Cheap train tickets from San Jose 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 Jose to Washington DC. Travelling by train from San Jose to Washington DC usually takes 3 days, 4 hours and 54 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 3 days, 3 hours and 52 minutes.
- Distance
- 2415 mi (3887 km)
- Fastest train
- 75h 52m
- Lowest price
- US$382.00
- Trains per day
- 2
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 1
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San Jose to Washington DC Train Timetable
Is it better to travel by coach or train from San Jose to Washington DC?
There are usually 2 daily coach trips from San Jose to Washington DC.
Train | Coach | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. PriceUS$448.86 | Avg. PriceUS$264.12Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration76h 54mFaster | Duration79h 33m |

There are several train options that can take you from San Jose to Washington DC:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from San Jose to Washington DC?
In the last month, train tickets from San Jose to Washington DC cost about US$387 when booked at the cheapest time. Considering the distance between San Jose 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 21 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around US$196 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from San Jose to Washington DC by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from San Jose to Washington DC will cost between US$301 and US$439. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from San Jose to Washington DC by month
Ticket prices for the train from San Jose to Washington DC often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only US$416. If you're thinking of travelling from San Jose to Washington DC during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$643 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 Jose to Washington DC on Wanderu at least 21 days ahead of time, you can save about US$196 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from San Jose to Washington DC?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Jose 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 | 76h 54m | US$448.86 |
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 toilet, free WiFi and power sockets 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 Jose to Washington DC every day, as well as 1 trip at the weekends, with prices starting from US$382.










Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from San Jose to Washington DC
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from San Jose to Washington DC. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a coach 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 Jose 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 hand 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 Jose. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the coach from San Jose to Washington DC for US$147.
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
0
The distance between San Jose and Washington DC is approximately 2,415 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 days, 4 hours and 54 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 days, 3 hours and 52 minutes. 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 patchy signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and films to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Distance (mi)
2415
Distance (km)
3887
The earliest train departs San Jose at 4:30 while the last train of the day leaves at 6:18. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full timetable for your specific travel dates.
First train
4:30am
Last train
6:18am
Trains from San Jose to Washington DC are the most crowded on Monday. 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Monday
Least crowded
Saturday
City Information
San Jose



San Jose is located in the heart of the world-famous Silicon Valley in California’s Bay Area. It is the largest city in Northern California and, as such, it is the area’s cultural, political and financial centre.
While you’re in San Jose, make sure to check out the city’s various museums. Since you’re in the world’s foremost technology hub, the Tech Museum of Innovation is a must-visit. And since you’re on the West Coast, you should stop by the San Jose Museum of Art that features the largest permanent collection of works from West Coast artists.
Thanks to its mild California climate, San Jose is one of the best cities in the U.S. for outdoor activities, and due to its largely younger-leaning population, it offers quite the vibrant nightlife. In fact, San Jose is among the biggest party hubs in America.
San Jose is served by various coach carriers and has several Amtrak stops within its vicinity. In addition, the city’s airport is located right near the downtown area, which makes travel to and from San Jose a breeze.
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 transport hub with three nearby airports and several coach and train stations.
Station Information
Where is the train station in San Jose?
Main departure station: Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St

Diridon Station opened in 1935 with architecture inspired by the Italian Renaissance, and today is a vital part of Silicon Valley’s transport system. Diridon Station connects Amtrak train service to local commuter service like the Caltrain and VTA Light Rail. The station is also a major hub for coach transit on Amtrak Thruway and Greyhound coaches. With paid parking onsite, bicycle racks, and accessible entrances, travellers can easily reach the station from nearby downtown San Jose. As a bonus, food trucks frequently set up outside the station to provide delicious cheap eats for passengers.
All train stations in San Jose:
- Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
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 transport 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 coach travel, serving as the main coach station in D.C. for a number of carriers, including Greyhound, BoltBus, 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, local bus and tram 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.
Train stations in Washington DC:
- Union Station
Need a return trip from Washington DC to San Jose?
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