Cheap train tickets from Washington, DC to San Antonio

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Trip Summary

There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Washington DC to San Antonio. Traveling by train from Washington DC to San Antonio usually takes 57 hours and 27 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 54 hours and 35 minutes.

Distance
1386 mi (2230 km)
Fastest train
54h 35m
Lowest price
$249.00
Trains per day
0
Most frequent service
Amtrak
Train lines
1

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Washington to San Antonio Train Schedule

Is it better to travel by train or bus from Washington to San Antonio?

There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Washington, DC to San Antonio.

Train
Bus
Avg. Price$503.77Avg. Price$254.74Cheaper
Daily Trips3Daily Trips2
Duration57h 27mDuration40h 1mFaster
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What is the price of a train ticket from Washington DC to San Antonio?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Washington, DC to San Antonio was $343.93. Considering the distance between Washington DC and San Antonio, 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 $506.42 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to San Antonio by travel date

$1485$990$495AugSep

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Washington DC to San Antonio will cost between $300 and $1471. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Washington DC to San Antonio by month

$675$540$405$270$135JFMAMJJASOND

Ticket prices for the train from Washington DC to San Antonio 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 $368. If you're thinking of traveling from Washington DC to San Antonio during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $652 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$850$680$510$340$17001020

By booking your train trip from Washington, DC to San Antonio on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $506.42 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

What train companies travel from Washington to San Antonio?

There are multiple trains that travel from Washington to San Antonio, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:

TRAINDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak357h 27m$503.77
  • 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 Washington, DC to San Antonio every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $249.

    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

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Washington to San Antonio

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 San Antonio to Washington DC. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Washington DC to San Antonio for $143.

TRIPS PER DAY

3

DIRECT TRIPS

0

The distance between Washington DC and San Antonio is approximately 1386 miles, or 2230 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 57 hours and 27 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 54 hours and 35 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)

1386

DISTANCE (KM)

2230

The earliest train departs Washington DC at 10:35am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:30pm. 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

10:35am

LATEST TRAIN

6:30pm

Trains from Washington DC to San Antonio are the most crowded on Monday. 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

Monday

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.

San Antonio

San Antonio, TX - SAT-0San Antonio, TX - SAT-1San Antonio, TX - SAT-2

San Antonio is a fast-growing city located in the southwest corner of the Texas Triangle. In addition to the alluring year-round warm weather, San Antonio offers a blend of rich history with contemporary attractions and cuisine.

If there's one thing to remember from your trip to San Antonio, it’s the Alamo! This 18th century fortress is one of five Spanish missions in the San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, all of which are connected by a scenic hiking and biking trail. If history isn't your thing, the River Walk along the San Antonio River is a much livelier spot. This shaded path is lined with shops and restaurants, and you could spend an entire day strolling, shopping, and eating along the river. Don't sleep on the riverside bars, either – San Antonio is one of the cheapest drinking cities in the U.S. so you can bar-hop to your heart’s (and your wallet’s) delight.

Traveling with little ones? San Antonio is home to the San Antonio Zoo, SeaWorld, and Six Flags Fiesta Texas, any one of which will provide a thrilling adventure with no screen time required. Visitors of all ages will find treasures at Historic Market Square, the largest Mexican market in the U.S., where handcrafted art from local artisans is available alongside authentic Mexican food.

San Antonio is one of the biggest cities in the Lone Star State, so it is very easy to travel to other Texas destinations like Austin, Houston, and Dallas by bus or by train, or to destinations farther afield through the San Antonio International Airport.

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 San Antonio?

Main arrival station: 350 Hoefgen St

350 Hoefgen St - SATAMT-0

The San Antonio Amtrak Station is adjacent to the city’s vibrant downtown, nestled between the Alamodome sports complex and the historic Sunset Station where train service began in 1902. Amtrak operations moved to its new home at 350 Hoefgen Ave in 1998, where passengers can board the Texas Eagle to travel to Chicago, or connect to the Sunset Limited heading to Los Angeles. The stuccoed, Spanish Mission Revival style station is fully accessible, and offers comfortable seating as well as restrooms available in the waiting room. Two of San Antonio’s most popular attractions, the bustling Riverwalk and the historic Alamo, cannot be missed and luckily are within just 1 mile of the station.

All train stations in San Antonio:

  • 350 Hoefgen St

Need a return trip from San Antonio to Washington?

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