m on average and covers a distance of 123 miles.
What train companies travel from Washington, D.C. to Philadelphia?
Amtrak is the only train operator serving this route.
How much does a train ticket from Washington, D.C. to Philadelphia cost?
The average price of a round-trip train ticket from Washington, D.C. to Philadelphia is $61. In the last 3 days, the lowest price found by KAYAK users was $50.
Book Amtrak tickets from Washington, D.C. to Philadelphia (round-trip)
Search by stops, search by train company, book amtrak tickets from washington, d.c. to philadelphia (one-way), popular train routes to philadelphia.
- Trains from New York to Philadelphia from $20
- Trains from Boston to Philadelphia from $68
- Trains from Richmond to Philadelphia from $48
- Trains from Providence to Philadelphia from $62
- Trains from New Haven to Philadelphia from $52
Popular train routes from Washington, D.C.
- Trains from Washington, D.C. to New York from $40
- Trains from Washington, D.C. to Boston from $74
- Trains from Washington, D.C. to Chicago from $215
- Pennsylvania
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- Day Trips & Excursions
Washington DC to Philadelphia Self Guided Day Trip
- Exclusive to Viator
- Explore the city at your own pace
- Full-day sightseeing trip from D.C. to Philadelphia
- Enjoy a scenic train ride
- Have lunch at the Hard Rock Cafe
- Tour the city with live narration
Inclusions & Exclusions
- Hop-on hop-off tour
- Entry or Admission - Hard Rock Cafe
Departure & Return
Times are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.
DailyTimes are subject to change due to local traffic conditions.
Amtrak Station
Additional Info
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- Travelers should have a moderate physical fitness level
- The duration of transfers are approximate, the exact duration will depend on the time of day and traffic conditions
Cancellation Policy
All sales are final and incur 100% cancellation penalties.
Your Contact Details
Questions or requests.
Do you have questions or specific requests regarding this tour?
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