The cheapest and fastest trains from San Diego, CA to Washington, DC
Cheapest price
$517
Average price
$618
Fastest journey
2 d 20 h
Average duration
3 d 2 h 41 m
Trains per day
6
Distance
3653 km
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 $618 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $517.
It's difficult to get from San Diego, CA to Washington, DC without transferring at least 2 times.
581 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief · 50 Cardinal
581 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief · 50 Cardinal
581 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief · 41 Floridian
581 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief · 41 Floridian
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK · 6 California Zephyr · 41 Floridian
581 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief · 41 Floridian
581 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief · 41 Floridian
581 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief · 50 Cardinal
581 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief · 50 Cardinal
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK · 6 California Zephyr · 41 FloridianTravel 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 flight with prices starting from $111. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 58m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $111, and a train costs an average of $284.
Distance: 2269 miles (3653 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$502 Average price | $260 Average price Cheapest | $357 Average price |
62h 43m Average total duration 62h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 58m Average total duration Fastest 5h 58m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 65h 56m Average total duration 65h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() 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, Wednesday, February 25. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
581 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief · 41 Floridian | 10:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 68h09 | 6:10 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2 transfers | |
581 Pacific Surfliner · 4 Southwest Chief · 41 Floridian | 10:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 68h00 | 6:10 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2 transfers | |
| Thursday, February 26 | |||||
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK · 6 California Zephyr · 50 Cardinal | 12:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 95h43 | 11:44 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3 transfers | |
785 Pacific Surfliner · 422 Texas Eagle · 50 Cardinal | 12:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 95h43 | 11:44 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2 transfers | |
785 Pacific Surfliner · 422 Texas Eagle · 41 Floridian | 12:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 90h09 | 6:10 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2 transfers | |
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK · 6 California Zephyr · 41 Floridian | 12:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 90h09 | 6:10 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3 transfers | |
785 Pacific Surfliner · 422 Texas Eagle · 50 Cardinal | 12:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 95h34 | 11:44 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2 transfers | |
785 Pacific Surfliner · 422 Texas Eagle · 41 Floridian | 12:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 90h00 | 6:10 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 2 transfers | |
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK · 6 California Zephyr · 50 Cardinal | 12:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 95h34 | 11:44 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3 transfers | |
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK · 6 California Zephyr · 41 Floridian | 12:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 90h00 | 6:10 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 3 transfers | |
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.
Feb 26
Feb 27
Feb 28
Mar 01
Mar 02
Mar 03
Mar 04
Journey information
Overview: Train from San Diego, CA to Washington, DC
Trains from San Diego, CA to Washington, DC run on average 7 times per day, taking around 62h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $284 (€226) but you can travel from only $111 (€89) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 10:32, the last at 16:40. The fastest train covers the 2269 miles (3653 km) distance in 68h 4m.
Distance 2269 miles (3653 km) |
Average train duration 62h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $284 (€226) |
Trains per day 7 |
Fastest train 68h 4m |
First train 10:32 |
Last train 16:40 |
Train companies: Amtrak from San Diego, CA to Washington, DC trainsAmtrak trains will get you between San Diego, CA and Washington, DC from $111 (€89). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from San Diego, CA to Washington, DC
- 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available nearby with various public and private options.
- The Fish Market
- Karl Strauss Brewing Company
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- $1.25
- The Westin San Diego
- The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
- Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
- Hall 2: Trolley connections
- San Diego Trolley: Blue Line, Green Line
- Bus: Several lines available
- Amtrak: Pacific Surfliner
- 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available with several spaces for commuters and visitors.
- Casa Guadalajara
- Old Town Mexican Cafe
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- $0.25
- Old Town Inn
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town
- Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
- Hall 2: Trolley connections
- Trolley: Green Line
- Bus: Several lines available including 8, 9, 10, 28, 30, 35, 44, 88, 105, 150, 923, 928
- Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00
- Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00
- Free Wi-Fi in the station courtesy of Amtrak.
- Amtrak provides temporary luggage storage for $10 per bag for 24 hours for customers holding Amtrak tickets.
- Shake Shack
- McDonald’s
- Starbucks
- Potbelly Sandwich Shop
- Chopt Creative Salad Co.
- Chipotle Mexican Grill
- Thunder Grill
- Johnny Rockets
- Jamba Juice
- Ladurée Union Station
- & many more
- Elevators, escalators, wheelchair access. Accessible facilities including restrooms, parking, platforms, ticket office, waiting room.
- Hyatt Recency Washington On Capitol Hill
- Phoenix Park Hotel
- Kimpton George Hotel
- Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00
- Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00
- Located on the train concourse of Level G near the Amtrak Waiting Area.
- Metro lines: Red
- Bus lines: D6, D8, 80, 96,
- Train lines: Acela, Capitol Limited, Cardinal, Carolinian, Crescent, Fredericksburg Line, MARC Brunswick, MARC Camden, MARC Penn, Manassas Line, Northeast Regional, Palmetto, Silver Service/Palmetto, Vermonter
Most popular train connections from San Diego, CA
More options for your journey from San Diego, CA to Washington, DC
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need


