4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA
Cheapest price
$485
Average price
$656
Fastest journey
2 d 19 h
Average duration
3 d 5 h 58 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
3692 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA will cost around $656 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $485.
It's difficult to get from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA without transferring at least once.
40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief3:57 PM67h00Washington Union Station, Washington, DC7:57 AMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA$4851One-way1 transfer- 40 Floridian · 421 Texas Eagle3:57 PM88h38Washington Union Station, Washington, DC5:35 AMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA$5901One-way1 transfer
- 98 Silver Meteor · 49 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief7:10 AM75h47Washington Union Station, Washington, DC7:57 AMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA$7131One-way2 transfers
- 19 Crescent · 1 Sunset Limited6:30 PM86h05Washington Union Station, Washington, DC5:35 AMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA$7301One-way1 transfer
- 174 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief10:35 AM72h22Washington Union Station, Washington, DC7:57 AMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA$7611One-way2 transfers
- 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief3:57 PM67h00Washington Union Station, Washington, DC7:57 AMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA$4851One-way1 transfer
- 174 Northeast Regional · 49 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief10:35 AM72h22Washington Union Station, Washington, DC7:57 AMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA$7611One-way2 transfers
- 98 Silver Meteor · 49 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief7:10 AM75h47Washington Union Station, Washington, DC7:57 AMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA$7131One-way2 transfers
- 19 Crescent · 1 Sunset Limited6:30 PM86h05Washington Union Station, Washington, DC5:35 AMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA$7301One-way1 transfer
- 40 Floridian · 421 Texas Eagle3:57 PM88h38Washington Union Station, Washington, DC5:35 AMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA$5901One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $120. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 11m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 1.1 - 3.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $120, and a train costs an average of $247.
Distance: 2294 miles (3692 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$798 Average price | $312 Average price Cheapest | $434 Average price | $552 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
65h 44m Average total duration 65h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 11m Average total duration Fastest 6h 11m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 57h 42m Average total duration 57h 12m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 38h 51m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
1.1 - 3.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 11.1 - 22.2kg CO2 emissions | 3.7 - 9.2kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Most popular train company |  Most popular airline |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA:
A flight is $121 (€98) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA costing on average $434 (€350).
A flight is $486 (€392) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA costing on average $798 (€645).
Other travel options to Los Angeles, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 57h 12m.
Train takes on average 65h 14m.
Tickets start at around $798 (€645) compared to roughly $552 (€446) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-245.87 (€-198.56). The journey takes 65h 14m versus 38h 51m 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.
Live departures
Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA trains for today, Sunday, May 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 98 Silver Meteor · 49 Lake Shore Limited · 3 Southwest Chief | 7:09 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 75h48 | 7:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2 transfers | |
| 51 Cardinal · 3 Southwest Chief | 11:39 AM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 71h18 | 7:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1 transfer | |
| 40 Floridian · 3 Southwest Chief | 3:57 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 67h00 | 7:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA
USAUSA
Trains from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 65h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $247 (€200) but you can travel from only $120 (€97) by flight.
The earliest train runs at 07:13, the last at 22:00. The fastest train covers the 2294 miles (3692 km) distance in 63h 15m.
Distance 2294 miles (3692 km) |
Average train duration 65h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price $247 (€200) |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 63h 15m |
First train 7:13 AM |
Last train 10:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Washington, DC and Los Angeles, CA from $120 (€97). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
Traveling by train from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA
Traveling between Washington, DC and Los Angeles, CA offers a unique opportunity to experience the scenic beauty of America by train. The primary provider for this journey is Amtrak, which operates long-distance routes connecting these two cities. While there are no direct trains available for this route, travelers can enjoy comfortable connections with layovers in various locations along the way. Prepare for an adventure that showcases diverse landscapes and cultures as you traverse from the East Coast to the West Coast!
Train Connection: Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA
The train journey from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA takes approximately 66 hours and 55 minutes. There are a total of 1 connection per day for this route. Please note that the connections are not direct.
Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA
The first daily train journey departs from Washington, DC at 2:59 PM and arrives in Los Angeles, CA at 10:30 PM. This connection offers travelers a convenient option for exploring the vibrant culture and attractions of both cities.
Train Tickets Price for Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Washington, DC and Los Angeles, CA is $279 (251.1€). The average ticket price tends to be around $384 (345.6€), making it a viable option for travelers looking to explore these two cities on the East and West coasts of the United States.
Exploring the Icons of Los Angeles
The Hollywood Sign, originally erected in 1923 as an advertisement for a real estate development called "Hollywoodland," has become an iconic symbol of the entertainment industry and dreams of stardom. Its towering letters stand at 45 feet tall and span over 350 feet across the hillside, making it not just a landmark but also a testament to Los Angeles' rich cinematic history. As we take in this breathtaking view, remember that every year millions flock here to capture their own piece of Hollywood magic.
Next on our journey is Griffith Observatory, which opened its doors in 1935 and has since served as both an astronomical observatory and a public education center about space science. The stunning Art Deco architecture combined with panoramic views of downtown LA makes it one of the most visited attractions in Southern California. Here you can explore fascinating exhibits or gaze through telescopes at celestial wonders while learning about humanity's quest to understand the universe.
Finally, we arrive at The Getty Center, renowned for its impressive collection of European paintings alongside modern architectural design by Richard Meier completed in 1997. This cultural haven not only showcases art from masters like Van Gogh and Monet but also offers beautifully landscaped gardens that invite visitors to reflect amidst nature’s beauty. With free admission (though parking fees apply), it's no wonder this gem attracts art lovers seeking inspiration against the backdrop of stunning city vistas.
FAQs: Trains from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA 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 Los Angeles, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA
Wifi
Lockers
Parking
Dining
ATM
Taxis
Accessibility
Hotel
Ticket Office
Bike Parking
Bike Rental
Car Rental
Information Desk
- 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
WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibility
WCHotel
Shower
Lounge
Lost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
Luggage Carts- 4:30 AM - 1:00 AM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Vignes Street and Cesar Chavez Avenue.
- Traxx Restaurant
- Union Station Cafe
- Philippe The Original
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, restrooms.
- $1
- DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles Downtown
- Miyako Hotel Los Angeles
- Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza
- Cost $10
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: Main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Metrolink
- Hall 2: Metro Rail connections
- Hall 3: Bus terminal
- Metro: Red Line, Purple Line, Gold Line
- Bus: Several lines available including DASH and Metro Bus
Most popular train connections from Washington, DC
More options for your journey from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Los Angeles, CA and Washington, DC
Most popular train connections to Los Angeles, CA
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