Cheap train tickets from Washington DC to South Bend
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Is it better to travel by bus or train from Washington to South Bend?
There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Washington to South Bend.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$118.31 | Avg. Price$198.95 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration19h 47m | Duration19h 28m |
Trip Summary
2 trains operate daily from Washington DC to South Bend. The train trip from Washington DC to South Bend is usually about 19 hours and 24 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 15 hours and 46 minutes.
| Distance | 522 mi (840 km) |
| Fastest train | 15h 46m |
| Lowest price | $116.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Washington DC to South Bend?
Over the past month, a train ticket between Washington and South Bend cost $166.86, on average. Since this route covers a considerable distance, tickets are typically a bit pricier than most train fares. Booking your trip at least 26 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $0.86 more.
Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to South Bend by month
Prices as travel date approaches
Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Washington to South Bend. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 26 days before departure, you can save around $0.86. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!
Which train should you take from Washington DC to South Bend?
2 train services operate from Washington to South Bend. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 2 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 19h 29m | $247.18 |
| Amtrak Capitol Limited | 1 | 15h 47m | $121.00 |
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 to South Bend every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $116.
Passing through seven states, 16 cities, and various National Parks, Amtrak Capitol Limited connects Washington D.C. and Chicago, on 750 miles of railroad. Taking over 17 hours for a complete trip, these trains offer various overnight accommodations and feature panoramic observation cars where passengers can enjoy exceptional scenery. The trains include various options for food; however, WiFi connectivity is not available onboard due to the rural nature of the route.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Washington DC to South Bend
The distance between Washington DC and South Bend is approximately 522 miles, or 840 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 19 hours and 24 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 15 hours and 46 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.
Trains departing from Washington DC to South Bend tend to have the most passengers on Monday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Monday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Thursday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Washington DC at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 4:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Washington DC twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to South Bend faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip.
You can also take a train for your return trip from South Bend to Washington DC.
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.
South Bend
Image credit: Pixabay
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
South Bend is quite a small city in Indiana, but this town offers plenty of beautiful landmarks and outdoor activities that will keep you captivated. When visiting South Bend, don't miss the Century Center, which not only hosts some of the best exhibitions in town but also boasts a great view towards the nearby St Joseph River, making it a particularly photogenic spot. The North/South Continental Divide is one particular point of interest, just a bit further down the US 20 bypass. Immerse yourself in nature at Shiojiri Niwa, a Japanese garden with more than twenty different large plants.
Though a small town, South Bend still has plenty of great dining options on its plate. For the best locally sourced burgers and a killer view of the river, check out Oaken Bucket Restaurant. If you can splurge a little bit, LaSalle Grill offers some of the finest dishes in town!
South Bend is a convenient location to reach from anywhere in the Midwest, with several bus stations in the city and Amtrak service stopping at a station close to downtown. In addition, South Bend International Airport is very close to the city and offers flights to domestic and international destinations.
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 South Bend?
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: 2702 W Washington St
The South Bend Amtrak Station opened more than 50 years ago. In 1970, the Chicago South Shore and South Bend Railroad constructed the station, and South Shore Line was the main rail provider until 1992. Located in the cultural hub of "Michiana," the station is near the Notre Dame University campus. Today, the South Bend Station is served by Amtrak's Lake Shore Limited and Capitol Limited lines, connecting South Bend with New York City, Boston, Chicago, and Washington, D.C. The practical one-story concrete block station is painted a vivid, deep blue. Passengers can wait for trains on the spacious porch beside the tracks. A small shelter is also accessible on the adjacent platform.
All train stations in South Bend:
2702 W Washington St
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