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Cheap train tickets from Oakland to Washington DC

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Oakland to Washington DC Train Schedule

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Is it better to travel by bus or train from Oakland to Washington?

There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from Oakland to Washington.

Bus
Train

Avg. Price

Avg. Price

$209.51

Avg. Price

$346.20

Daily Trips

Daily Trips

1

Daily Trips

3

Duration

Duration

3d 5h 39m

Duration

3d 4h 22m

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Trip Summary

There are usually 4 daily train trips available from Oakland to Washington DC. Traveling by train from Oakland to Washington DC usually takes 75 hours and 52 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 74 hours and 29 minutes.

Distance2427 mi (3905 km)
Fastest train74h 29m
Lowest price$279.00
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

What is the price of a train ticket from Oakland to Washington DC?

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Oakland to Washington was $308.00. Train tickets on this route are typically priced higher due to the distance covered. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Washington DC if you book your train tickets at least 26 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $226.09.

Average train ticket prices from Oakland to Washington DC by month

$550$440$330$220$110DJFMAMJJASON
Mark your calendar for April if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Oakland to Washington DC. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of $341. If you're planning a trip from Oakland to Washington DC during September, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about $538 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Prices as travel date approaches

$550$440$330$220$1103020100

Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Oakland to Washington. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 26 days before departure, you can save around $226.09. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!

Which train should you take from Oakland to Washington DC?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Oakland to Washington. However, there are 4 trains per day to choose from.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak43d 3h 53m$395.35
  • Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad 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 restroom, 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 4 Amtrak trains from Oakland to Washington every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $263.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Oakland to Washington DC

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Oakland 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.

The distance between Oakland and Washington DC is approximately 2427 miles, or 3905 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 75 hours and 52 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 74 hours and 29 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 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.

On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Oakland to Washington DC on Friday. Tickets for Friday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Sunday. Sunday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.

The earliest train departs Oakland at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:00am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

There are 4 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, 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 Oakland.

City Information

Oakland

Oakland, CA - OAK-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Oakland, CA - OAK-1

Image credit: Unsplash

Oakland, CA - OAK-2

Image credit: Unsplash

Oakland, CA is a port city that is beginning to step out of the shadow of San Francisco, its neighbor to the west. Every visitor should start their Oakland trip in the downtown area and Old Oakland, the city's historic quarter full of quaint old buildings. While here, don't forget to take a short detour to Oakland's famous Chinatown as well. The African American Museum and Library at Oakland tells the history of Black communities in the area and is definitely worth a stop. For those who would prefer to stay close to nature, Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park's abundance of redwood groves will offer amazing views.

Oakland's food scene is vibrant and diverse, with a wide range of offerings for all budgets. Enssaro is a popular local name with mid-range dishes that will whet your appetite. For an excellent haute-cuisine dinner, head towards The Wolf.

It's easy to get around the Bay Area on local public transit (called the BART, for Bay Area Rapid Transit). Getting to Oakland from further afield is also a breeze thanks to many intercity bus routes in the area and Amtrak's Capitol Corridor train, which stops in Oakland. Flights arrive at the Oakland International Airport, but several additional airport options in the larger Bay Area are also available.

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 neighborhood 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 Oakland?

245 Second St  - OAKAMT-0

Image credit: David Wilson

Link to image attribution
246 Second St  - OAKAMT-1

Image credit: David Wilson

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: 245 Second St

The Jack London Station in Oakland opened in 1995, replacing 16th Street Station, which was extensively damaged in the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989. The station was named after the famous writer Jack London, as he spent much of his life in the area. It is a contemporary glass and stone structure located on the easternmost corner of Jack London Square. The square, which fronts a natural estuary leading to San Francisco Bay, was formerly the hub of Oakland's port activities, connecting the maritime and agricultural sectors. It is still an active and bustling waterfront today. Amtrak's Capitol Corridor, Coast Starlight, and San Joaquins trains serve the station. It is the 10th busiest of Amtrak's 74 California stops, boarding or de-boarding an average of 1,142 people per day.

All train stations in Oakland:

  • 245 Second St

  • Across San Leandro Blvd from BART station - 700 73rd Ave

Where is the train station in Washington DC?

Washington, DC - Union Station - DCAUST-0

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 travelers 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, 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, bus and streetcar services, as well as commuter rail for travelers 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

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