San Diego, CA to Washington, DC train with Amtrak

Thu, Nov 27
+ Add return
Amtrak
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Deutsche Bahn
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Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
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1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from San Diego, CA to Washington, DC

Showing times and prices for Nov 28

Cheapest price

$398

Average price

$404

Fastest journey

2 d 20 h 9 m

Average duration

3 d 7 h 2 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

3653 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Diego, CA to Washington, DC is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from San Diego, CA to Washington, DC will cost around $404 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $398.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave San Diego, CA for Washington, DC on Fri, Nov 28, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Fri, Nov 28 the direct trains cover the 3653 km distance in an average of 3 d 7 h 2 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 d 20 h 9 m .

On Fri, Nov 28 the slowest trains will take 3 d 17 h 55 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

Amtrak
09:01PM68h09
San Diego, CA
05:10PMWashington, DC
$3981One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak
11:10PM89h55
San Diego, CA
05:05PMWashington, DC
$4111One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for San Diego, CA to Washington, DC

Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €116. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 1m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €116, and a train costs an average of €257.

Distance: 2269 miles (3653 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Flight
Bus

€375

Average price

€215

Average price

€188

Average price

Cheapest

62h 42m

Average total duration

62h 12m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

9h 1m

Average total duration

Fastest

6h 1m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

65h 56m

Average total duration

65h 26m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Amtrak

Most popular train company

Alaska Airlines

Most popular airline

Greyhound

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

San Diego, CA to Washington, DC train times

The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Washington, DC trains for today, Thursday, November 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 2:07 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak9:01 PM San Diego, CA
73h43
10:44 PM Washington, DC0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets San Diego, CA to Washington, DC by train, bus, or flight

Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Fri
Nov 28
Sat
Nov 29
Sun
Nov 30
Mon
Dec 01
Tue
Dec 02
Wed
Dec 03
Thu
Dec 04

Why should you book San Diego to Washington trains with Omio?

Amtrak operates all train services from San Diego to Washington. Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets.

Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?

  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Amtrak with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from San Diego to Washington.

Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?

Multiple modes of transport
  • Official reseller: Amtrak tickets can only be bought on Omio or Amtrak's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Amtrak tickets as they are not official sellers.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from San Diego to Washington.

Journey information

Overview: Train from San Diego, CA to Washington, DC

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from San Diego, CA to Washington, DC run on average 6 times per day, taking around 62h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $318 (€257) but you can travel from only $129 (€104) by flight.

The earliest train runs at 10:59, the last at 16:40. The fastest train covers the 2269 miles (3653 km) distance in 68h 9m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $129 (€104)
Distance
2269 miles (3653 km)
Average train duration
62h 12m
Cheapest ticket price
$318 (€257)
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
68h 9m
First train
10:59
Last train
16:40
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $129 (€104)

Train companies: Amtrak from San Diego, CA to Washington, DC trainsAmtrak trains will get you between San Diego, CA and Washington, DC from $129 (€104). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
68h 9m
Cheapest Price
$355 (€287)
Amtrak frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from San Diego, CA to Washington, DC

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, CA to Washington, DC by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Washington, DC, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
A day trip from San Diego, CA to Washington, DC is not feasible as the journey duration is 68h 9m, far exceeding the 120-minute limit. The distance is 2269 miles (3653 km). There are 6 trips per day for trains.
To explore Washington, DC's main attractions such as the National Mall, museums, and monuments, a stay of three to four days is recommended.
The train from San Diego, CA to Washington, DC takes 68h 9m and runs 6 per day.
In Washington, DC, you can discover the National Gallery of Art, stroll through the historic Georgetown neighborhood, visit the world's largest library at the Library of Congress, explore the vibrant Eastern Market, and enjoy a performance at the Kennedy Center. Key sights include the National Mall, the White House, the United States Capitol, the Smithsonian Institution, and the Lincoln Memorial.
The train journey from San Diego, CA to Washington, DC offers diverse scenery, including coastal views, desert landscapes, and lush forests as it crosses the country.
Train ticket prices from San Diego, CA to Washington, DC can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $318 (€257), while the average price is around $464 (€375).
The last train from San Diego, CA to Washington, DC leaves at 4:40 PM.
The distance by train from San Diego, CA to Washington, DC is 2269 miles (3653 km).
The cheapest way to get from San Diego, CA to Washington, DC is by flight, with a cost of around $129 (€104).
The train station in San Diego, CA that goes to Washington, DC is Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA, which connects to Washington Union Station, Washington, DC.
There is no direct train service currently available from San Diego, CA to Washington, DC.
The first train from San Diego, CA to Washington, DC leaves at 10:59 AM.
There is no high speed train available from San Diego, CA to Washington, DC.
Yes, you can take the train from San Diego, CA to Washington, DC.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from San Diego, CA to Washington, DC.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from San Diego, CA to Washington, DC

San Diego
Washington
The major train station for departures in San Diego is Santa Fe Depot. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Santa Fe Depot for your trip from San Diego to Washington.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
6
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available nearby with various public and private options.
Dining
Dining
  • The Fish Market
  • Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps.
WC
WC
  • $1.25
Hotel
Hotel
  • The Westin San Diego
  • The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
  • Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Enterprise
  • Hertz
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
  • Hall 2: Trolley connections
Public transit options for Santa Fe Depot
  • San Diego Trolley: Blue Line, Green Line
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • Amtrak: Pacific Surfliner
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
5 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
2
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available with several spaces for commuters and visitors.
Dining
Dining
  • Casa Guadalajara
  • Old Town Mexican Cafe
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps.
WC
WC
  • $0.25
Hotel
Hotel
  • Old Town Inn
  • Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town
  • Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Enterprise
  • Hertz
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
  • Hall 2: Trolley connections
Public transit options for Old Town Station
  • Trolley: Green Line
  • Bus: Several lines available including 8, 9, 10, 28, 30, 35, 44, 88, 105, 150, 923, 928

More options for your journey from San Diego, CA to Washington, DC

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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