Travelling from Seattle to New York means crossing nearly 4,000 kilometers of the United States, moving from the Pacific Northwest to the bustling East Coast. There are multiple ways to make this journey, each with its own mix of time, cost, and experience. Below is a detailed guide covering flights, trains, buses, and even the option to drive.
There are 4 ways to get from Seattle to New York by Bus, Train, Self-Drive or Private Vehicle, or Flight.
Distance between Seattle and New York is 4555.13, 2830.44 miles or 2459.58 nautical miles.
| Origin | Seattle |
|---|---|
| Destination | New York |
| Driving Distance | 4555.13 kms (2830.44 mi, 2459.58 NM) |
| Estimated Time | 1 day 17 hrs 39 minutes |
It takes approximately 1 day 17 hrs 39 minutes to travel by car from Seattle to New York.
The total driving distance between these two points is around 4555.13 kilometers, which equals approximately 2830.44 miles or 2459.58 nautical miles.
Travel time is an estimate and may vary slightly depending on the route you take, the time of day, and live traffic conditions. The numbers shown are based on standard driving routes.
You can refer to the distance values shown above in kilometers, miles, and nautical miles for easy understanding and travel planning.
Unit conversions:
1 mile = ~1.609 kilometers
1 nautical mile = exactly 1.852 kilometers
Scroll down to view the interactive route map below. You can click and zoom on the map to explore the journey in more detail and plan your trip better.
Most Budget-Friendly Overland Option (but Longest)
Though not direct, you can also opt for a cross-country bus journey operated primarily by Greyhound USA.
Route Breakdown:
Total Duration: Approximately 3 days 8 hours
Cost: ₹34,450–₹67,922
Expect frequent transfers and variable layovers. While it’s the cheapest overland option, comfort is basic, and rest stops are limited.
Who Should Choose the Bus:
Strict budget travelers, those wanting to avoid flying, or individuals seeking a basic transit-only experience.
For those interested in a mix of international and domestic travel, an alternative is to take a bus from Seattle to Vancouver, followed by VIA Rail trains to Toronto, and finally Amtrak from Toronto to New York.
Total Duration: Approximately 4 days 16 hours
Cost: ₹31,871–₹54,151
Highlights: Experience Canadian cities en route.
Best for Scenic Cross-Country Experience
If time is not a constraint and you want to experience America’s diverse landscapes, the Amtrak rail journey is a memorable alternative.
Route:
Duration: Approximately 2 days 19 hours
Cost: ₹22,780–₹74,024
Frequency: Around 10 trains operate weekly.
Travelers can book sleeper cars for added comfort. Trains include dining cars, observation lounges, and panoramic windows for scenic views through the Rockies, plains, and Great Lakes regions.
Who Should Choose the Train:
Those who value a slow, scenic journey and want to avoid airports, or tourists seeking an experience-focused trip.
Ideal for Road Trip Enthusiasts
A road trip offers maximum flexibility but requires careful planning for accommodations, fuel stops, and meals. Expect varying road conditions, especially in winter months.
Who Should Choose Driving:
Road trip lovers, families wanting flexibility, or those planning to explore towns along the route.
Best for Speed and Convenience
Flying remains the fastest and most practical way to travel between Seattle and New York, with multiple daily departures from Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) to various airports in the New York area.
This is one of the fastest and most popular routes, operated by major airlines like United, Delta, Alaska Airlines, and American Airlines. Newark offers direct rail connections to Manhattan via the NJ Transit and Amtrak.
JFK is a major hub with efficient transit options like the AirTrain and Long Island Rail Road connecting travelers to Midtown Manhattan.
LaGuardia is closer to Manhattan but often involves slightly longer travel times due to flight schedules and traffic.
A more flexible, sometimes cheaper option if flights to NYC are expensive. From Philadelphia, Amtrak trains from 30th Street Station reach New York’s Moynihan Train Hall in about 1.5 hours.
Travelers looking for the fastest journey, minimal hassle, or those on short business or family trips.
New York City, a vibrant metropolis where the Hudson River meets the Atlantic Ocean, is made up of five diverse boroughs. At its heart lies Manhattan, a bustling hub known worldwide for its towering skyscrapers like the Empire State Building and the vast green expanse of Central Park. Beyond its skyline, New York pulses with culture and energy, from the dazzling lights of Times Square to the legendary performances on Broadway, making it a city that never quite slows down.
| Mode | Time | Cost Range | Comfort | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Flight (EWR) | 7h 57m | ₹14,772–₹41,822 | High | Fastest, Newark transit links |
| Flight (JFK) | 8h 20m | ₹15,430–₹51,430 | High | Good Midtown access via AirTrain |
| Flight (LGA) | 9h 32m | ₹13,721–₹36,721 | High | Close to city, slower connections |
| Flight + Train (PHL) | 9h 25m | ₹13,472–₹94,472 | Medium-High | Flexible, may save on flights |
| Train (Amtrak) | 2d 19h | ₹22,780–₹74,024 | Medium | Scenic, long journey |
| Bus (Greyhound) | 3d 8h | ₹34,450–₹67,922 | Low | Budget option, least comfortable |
| Bus + Train via Canada | 4d 16h | ₹31,871–₹54,151 | Medium | International mixed route |
| Self-Drive | ~46h | ₹43,912–₹63,428 | Flexible | Full control, tiring for drivers |
Each mode offers a unique perspective on crossing the country from Seattle to New York. Whether you fly, ride the rails, or drive yourself, the journey can be as memorable as the destination.