Cheap train tickets from Washington, DC to San Diego
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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Washington DC to San Diego. Traveling by train from Washington DC to San Diego usually takes 75 hours and 24 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 75 hours and 17 minutes.
| Distance | 2270 mi (3653 km) |
| Fastest train | 75h 17m |
| Lowest price | $444.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Washington to San Diego Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by train or bus from Washington to San Diego?
There are usually 4 daily bus trips available from Washington, DC to San Diego.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$627.54 | Avg. Price$408.02Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips4 |
Duration | Duration75h 24mFaster | Duration78h 29m |
There are several train options that can take you from Washington to San Diego:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Washington DC to San Diego?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Washington, DC to San Diego was $444.00. Considering the distance between Washington DC and San Diego, 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 $611.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to San Diego by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Washington DC to San Diego will cost between $329 and $592. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to San Diego by month
Ticket prices for the train from Washington DC to San Diego 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 $421. If you're thinking of traveling from Washington DC to San Diego during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $611 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Washington, DC to San Diego on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $611.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Washington to San Diego?
There are multiple trains that travel from Washington to San Diego, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 75h 24m | $627.54 |
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Washington to San Diego
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 San Diego to Washington DC. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Washington DC to San Diego for $178.
TRIPS PER DAY
1
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between Washington DC and San Diego is approximately 2270 miles, or 3653 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 75 hours and 24 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 75 hours and 17 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)
2270
DISTANCE (KM)
3653
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Washington DC at 10:35am and arrives in San Diego around 75 hours later.
EARLIEST TRAIN
10:35am
LATEST TRAIN
10:35am
Trains from Washington DC to San Diego are the most crowded on Thursday. 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Thursday
LEAST CROWDED
Tuesday
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.
San Diego
San Diego is known as "America's Finest City" for its sunny weather, white-sand beaches, and dazzling attractions from Belmont Park to SeaWorld. San Diego's 70 miles of pristine beaches include such gems as Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, La Jolla Cove, and Coronado Beach. The city's strong surfing culture may even inspire you to rent a surfboard and catch the epic waves, bro.
Visitors can spend days getting lost in Balboa Park, a 1,200-acre cultural hub which features 16 museums, immaculate gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. The historic heart of the city, Old Town, showcases San Diego's heritage and ties to Mexican culture, while other sights like the USS Midway pay tribute to the city's military and maritime history. Leave time for some evening exploring, too! San Diego is rated the #1 best city for craft beer in America, so don't miss out on the bars in the Gaslamp Quarter: 16 walkable blocks packed with nightlife and young crowds.
Two airports, as well as many bus and train options, mean it is easy to get to San Diego from afar or from nearby cities like Tijuana, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.
Station Information
Where does the train leave from in Washington?
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:
- Union Station
Where does the train arrive in San Diego?
Main arrival station: Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd
The Santa Fe Depot is the main train station in San Diego and one of the end points of the Pacific Surfliner, the only Amtrak train line that serves the city. The station is also used by the Green Line of the San Diego Trolley light rail transit service and the COASTER commuter rail service that connects the city with the central and northern coastal regions of San Diego County. Opened in 1915, the Santa Fe Depot is famous for its Spanish Colonial Revival Style architecture and grand interior space that features natural redwood beam ceilings and ceramic details. The train station is located in the heart of Downtown San Diego, making it easy to reach from all parts of the city.
All train stations in San Diego:
- Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd
- 4005 Taylor St
Need a return trip from San Diego to Washington?
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