Cheap train tickets from Washington DC to Sacramento
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Washington DC to Sacramento. Traveling by train from Washington DC to Sacramento usually takes 75 hours and 57 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 74 hours and 8 minutes.
| Distance | 2372 mi (3817 km) |
| Fastest train | 74h 8m |
| Lowest price | $461.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Washington DC to Sacramento Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Washington, DC to Sacramento?
There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Washington, DC to Sacramento.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$1,236.13 | Avg. Price$407.30Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration75h 57mFaster | Duration78h 47m |
There are several train options that can take you from Washington DC to Sacramento:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Washington DC to Sacramento?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Washington, DC to Sacramento was $521.00. Considering the distance between Washington DC and Sacramento, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $1,949.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to Sacramento by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Washington DC to Sacramento will cost between $386 and $606. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to Sacramento by month
Ticket prices for the train from Washington DC to Sacramento often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in September when the average ticket price is only $532. If you're thinking of traveling from Washington DC to Sacramento during March, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $916 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in March, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Washington, DC to Sacramento on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $1,949.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Washington DC to Sacramento?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Washington, DC to Sacramento. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 75h 57m | $1,236.13 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Washington, DC to Sacramento every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $461.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Washington DC to Sacramento
Trains leave the station in Washington DC 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 Sacramento to Washington DC. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Washington DC to Sacramento for $194.
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
0
The distance between Washington DC and Sacramento is approximately 2372 miles, or 3817 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 75 hours and 57 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 74 hours and 8 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)
2372
Distance (km)
3817
The earliest train departs Washington DC at 10:35am while the last train of the day leaves at 3:57pm. 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
10:35am
Last train
3:57pm
Trains from Washington DC to Sacramento are the most crowded on Sunday. 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Sunday
Least crowded
Monday
City Information
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.
Sacramento
As the long-held capital city of California, Sacramento has a rich and vibrant history that is reflected in its historic buildings and quarters. The Old Sacramento Waterfront quarter is the best place to explore the city’s rich heritage. Boasting ages-old constructions and a quaint vibe that is reminiscent of the Wild West, the area allows visitors to travel back in time and relive the Gold Rush era. Among the most interesting destinations in the area is the California State Museum, located at the northern edge of the quarter. It offers numerous restored locomotives as well as exhibitions on the United States’ westward expansion. If history is not really your thing, then the Midtown quarter, which boasts a vibrant and expanding art scene, will be a great alternative.
Sacramento is famous for its vast tracts of farmland, so it makes sense that the best dishes are the ones made from locally-grown produce. Among the best places to try out homemade dishes are The Firehouse and The Kitchen. For a bit of an Asian taste, visit Mikuni in Midtown Sacramento.
The busiest bus station in Sacramento is located right in the heart of the city and offers bus service to Portland, Reno, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, among many other places. The main Amtrak train station is the nearby Sacramento Valley Station, which also serves the Gold Line of the local transit light rail. The principal regional airport is the Sacramento International Airport, located 10 miles northwest of Downtown.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Washington DC?
Main departure 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
Where is the train station in Sacramento?
Main arrival station: Valley Station - 401 I St
Sacramento Valley Station is the second busiest transport hub in California and is used by more than one million people every year. Originally constructed in 1926, it now serves as a major center for Amtrak trains traveling within California, northwards along the West Coast, and eastwards into the American Southwest. The station also falls along four Amtrak Thruway bus routes and operates as the western terminus for the Sacramento Light Rail network. Located between Old Sacramento and Downtown, the station is within walking distance of several Gold-Rush era historical monuments as well as an ultra-modern retail district filled with shops and restaurants.
All train stations in Sacramento:
- Valley Station - 401 I St
Need a return trip from Sacramento to Washington DC?
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