The cheapest and fastest trains from Washington, DC to South San Francisco, CA
Cheapest price
$581
Average price
$652
Fastest journey
3 d 1 h 15 m
Average duration
3 d 2 h 38 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
3922 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Washington, DC to South San Francisco, 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 South San Francisco, CA will cost around $652 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $581.
Of the 2 trains that leave Washington, DC for South San Francisco, CA on Mon, Aug 03, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 03 the direct trains cover the 3922 km distance in an average of 3 d 2 h 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 d 1 h 15 m .
On Mon, Aug 03 the slowest trains will take 3 d 4 h 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.
10:42 PM73h15Washington, DC11:57 PMSouth San Francisco, CA$5811One-way0 transfers
7:57 PM76h00Washington, DC11:57 PMSouth San Francisco, CA$7241One-way0 transfers
10:42 PM73h15Washington, DC11:57 PMSouth San Francisco, CA$5811One-way0 transfers
7:57 PM76h00Washington, DC11:57 PMSouth San Francisco, CA$7241One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Washington, DC to South San Francisco, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Washington, DC to South San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the flight with prices starting from $260. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 41m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $260, and a train costs an average of $581.
Distance: 2437 miles (3922 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$1114 Average price | $526 Average price | $317 Average price Cheapest |
76h 3m Average total duration 75h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 66h 25m Average total duration 65h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 41m Average total duration Fastest 5h 41m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Washington, DC to South San Francisco, CA:
A flight is $209 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Washington, DC to South San Francisco, CA costing on average $526.
A flight is $797 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Washington, DC to South San Francisco, CA costing on average $1114.
Other travel options to South San Francisco, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 65h 55m.
Train takes on average 75h 33m.
Live departures
Washington, DC to South San Francisco, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Washington, DC to South San Francisco, CA trains for today, Sunday, August 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
40 Floridian · 5 California Zephyr · 5005 AMTRAK | 3:57 PM Washington Union Station, Washington, DC | 76h48 | 5:45 PM South San Francisco, CA | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Washington, DC to South San Francisco, CA 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.
Aug 03
Aug 04
Aug 05
Aug 06
Aug 07
Aug 08
Aug 09
Journey information
Overview: Train from Washington, DC to South San Francisco, CA
Trains from Washington, DC to South San Francisco, CA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 75h 33m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $581 but you can travel from only $260 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 15m.
Distance 2437 miles (3922 km) |
Average train duration 75h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $581 |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 73h 15m |
First train 6:55 AM |
Last train 6:30 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 21 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Washington, DC to South San Francisco, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Washington, DC and South San Francisco, CA from $260. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Washington, DC to South San Francisco, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Washington, DC to South San Francisco, 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 South San Francisco, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Washington, DC to South San Francisco, CA
Most Washington, DC to South San Francisco, CA trains use the Union Station to San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank) station pair. Use this guide to compare Washington, DC and South San Francisco, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Washington, DC station do trains to South San Francisco, CA leave from?
Getting to Union Station from Washington city centre
Union Station is 2 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:
Union Station train station facilities and services
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 and drink
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
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi in the station courtesy of Amtrak. ATMs are there are 2 ATM machines located on Level G.
Tickets and information
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 and lost property
Luggage storage is amtrak provides temporary luggage storage for $10 per bag for 24 hours for customers holding Amtrak tickets.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis.
Bike and car services
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, escalators, wheelchair access. Accessible facilities including restrooms, parking, platforms, ticket office, waiting room.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hyatt Recency Washington On Capitol Hill, Phoenix Park Hotel, Kimpton George Hotel.
Most popular train connections from Washington, DC
More options for your journey from Washington, DC to South San Francisco, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need


