Amtrak Vacations · Independent rail vacation

Northeast Rail Journey

Nine-day Amtrak rail tour of Boston, New York, Philadelphia and Washington

Northeast Rail Journey, a rail journey with Amtrak Vacations

Amtrak Vacations runs this 9-day, 8-night independent rail journey through four cities on the Eastern Seaboard: Boston, New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C. Travel between each city is aboard the Northeast Regional in Coach class, with 3 nights in New York, 2 in Philadelphia and 3 in the capital, and a choice of 18 hotel options across tiers and cities. Days mix guided experiences, such as a Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island cruise, a Philadelphia food tour and a Monuments by Moonlight tour in Washington, with free time to explore on your own, whether that means a Broadway evening, a stroll through Rittenhouse Square or a visit to the Smithsonian museums. It suits travelers who want to see several major East Coast cities in one rail trip, with some guided sightseeing built in but plenty of room to set your own pace.

What to know before you look closer

  • The hotel is chosen from 18 accommodation options across tiers and cities rather than a single fixed hotel, so the comfort level depends on which option you pick.
  • The evidence lists no current departure dates for this package.

Day by day

  1. Day 1railovernight: New York City

    Your Journey Begins in Boston

    Board a direct train this morning and head south to New York City. On arrival, make your way to your hotel and settle in for a three-night stay. Take your first evening to enjoy the electric energy of Times Square or dine in a rooftop restaurant with views of the Manhattan skyline.

  2. Day 2overnight: New York City

    New York City

    Today, you depart for an exploration of two of New York’s most iconic landmarks. First, cruise to the Statue of Liberty to experience one of the world's most iconic monuments, with its long association with Manhattan and the United States. Afterwards, walk the halls of Ellis Island where countless immigrants to America first set foot in their new country. Later, return to the city where you are free to explore.

  3. Day 3overnight: New York City

    New York City

    Continue your adventure through New York today. Perhaps visit one of the world-class museums, such as the Met or MoMA, or uncover hidden gems in neighborhoods like SoHo and Greenwich Village. Don’t forget to grab a classic New York bagel or slice of pizza.

  4. Day 4railovernight: Philadelphia

    Philadelphia

    After breakfast, depart on Amtrak for the City of Brotherly Love! Take the train to Philadelphia, known as the birthplace of American democracy. On arrival, check in to your hotel for a two-night stay. The rest of your day is free to explore, take a stroll through Rittenhouse Square or maybe tour Independence Hall.

  5. Day 5overnight: Philadelphia

    Philadelphia

    Savor the unique tastes and foods of Philadelphia on a guided tour. Your guide will ensure that you sample the city’s most famous fare, but also that you find the hidden gems and things only locals know about cuisine to be found in this great city.

  6. Day 6railovernight: Washington, D.C.

    Washington, D.C.

    Today, board the train and journey south to Washington, D.C. On arrival, check in to your hotel and begin discovering the U.S. capital.

  7. Day 7overnight: Washington, D.C.

    Washington, D.C.

    Spend the day visiting the Smithsonian museums, from the National Air and Space Museum to the National Gallery of Art. Explore the National Mall dominated by the iconic Washington Monument. End your day with a guided tour of the city’s monuments lit against the evening sky.

  8. Day 8overnight: Washington, D.C.

    Washington, D.C.

    Enjoy your final day of sightseeing in Washington. Perhaps a visit to the National Archives, where you can see a copy of the Declaration of Independence.

  9. Day 9

    Your Journey Ends in Washington, D.C.

    Check out of your hotel and continue your travels.

The moments this trip is built around

  • Day 2A sightseeing cruise to the Statue of Liberty is followed by a walk through the halls of Ellis Island.
  • Day 5A guided culinary tour samples Philadelphia's most famous food along with local favorites.
  • Day 7A guided Monuments by Moonlight tour views Washington's monuments lit against the evening sky.
  • Day 8A visit to the National Archives lets travelers see a copy of the Declaration of Independence.

Included

  • One-way Amtrak® in Coach accommodations from Boston to New York, New York to Philadelphia, Philadelphia to Washington, D.C. on the Northeast Regional®
  • 8 nights' hotel accommodations

Questions travellers ask

Is the train travel included?
Yes. One-way Amtrak in Coach class on the Northeast Regional connects Boston to New York City, Philadelphia and Washington, D.C.
Is this trip escorted or independent?
It is an independent rail vacation with free time each day; some experiences, like the Philadelphia food tour and the Ellis Island cruise, are guided.
What hotels are used?
The package offers a choice of 18 hotel options across tiers and cities, including properties such as the Waldorf Astoria New York and The Logan Philadelphia; the exact hotel depends on which option you choose.
How many nights are spent in each city?
3 nights in New York City, 2 in Philadelphia and 3 in Washington, D.C.
How much walking is involved?
Each city stop includes walking tours, such as through Ellis Island and along the National Mall, plus handling your own luggage between hotels.

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