Cheap train tickets from San Francisco to Washington DC

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Trip Summary

There is one daily train from San Francisco to Washington DC. Traveling by train from San Francisco to Washington DC usually takes 3 days, 4 hours, and 37 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 3 days, 2 hours, and 55 minutes.

Distance: 2435 mi (3919 km)
Fastest train: 74h 55m
Lowest price: NOK 3,201.35
Trains per day: 1
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 1

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San Francisco to Washington DC Train Schedule

Is it better to travel by bus or train from San Francisco to Washington DC?

There are usually 4 daily bus trips available from San Francisco to Washington DC.

	Train	Bus
Avg. Price	Avg. PriceNOK 4,307.56	Avg. PriceNOK 2,473.25Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips1	Daily Trips4
Duration	Duration76h 37mFaster	Duration77h 42m

There are several train options that can take you from San Francisco to Washington DC:

Amtrak tickets: NOK 2,786 one-way

See more details

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

In the last month, train tickets from San Francisco to Washington DC cost about NOK 3,371 when booked at the cheapest time. Considering the distance between San Francisco 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 18 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around NOK 2,275.88 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from San Francisco to Washington DC by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from San Francisco to Washington DC will cost between NOK 2,805 and NOK 6,667. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from San Francisco to Washington DC by month

Ticket prices for the train from San Francisco 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 NOK 3,759. If you're thinking of traveling from San Francisco to Washington DC during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of NOK 5,694 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 Francisco to Washington DC on Wanderu at least 18 days ahead of time, you can save about NOK 2,275.88 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from San Francisco to Washington DC?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Francisco to Washington DC. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	1	76h 37m	NOK 4,307.58

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 is 1 Amtrak train from San Francisco to Washington DC every day, as well as 1 trip on the weekends, with prices starting from NOK 2,785.83.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Francisco to Washington DC

While the train is the main method of transportation from San Francisco to Washington DC, it will only take you part of the way there. Please note that part of your trip will be on a different vehicle, most commonly a bus or express shuttle.

Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. 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 transfer 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 Francisco. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from San Francisco to Washington DC for NOK 1,502.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between San Francisco and Washington DC is approximately 2,435 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 days, 4 hours, and 37 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 days, 2 hours, and 55 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.

Distance (mi)

2435

Distance (km)

3919

Most days, there is only one train which leaves San Francisco at 7:00 AM and arrives in Washington DC around 74 hours later.

First train

7:00am

Last train

7:15am

Trains from San Francisco to Washington DC are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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 traveling on Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Tuesday

Least crowded

Wednesday

City Information

San Francisco

Located in the heart of Northern California's Bay Area, San Francisco is a geographically small but culturally huge city known for its historic cable cars, active waterfront, and the eclectic mix of hippies and techies who call it home. While it might be one of the most expensive U.S. cities to live in, San Fran can actually be very cheap to visit, and there is no shortage of unique sights to see.

If the city's omnipresent fog (nicknamed “Karl the Fog” by locals) takes a break, the best views and Instagram photo ops of the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge are found in Golden Gate Park. Stroll through the oldest Chinatown in North America to find the perfect dim sum, or if you and your boo prefer a little Full House moment, try a romantic picnic at Alamo Square Park in front of the Victorian “Painted Ladies.” After all, San Francisco is one of the best vacation destinations for couples.

Since the city is condensed onto a small peninsula, exploring by bike is an efficient and scenic way to get around. When you’re ready to travel beyond city limits, San Francisco is a convenient hub for trips throughout Northern California. It's actually the first stop on Wanderu's West Coast Wine Tour, with the next stop, obviously, in Napa Valley. Whether traveling by bus, train, or through either of the two nearby airports, San Francisco is a can't-miss destination.

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 San Francisco?

Main departure station: San Francisco, California

Behind a modern curved façade lies San Francisco’s commuter hub, the Salesforce Transit Center. This gateway to downtown San Francisco and the entire Bay Area welcomes tens of thousands of passengers every day. Finding your way around is easy thanks to more than 270 digital displays with transit information. The Salesforce Transit Center serves as a bus station for Greyhound and Amtrak Thruway buses, as well as several public transit options for convenient connections. A standout feature of the Salesforce Transit Center is a public five-acre rooftop park which gives travelers an open space to relax. Rotating food trucks, cafés, carts, and pop-up retail make this a dynamic and vibrant destination in itself.

All train stations in San Francisco:

San Francisco, California

Where is the train station in Washington DC?

Main arrival station: Union Station

Washington, DC - Union Station - DCAUST-0

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

Need a return trip from Washington DC to San Francisco?

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