The 15 Best Day Trips from NYC

1.Guided Day Trip to Washington DC by Van or Bus

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 3,418 reviews · 15 hours · from $104Our pick

Travel from NYC to Washington DC by air-conditioned bus or van with an English- or Spanish-speaking guide. See Arlington Cemetery, the Lincoln Memorial, White House, Capitol, and major memorials, then enjoy 90 minutes for lunch, photos, or a museum visit.

“Brilliant trip from start to finish, our tour guide David was fantastic, he was so patient and knowledgeable, he made the day for us! Our driver Enrique was fantastic he was also very patient and brilliant for the long spin to and from Washington, I would recommended this trip to anyone thinking of doing it, it was fantastic thank you!”

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2.Day Trip to Philadelphia and Amish Country

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 805 reviews · 14 hours · from $149

Leave Manhattan at 6:30 AM for a guided day in Philadelphia and Lancaster County. Visit the Liberty Bell, Independence Square, Elfreth’s Alley, and the Rocky Steps, then enjoy an Amish buggy ride and market stop. Guides speak English, French, German, Italian, Spanish, or Japanese.

“Iris was very informative and supplied non-stop great information. The transport had a charger which was helpful. Also loved the stops, especially the final one in Lancaster. Loved that we could also have a joke about the way I ate a Philly cheese steak with just lettuce. Lovely guides, Iris and the man who spoke many languages. Would recommend.”

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3.Washington DC Day Trip by Bus from New York City

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 600 reviews · 14 hours · from $129

Travel from New York to Washington DC by air-conditioned bus with an English-speaking guide such as Steve or Alan. See Capitol Hill, the White House, Lincoln and Jefferson memorials, Arlington Cemetery, Iwo Jima, and the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, with free time at Union Station.

“I wanna thank "Santa" Alan for the most amazing trip ever!!! He's been so knowledgeable of everything, a true encyclopedia! Highly recommend him. Greetings from Bucharest!”

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4.Day trip to Washington from New York

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 348 reviews · 15 hours (approx.) · from $119Top rated

Leave Midtown Manhattan at 5:50 a.m. for a guided Washington day trip with an air-conditioned coach, free time at the National Mall, and stops at Arlington Cemetery, the White House, Capitol, and major war memorials. Guides such as Juanita, Agustin, and Mario add history and practical help.

“Great trip. Augustine and Mario were great and gave plenty of time to do your own thing. Very long day, but worth the trip to see the sites.”

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5.Boston City & Harvard Guided Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.6 · 180 reviews · 15 hours · from $130

Ride from New York or New Jersey to Boston with a professional English or Spanish-speaking guide. See Copley Square, Fenway Park, Harvard Yard, Beacon Hill, Boston Common, the Freedom Trail, and Quincy Market. Guide Millie has led many departures, sharing useful history and travel tips along the way.

“Sitting at the back of the van is not comfortable at all. it should’ve been better if maximum 3 pax seating at the back instead of 4. Otherwise our tour guide was really good. She’s attentive to the participants and gave some tips at several point of attraction.”

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6.Hamptons, Sag Harbor, and Outlet Shopping Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 141 reviews · 14 hours · from $179

Leave Manhattan early for a full-day outing through Long Island’s open countryside. Your guide leads you through Southampton and Sag Harbor, past grand homes and harbor yachts, then to a complimentary wine tasting and Tanger Outlets. Expect a long day with plenty of walking.

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7.Long Island Wine and Food Day Trip with Sommelier host from NYC

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 53 reviews · 9 hours (approx.) · from $148

Leave Manhattan at 9 a.m. for Long Island’s North Fork with a certified sommelier such as Sam or Steve. Taste eight wines at two wineries, enjoy a locally sourced sandwich lunch, and return to Midtown after about nine hours. The winery lineup may vary.

“The trip out to the wineries on the north fork of Long Island was smooth and easy (1.5 hrs). Bus was comfortable and had a restroom. We went to 2 wineries, tasting 4 wines in each place. They were both very different styles of wine. Sam, the sommelier, had lots of wine knowledge and was able to discuss the characteristics of each wine etc. There was plenty of time to wonder around, buy wine or have an extra glass or 2 in the sun. Lunch consisted of 2 rolls, chips and water. All local produce from a local bakery and were very nice and sufficient for me. At the second…”

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8.Niagara Falls, Washington DC and Boston 4-Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.3 · 44 reviews · 4 days · from $667

Travel from New York to Washington DC, Niagara Falls, and Boston in four busy days. You’ll see the Liberty Bell, White House, Niagara’s major viewpoints, Harvard, and Quincy Market, with guides such as Rex, Sammy, Bowen, and Quentin leading recent departures.

“Everything were excellent. Jay Lin is our tour guide and he is very friendly, knowledgeable, professional and has provided us with lots of insights of the places visited. Many thanks to him for making our trip a really memorable one.”

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9.Hamptons Private Day Trip from New York City

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 33 reviews · 12 hours (approx.)

Leave New York at 7 a.m. in a private chauffeured minivan for a 12-hour Hamptons outing with guides such as Ronald and Scott. Visit Southampton, Sag Harbor, Wolffer Estate Vineyard, East Hampton, and Montauk, with room to adjust the day to your interests.

“Scott was fantastic, he could not have been more helpful and customised our day to suit us. Would recommend and particularly after a hectic week in NYC - with the UN in residence and excess security restricting access around the city.”

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10.Philadelphia & Amish Community Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 32 reviews · 13 hours · from $108

Leave New York with guides such as Martin, Lucas, Vicente, or Alex for a full-day visit to Philadelphia and Lancaster County. See Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, Elfreth’s Alley, Love Park, and the Rocky steps, then learn about Amish life. Spanish and English guiding is available.

“Martin è stato molto esaustivo, ha risposto ad ogni nostra domanda ed è molto preparato in tutto. Nonostante la pioggia incessante ha tenuto una guida eccellente, e ci ha fatto passare una splendida giornata!”

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11.Niagara Falls U.S. Side 2-Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 12 reviews · 1 hour - 2 days · from $49Best value

Leave NYC for two days of waterfalls and hands-on sights. Visit Corning Glass Center and Watkins Glen in season, then see Niagara Falls lit at night and stay nearby. On day two, add the Maid of the Mist, Cave of the Winds, or a classic falls tour. Guides have included Sunny, Peng, Kitty, Quinten, and Helena.

“Overall a great experience of Niagara tour. Friendly, knowledgeable & helpful guide Quinten & the driver also made a difference.”

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12.New York to Washington DC Day Trip by Rail

★★★★★★★★★★3.5 · 12 reviews · 16 hours (approx.) · from $350

Travel from New York Penn Station to Washington DC by Amtrak, then explore at your own pace with a hop-on hop-off sightseeing bus and included lunch. You get roughly a full day in the capital, with time for major sights such as the White House, Lincoln Memorial, Capitol Hill, museums, and Arlington Cemetery.

“Trip was well worth the cost, the amtrak train was a great experience. Hop on and off bus allowed us to see Washington. Absolutely stunning place. Was glad we did the trip.”

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13.Discover Washington DC on a Day Trip from Manhattan or New Jersey

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 11 reviews · 14 to 16 hours (approx.) · from $99

Travel by air-conditioned coach from New York or Union City to Washington DC for a long but efficient day of monuments, museums, Arlington Cemetery, and free time. Guides such as Josh and Yosh are praised for clear, engaging commentary. Bring photo ID, pack light, and expect a full 14 to 16 hours.

“Great excursion. Very good tour guide named Josh. Comfortanle ride. Taken to all the main spots and given enough time to explore.”

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14.Philadelphia and Washington DC 2-Day Trip from New York

★★★★★★★★★★3.6 · 8 reviews · 2 days · from $358

Travel from New York to Philadelphia and Washington DC with an English-speaking guide, hotel night, breakfast, and roundtrip transport. Visit Independence National Historical Park, the Capitol area, White House, Lincoln Memorial, Vietnam Veterans Memorial, and three major memorials. Guides such as Kevin, Nelson, Lee, and Jay have led recent departures.

“Washington & Philadelphia 2days visit with Kevin & Nelson, very well organized, always supportive and helpful, fully recomended”

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15.Niagara Falls and Washington DC 3-Day Trip

★★★★★★★★★★3.2 · 6 reviews · from $585

Travel from New York to Philadelphia, Washington DC, Buffalo, and Niagara Falls in three days. You will see Independence Hall, the U.S. Capitol, major Washington monuments, Cave of the Winds, Maid of the Mist, and more, with Chinese or English guiding and two hotel nights.

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