Cheap train tickets from San Jose to Washington, DC
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Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from San Jose to Washington DC. Traveling by train from San Jose to Washington DC usually takes 78 hours and 48 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 75 hours and 52 minutes.
| Distance | 2415 mi (3887 km) |
| Fastest train | 75h 52m |
| Lowest price | $501.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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San Jose to Washington Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from San Jose to Washington?
There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from San Jose to Washington, DC.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$571.95 | Avg. Price$334.81Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips3 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration78h 48mFaster | Duration79h 6m |
There are several train options that can take you from San Jose to Washington:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from San Jose to Washington DC?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from San Jose to Washington, DC was $506.00. 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 27 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $172.88 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 $433 and $612. 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 $416. If you're thinking of traveling from San Jose to Washington DC during May, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $584 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in May, 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 27 days ahead of time, you can save about $172.88 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from San Jose to Washington?
There are multiple trains that travel from San Jose to Washington, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 78h 48m | $571.95 |
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 3 Amtrak trains from San Jose to Washington, DC every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $455.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Jose to Washington
There are 3 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 San Jose. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from San Jose to Washington DC for $189.
TRIPS PER DAY
3
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between San Jose and Washington DC is approximately 2415 miles, or 3887 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 78 hours and 48 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 75 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 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)
2415
DISTANCE (KM)
3887
The earliest train departs San Jose at 4:30am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:18am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
4:30am
LATEST TRAIN
6:18am
Trains from San Jose 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Tuesday
LEAST CROWDED
Sunday
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 center.
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 bus 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 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 does the train leave from 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 transportation 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 bus transit on Amtrak Thruway and Greyhound buses. With paid parking onsite, bicycle racks, and accessible entrances, travelers 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 does the train arrive in Washington?
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:
- Union Station
Need a return trip from Washington to San Jose?
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