United States Five City Itinerary: New York to Washington DC

Can you see New York, San Francisco, Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Washington DC in one trip? Yes, but not comfortably in a week. Allow about twelve to fourteen days. That gives you three flights, one train and one drive, with at least two nights in every city except Las Vegas.

The order matters more than the length. Do not fly in and out of the same city. Start in Washington DC, take the train to New York, fly across the country to San Francisco, then work south and east: Los Angeles, then Las Vegas, where you fly home.

Who this route is for

It suits first-time visitors who want the big names and accept that each city gets a sample. It does not suit anyone who dislikes airports. The distances are huge, and the crossing from New York to San Francisco costs you most of a day and three time zones.

The route, leg by leg

The Northeast rail corridor is the one place where the train beats the plane. It runs station to station, so you skip the airport and the security queues. From San Francisco to Los Angeles, flying is quicker. Driving is possible, but it eats most of a day, and the coast road is slower than it looks on a map. The Los Angeles to Las Vegas drive crosses the Mojave Desert. It is manageable, but traffic out of Los Angeles on a Friday afternoon can add hours. Flying is easy if you would rather not drive.

Day visit or overnight?

Treat New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles as overnight cities. They are too spread out to rush. Washington DC can work on two nights, because the central sights sit close together. Las Vegas is the one stop where a single night is defensible. Many people find the second day there is mostly heat and slot-machine noise.

Some excursions are day visits from a city base. You do not need a night anywhere for Muir Woods or the Statue of Liberty.

What Helios can do along the way

The tours featured here start in New York and San Francisco. Each runs as a small-group shared tour of up to 12 guests, or as a private tour for just your party. The route is the same either way, and we confirm your guide, access, transport and final price before booking.

• The Manhattan landmarks walk takes about three hours and links Times Square, Bryant Park, Grand Central Terminal and Rockefeller Center. Expect crowds at Times Square. Grand Central is usually the high point of the walk.
• The Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island tour takes about five hours. It goes from Battery Park to Liberty Island, the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island. The islands are reached by ferry, so leave a buffer for security lines. Admission and transport are not included unless your quote confirms them.
• The Muir Woods redwoods day trip takes about six hours. It leaves San Francisco, crosses the Golden Gate, visits Muir Woods and ends at the Sausalito waterfront. It is a long day, but it is easier than organising the trip yourself.

For Los Angeles, Las Vegas and Washington DC, send us an enquiry with your dates, group size and interests. We will check whether we can match you with a local guide there.

Timing the season

Spring and autumn are the safest seasons for this route. Summer in Las Vegas is punishing, and Washington DC is humid. San Francisco can be foggy and cool in summer. Winter is cold in New York and Washington DC, though it is pleasant in Los Angeles and Las Vegas. If you travel in October, read our notes on New York in October and San Francisco in October.

What to verify on official sites

• Rail timetables and seat reservations for the Washington DC to New York leg.
• Ferry schedules and entry rules for the Statue of Liberty and Ellis Island, including any crown access.
• Muir Woods parking or shuttle reservations. They are often needed, and popular dates fill up.
• Car hire terms, one-way fees and driving rules if you drive between Los Angeles and Las Vegas.
• Opening hours and timed-entry rules for Washington DC's museums and monuments.
• Entry requirements for your nationality, and your airline's baggage rules.

United States five city itinerary FAQ

Is ten days enough for these five cities?

It is possible but tiring. You would spend most of three days in transit, and each city would get little more than a day. Twelve to fourteen days is more realistic.

Should I rent a car for the whole trip?

No. You do not need a car in New York or Washington DC, and parking there is a hassle. The only leg where a car makes sense is Los Angeles to Las Vegas, and even that is optional.

Is a one-way ticket cheaper than a round trip?

It varies by airline, route and season, so compare open-jaw fares before you book. Ending in Las Vegas avoids a long backtrack to your starting city.

Can Helios arrange a guide in Los Angeles, Las Vegas or Washington DC?

Send an enquiry with your dates and interests. We will check local guide availability and reply with a plan and a quote. We do not promise availability in advance.