- Must visit
Smithsonian National Museum of Natural History
One of the world’s most visited natural history museums, known for dinosaur fossils, the Hope Diamond, and broad family-friendly exhibits.
Cheapest price
$152
Average price
$191
Fastest journey
16 h 45 m
Average duration
19 h 27 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
1188 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Sanford, FL 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 Sanford, FL to Washington, DC will cost around $191 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $152.
Of the 2 trains that leave Sanford, FL for Washington, DC on Thu, Jul 09, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 09 the direct trains cover the 1188 km distance in an average of 19 h 27 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 16 h 45 m .
On Thu, Jul 09 the slowest trains will take 22 h 8 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.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Sanford, FL to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $30. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 33m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $30, and a train costs an average of $101.
Distance: 738 miles (1188 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$205 Average price | $205 Average price Cheapest | $166 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
18h 43m Average total duration 18h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 33m Average total duration Fastest 4h 33m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 11h 57m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Sanford, FL to Washington, DC:
A flight is $0.38 (€0.31) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Sanford, FL to Washington, DC costing on average $205 (€169).
Other travel options to Washington, DC take longer:
Train takes on average 18h 13m.
Tickets start at around $205 (€169) compared to roughly $166 (€137) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-39.03 (€-32.14). The journey takes 18h 13m versus 11h 57m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Sanford, FL to Washington, DC trains for today, Wednesday, July 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:40 PM Sanford, FL | 16h45 | 11:25 AM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 11:49 PM Sanford, FL | 22h08 | 9:57 PM Washington, DC | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train 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.
Trains from Sanford, FL to Washington, DC run on average 6 times per day, taking around 18h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $101 (€83) but you can travel from only $30 (€25) by flight.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 12:36, the last at 19:49. The fastest train covers the 738 miles (1188 km) distance in 16h 45m.
Distance 738 miles (1188 km) |
Average train duration 18h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $101 (€83) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 16h 45m |
First train 12:36 PM |
Last train 7:49 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 3 days |
Discover the best of Washington — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Washington trip today.
One of the world’s most visited natural history museums, known for dinosaur fossils, the Hope Diamond, and broad family-friendly exhibits.
Flagship Smithsonian museum covering aviation and spaceflight, with iconic aircraft, spacecraft, and major interactive exhibits.
Premier art museum with strong collections from the Middle Ages to modern art, plus sculpture garden and rotating exhibitions.
The city’s grand ceremonial park lined with Smithsonian museums, memorials, and iconic government buildings.
Historic neighborhood of cobblestone streets, waterfront walks, rowhouses, and some of Washington’s most photogenic corners.
Scenic waterside loop famous for cherry blossoms and views of major memorials, especially popular for sunrise and spring visits.
Washington’s signature sausage, usually smoky and spicy, served on a bun with chili, mustard, and onions. It is one of the city’s most iconic street foods.
A sweet-tangy sauce closely associated with Washington carryout culture, often paired with fried chicken wings and fries. It is a local comfort-food staple.
Steamed or picked blue crab from the nearby Chesapeake region is deeply tied to local food traditions. It is especially popular in warmer months.
Celebrated upscale restaurant with creative small plates and a warm, energetic atmosphere. It is one of Washington’s best-known modern dining destinations.
A classic, long-running Washington institution known for oysters, crab cakes, and traditional American fare in an elegant historic atmosphere.
Bustling brasserie known for polished French classics, strong brunch, and a stylish dining room that is popular with both locals and visitors.
Prices are high for hotels and dining, especially downtown. Free museums help balance daily costs.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants. USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5.
Official public transport app
Union Station, Washington, DC -> Metro Center, Washington, DC
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sanford, FL 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.

Most Sanford, FL to Washington, DC trains use the DeLand Station to Union Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Sanford, FL and Washington, DC train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Union Station is 2 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, and Information Desk.
Food options include: 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
Free Wi-Fi in the station courtesy of Amtrak. ATMs are there are 2 ATM machines located on Level G.
The ticket office is open Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00, Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00. Information desks are located on the train concourse of Level G near the Amtrak Waiting Area.
Luggage storage is amtrak provides temporary luggage storage for $10 per bag for 24 hours for customers holding Amtrak tickets.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, escalators, wheelchair access. Accessible facilities including restrooms, parking, platforms, ticket office, waiting room.
Nearby hotels include Hyatt Recency Washington On Capitol Hill, Phoenix Park Hotel, Kimpton George Hotel.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need