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Cheap train tickets from San Diego to Washington DC
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from San Diego to Washington DC. Travelling by train from San Diego to Washington DC usually takes 3 days, 11 hours and 43 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 2 days and 20 hours.
- Distance
- 2270 mi (3653 km)
- Fastest train
- 68h
- Lowest price
- CHF 321.53
- Trains per day
- 2
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 1
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San Diego to Washington DC Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from San Diego to Washington DC?
There are usually 12 daily bus trips available from San Diego to Washington DC.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceCHF 433.65 | Avg. PriceCHF 232.52Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips12 |
Duration | Duration83h 43m | Duration80h 46mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from San Diego to Washington DC:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from San Diego to Washington DC?
In the last month, train tickets from San Diego to Washington DC cost about CHF 349 when booked at the cheapest time. Considering the distance between San Diego and Washington DC, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 13 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CHF 227.72 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from San Diego to Washington DC by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from San Diego to Washington DC will cost between CHF 310 and CHF 605. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from San Diego to Washington DC by month
Ticket prices for the train from San Diego to Washington DC often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only CHF 362. If you're thinking of travelling from San Diego to Washington DC during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CHF 487 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from San Diego to Washington DC on Wanderu at least 13 days ahead of time, you can save about CHF 227.72 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from San Diego to Washington DC?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Diego to Washington DC. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 83h 43m | CHF 433.65 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railway service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned washroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 2 Amtrak trains from San Diego to Washington DC every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from CHF 321.53.
Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from San Diego to Washington DC
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from San Diego to Washington DC. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.
Trains leave the station in San Diego twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. You can also take a train for your return trip from Washington DC to San Diego. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the bus from San Diego to Washington DC for CHF 107.
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
0
The distance between San Diego and Washington DC is approximately 3,653 kilometres. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 days, 11 hours and 43 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 days and 20 hours. Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Distance (mi)
2270
Distance (km)
3653
The earliest train departs San Diego at 2:01 p.m. while the last train of the day leaves at 4:10 p.m. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
First train
2:01pm
Last train
4:10pm
Trains from San Diego to Washington DC are the most crowded on Wednesday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider travelling on Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Wednesday
Least crowded
Friday
City Information
San Diego
San Diego is known as “America's Finest City” for its sunny weather, white-sand beaches, and dazzling attractions from Belmont Park to SeaWorld. San Diego's 70 miles of pristine beaches include such gems as Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, La Jolla Cove, and Coronado Beach. The city's strong surfing culture may even inspire you to rent a surfboard and catch the epic waves, bro.
Visitors can spend days getting lost in Balboa Park, a 1,200-acre cultural hub which features 16 museums, immaculate gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. The historic heart of the city, Old Town, showcases San Diego's heritage and ties to Mexican culture, while other sights like the USS Midway pay tribute to the city's military and maritime history. Leave time for some evening exploring, too! San Diego is rated the #1 best city for craft beer in America, so don't miss out on the bars in the Gaslamp Quarter: 16 walkable blocks packed with nightlife and young crowds.
Two airports, as well as many bus and train options, mean it is easy to get to San Diego from afar or from nearby cities like Tijuana, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.
Washington DC
Washington, DC is the capital of the United States, and as such, it offers many points of interest of governmental and historical value. DC is home to several iconic landmarks, including the White House where the U.S. president resides, the Capitol building that houses the meeting chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives, and the National Mall, where you can stop by the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the World War II Memorial. One of the reasons Washington, DC is among the best destinations to visit with your family is because it is home to so many world-famous museums, including the Smithsonians – 16 museums scattered across the District, most of which are open every day of the week, and even better, every single one is free.
D.C. is not just about politics and museums, though. The city’s active nightlife fittingly ranks it among the biggest party hubs in the country. Head to the vibrant Dupont Circle neighbourhood to check out some of the finest restaurants that the nation’s capital has to offer, or join a food tour of Georgetown to get a taste of the area’s culture along with its cuisine.
Nested between Virginia and Maryland, Washington, D.C. is a key transportation hub with three nearby airports and several bus and train stations.
Station Information
Where is the train station in San Diego?
Main departure station: 4005 Taylor St
There are two stations in San Diego where you can board the train to Washington DC.
All train stations in San Diego:
- 4005 Taylor St
- Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd
Where is the train station in Washington DC?
Main arrival station: Union Station
Opened more than 100 years ago in 1907, Union Station is the largest transportation hub in Washington, D.C. with almost 5 million travellers passing through it every year. As the official headquarters of Amtrak, Union Station is the main train station in the U.S. capital. It is also a major hub for intercity bus travel, serving as the main bus station in D.C. for a number of carriers, including Greyhound, Peter Pan Bus Lines and OurBus. Union Station offers easy transit connections to places all over D.C. with dedicated stops for the city’s metro, bus and streetcar services, as well as commuter rail for travellers to and from the surrounding areas. Additionally, with a full blown shopping mall on the premises, Union Station is also among the most popular shopping destinations in the nation's capital.
All train stations in Washington DC:
- Union Station
Need a return trip from Washington DC to San Diego?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
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