NYC for 4 days in May on "art" tour.
Would like to go to Wash. DC to stay 2-3 days and fly home from there.
My concern is "degree of difficulty " question is train or " Chinatown" type bus..?
Cost is not the issue..I am experienced senior traveler, in good health with no mobility problems.However, energy level is not what it used to be...and I will have one carry-on.
I need opinions..

I say take the train. Amtrak is fast (few stops) and comfortable between NY and DC, and it takes you right into town. There's a snack bar if you get hungry or thirsty, and two restrooms in every car.

Chinatown buses are not reliable. there are other inexpensive buses if you buy tickets early - but you still have to deal with potential delays on the roads.

I would simply do Amtrak - which has many fewer delays - and IMHO is much more comfortable - you can walk up and down the aisles, visit the buffet car etc. If you look in advance you can get discounted tickets.

I've gone between cities by car, plane, bus, and train; and I've been doing each of these for decades.

I'll state categorically that, if you want to arrive with "minimal difficulty," the train is the best way to go.

I actually prefer buses for trips like this because I conclude the reduced "difficulty" for only a few hours isn't worth the added cost. But if, for you, cost isn't an issue; then I say take the train.

I agree that the train is easiest. It is no longer necessary though to take a Chinatown bus since Bolt Bus and Mega Bus both travel this route. It will only cost about $20 one way, and they have comfortable seats with wi-fi.

Went with Bolt Bus several times and it was great.

I would take Amtrak as many others suggested. I've been to DC quite few times to use bus, car, train, plane...Amtrak is the easiest. Arrive on right at Union Sta, so convenient.

AMTRAK the easiest, Mega and Bolt the cheapest.

I usually go Amtrak. Took Vamoose once and hated it. Loved Bolt. The Wifi wasn't working, but it was comfortable . I actually found it more comfortable than the train because it didn't keep stopping. The demographic was mostly young people going to DC for the weekend -- and this 60 year old. My DH and I are going to NYC on a Sunday-- Bolt isn't available so we'll take the train. But we'll come home by Bolt.

If money is not an object, I too say take the train. Union Station in DC is also a Metro stop and there are taxis outside.

The Bolt Bus and Megabus drop off is also very close (1 long block) to the Metro Center Metro stop at 11th @ G. You can even cut through the Grand Hyatt hotel lobby (which is right across H st. from the bus area) to get there.

I would say Bolt Bus/Megabus and AMTRAK are equally "easy". Bolt departs near Canal St. in lower Manhattan, which may be even easier if that's where you live. Megabus departs from near Penn Station, as does AMTRAK of course.

AMTRAK is "nicer" and a little more comfortable. Whether it's an extra $30 more "nice" (each way) is purely a judgment call.

Amtrak (Acela) is both easiest and most comfortable for m. Boltbusvwoud be perfect if you didn't have to board on the street.

Fastest is the air shuttle from LGA. But not easiest, ironically.

If you are a senior, there are significant discounts on Amtrak.

Frinds recently took the Bolt bus. Outbound, it was perfection. Homebound, they had to wait half an hour on a street corner and both the wifi and the electric plugs didn't work. If you don't need wifi or electric plugs, it is cheap.

I have not had any problems with Chinatown express buses going to and from Philadelphia.

Bolt leaves both from Canal St and from the area around Penn Station. My daughter uses it coming home from Boston 5 or 6 times a year. She has also had problems with the electric at her seat not working, although it usually does. Also, just to not leave the wrong impression, Bolt does operate on Sunday. I guess there was no availability for the the person who commented that they couldn't take it on a Sunday.

WOW--As usual great response and valuable info...
I am a "senior" and can afford the train fare..
Thanks again...

I go down to DC quite frequently and lately have been taking the shuttle from LGA as opposed to the train. The Acela is 2 hours 45 mins and, if I leave in the evening, I can get door to quicker than the Acela.

Took Amtrack from NYC to Baltimore this summer, loved it and was delighted to learn there is a "Quiet Car." No cell phones, wahoo! It was an easy trip, comfortable. We won't be driving anymore.

I really like Amtrak too, but I never take it unless it is for business because it so darn expensive especially if you want to travel after 8 or 9 AM. Typical round trip fare NY to Baltimore is around $140. Multiply that by two fares, and suddenly driving looks a lot more attractive. I know affordability is a personal thing, but I wish something could be done to make train travel a more realistic option for many people.

If your not local - and don;t already have a car - renting one and driving is much more expensive than Amtrak.

Also - on the road you are alwasy subject to delays due to construction accidents, bad weather or idiots (another misplaced truck has blocked one of the NYC parkways by getting stuck under a bridge).