Cheap train tickets from Washington, DC to South Bend

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Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Washington DC to South Bend. Traveling by train from Washington DC to South Bend usually takes 21 hours and 10 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Floridian train can make the trip in 15 hours and 54 minutes.

Distance
522 mi (839 km)
Fastest train
15h 54m
Lowest price
$126.00
Trains per day
1
Most frequent service
Amtrak
Train lines
2

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Washington to South Bend Train Schedule

No preview is currently available. Please try another date or search the full schedule.

Is it better to travel by train or bus from Washington to South Bend?

There are usually 3 daily bus trips available from Washington, DC to South Bend.

Train
Bus
Avg. Price$225.00Avg. Price$109.63Cheaper
Daily Trips2Daily Trips3
Duration21h 10mDuration16h 59mFaster
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What is the price of a train ticket from Washington DC to South Bend?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Washington, DC to South Bend was $172.33. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 24 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $146.67 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to South Bend by travel date

$300$200$100AugSep

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Washington DC to South Bend will cost between $159 and $295. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to South Bend by month

$275$220$165$110$55JFMAMJJASOND

Ticket prices for the train from Washington DC to South Bend 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 $180. If you're thinking of traveling from Washington DC to South Bend during April, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $271 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in April, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$325$260$195$130$65010

By booking your train trip from Washington, DC to South Bend on Wanderu at least 24 days ahead of time, you can save about $146.67 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

What train companies travel from Washington to South Bend?

There are multiple trains that travel from Washington to South Bend, including Amtrak, Amtrak Floridian. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular train lines:

TRAINDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak224h 20m$266.17
Amtrak Floridian115h 54m$156.39
  • 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 South Bend every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $159.

    Amtrak train passing through mountains, offering affordable train tickets for scenic rail travel - WanderuModern Amtrak train at a station, providing cheap train travel and convenient Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak train speeding through scenic fall foliage, featuring cheap train tickets for long-distance trips - WanderuInterior view of a table in the dining car of an Amtrak train - WanderuInterior view of the dining car on an Amtrak train. Find affordable train tickets on - WanderuClean and spacious Amtrak bathroom, offering convenience and comfort for passengers during long train journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak power outlet for charging devices, providing convenience for passengers during affordable travel with cheap train tickets - WanderuComfortable Amtrak seats with ample legroom, ideal for relaxing during long journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuSpacious Amtrak seats with reclining options, offering comfort and convenience for passengers on affordable train travel - WanderuAmtrak viewing car seats with large windows, offering panoramic views and comfort for passengers enjoying scenic routes with affordable train tickets - Wanderu
  • Amtrak Floridian train tickets from Washington DC to South Bend start from $126, and on average cost $156.39. Daily there are 1 Amtrak Floridian schedules to South Bend. Amtrak Floridian in Washington, DC leaves from Union Station. And in South Bend trains arrive at 2702 W Washington St.

    From Washington DC to South Bend train travel on Amtrak Floridian takes 15 hours and 54 minutes. If you are looking to get to South Bend faster, Amtrak Floridian offers more express schedule options with a travel time of 15 hours and 54 minutes.

    If you are looking to travel to South Bend on a weekend there is typically one Amtrak Floridian scheduled trip per day, which will cost $126 for a one-way weekend reservation from Washington, DC.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Washington to South Bend

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. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Washington DC to South Bend for $75.

TRIPS PER DAY

2

DIRECT TRIPS

1

The distance between Washington DC and South Bend is approximately 522 miles, or 839 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 21 hours and 10 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 15 hours and 54 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)

522

DISTANCE (KM)

839

The earliest train departs Washington DC at 3:20am 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.

EARLIEST TRAIN

3:20am

LATEST TRAIN

3:57pm

Trains from Washington DC to South Bend 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

MOST CROWDED

Sunday

LEAST CROWDED

Tuesday

City Information

Washington, DC

DCA-0DCA-1DCA-2

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

South Bend, IN - SOB-0South Bend, IN - SOB-1South Bend, IN - SOB-2

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 does the train leave from in Washington?

Main departure 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:

  • Union Station

Where does the train arrive in South Bend?

Main arrival station: 2702 W Washington St

2702 W Washington St  - SOBAMT-02703 W Washington St  - SOBAMT-1

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

Need a return trip from South Bend to Washington?

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