New York City Greyhound

The bus terminals aren't quite as nice as train stations, and you can't get up and walk to the snack car during a ride, but you make up for it in price. With electrical power and wireless internet on many buses, the trip between NYC and DC can be just as comfortable on a Greyhound bus. Photo by Like_the_Grand_Canyon (CC BY 2.0)

Greyhound's Washington DC terminal is only a couple blocks from Union station (and the Union Station red line metro stop). They offer an express route between this terminal and New York City's Port Authority terminal in New York City, which has an estimated travel time of just over 4 hours, with advance tickets typically running around $20. This method of transportation can be an economical way to get easy access to both cities with minimal hassle. Some busses even include wireless internet and electrical outlets, making the ride productive and painless.