South San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC train with Amtrak

Sat, Feb 14
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Amtrak
Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
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1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
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Ouigo
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from South San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC

Showing times and prices for Feb 17

Cheapest price

$533

Average price

$533

Fastest journey

3 d 1 h 45 m

Average duration

3 d 1 h 45 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

3922 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from South San Francisco, 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 South San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC will cost around $533 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $533.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave South San Francisco, CA for Washington, DC on Tue, Feb 17, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Tue, Feb 17 the direct trains cover the 3922 km distance in an average of 3 d 1 h 45 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 d 1 h 45 m .

On Tue, Feb 17 the slowest trains will take 3 d 1 h 45 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
03:25PM73h45
South San Francisco, CA
05:10PMWashington, DC
$5331One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

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

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from South San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from €105. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 15m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of €105, and a train costs an average of €245.

Distance: 2437 miles (3922 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Bus

€592

Average price

€213

Average price

Cheapest

€244

Average price

70h 21m

Average total duration

69h 51m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

8h 15m

Average total duration

Fastest

5h 15m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

73h 55m

Average total duration

73h 25m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

South San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC train times

The table below shows live departures for South San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC trains for today, Monday, February 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 12:40 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak3:25 PM South San Francisco, CA
73h40
5:05 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 South San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC by bus, train, or flight

Compare bus, 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.

Tue
Feb 17
Wed
Feb 18
Thu
Feb 19
Fri
Feb 20
Sat
Feb 21
Sun
Feb 22
Mon
Feb 23

Journey information

Overview: Train from South San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC

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Icon of train

Trains from South San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC run on average 7 times per day, taking around 69h 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $310 (€245) but you can travel from only $133 (€105) by flight.

The earliest train runs at 06:55, the last at 18:30. The fastest train covers the 2437 miles (3922 km) distance in 73h 45m.

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 $133 (€105)
Distance
2437 miles (3922 km)
Average train duration
69h 51m
Cheapest ticket price
$310 (€245)
Trains per day
7
Fastest train
73h 45m
First train
06:55
Last train
18:30
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 $133 (€105)

Train companies: Amtrak from South San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC trainsAmtrak trains will get you between South San Francisco, CA and Washington, DC from $133 (€105). 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
73h 40m
Cheapest Price
$309 (€244)
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 South San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from South San Francisco, 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
Train ticket prices from South San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $310 (€245), while the average price is around $748 (€592).
The train from South San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC takes 73h 45m and runs 7 per day.
The distance by train from South San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC is 2437 miles (3922 km).
The first train from South San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC leaves at 6:55 AM.
The last train from South San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC leaves at 6:30 PM.
There is no high speed train available from South San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC.
There is no direct train service currently available from South San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from South San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC.
The train station in South San Francisco, CA that goes to Washington, DC is Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA, which connects to Washington Union Station, Washington, DC.
The cheapest way to get from South San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC is by flight, with a cost of around $133 (€105).
The train journey from South San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC offers diverse scenery, including the picturesque landscapes of the Sierra Nevada, the expansive Great Plains, and the historical sites along the East Coast, providing a varied and scenic travel experience.
A day trip from South San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC is not feasible as the journey takes 73h 45m and covers 2437 miles (3922 km). There are 7 trains 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.
To explore Washington, DC's main attractions such as the National Mall, museums, and monuments, a stay of three to four days is recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from South San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from South San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC

South San Francisco
Washington
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00
  • Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
2 km
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free Wi-Fi in the station courtesy of Amtrak.
Lockers
Lockers
  • Amtrak provides temporary luggage storage for $10 per bag for 24 hours for customers holding Amtrak tickets.
Dining
Dining
  • 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
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, escalators, wheelchair access. Accessible facilities including restrooms, parking, platforms, ticket office, waiting room.
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hyatt Recency Washington On Capitol Hill
  • Phoenix Park Hotel
  • Kimpton George Hotel
Ticket Office
Ticket Office
  • Mon - Fri: 04:30 - 22:00
  • Sat - Sun: 05:00 - 22:00
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located on the train concourse of Level G near the Amtrak Waiting Area.
Public transit options for Union Station
  • 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

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

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

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Washington, DCSouth San Francisco, CA to Washington, DC train

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