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

Mon, Nov 02
+ Add return
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Washington, DC to South San Francisco, CA

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Nov 02
Cheapest price on Nov 02
CHF 465
Average ticket price on Nov 02
CHF 522
Fastest journey on Nov 02
3 d 1 h 15 m
Average journey duration on Nov 02
3 d 2 h 38 m
Trains on Nov 02
2
Distance
3922 km
Cheap tickets

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 CHF 522 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only CHF 465.

Fast trains

On Mon, Nov 02, we found 2 trains from Washington, DC to South San Francisco, CA, including 2 direct services.

On Mon, Nov 02 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, Nov 02 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.

  • Amtrak
    0 transfers
  • Amtrak
    0 transfers

Journey information

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

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Washington, DC to South San Francisco, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 70h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at CHF 342 but you can travel from only CHF 156 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 70h 27m.

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 CHF 156

Plan this route

Journey facts

  • Distance2437 miles (3922 km)
  • Average train duration70h 40m
  • Cheapest ticket priceCHF 342
  • Trains per day2
  • Fastest train70h 27m
  • First train6:55 AM
  • Last train6:30 PM
  • Cheapest MonthOct
  • Cheapest DayFri
  • High SeasonJan - Mar
  • Low SeasonJul - Sep
  • Best time to book21 days

Understand & plan this route

Explore this journey

Book with confidence

  • Why book with Omio?Compare options, payment & support
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 CHF 156

Frequently asked questions about your Washington, DC to South San Francisco, CA trip

Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Washington, DC to South San Francisco, CA.

Train ticket prices from Washington, DC to South San Francisco, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at CHF 342, while the average price is around CHF 455.
The train from Washington, DC to South San Francisco, CA takes 70h 27m and runs 2 per day.
The distance by train from Washington, DC to South San Francisco, CA is 2437 miles (3922 km).
The first train from Washington, DC to South San Francisco, CA leaves at 6:55 AM.
The last train from Washington, DC to South San Francisco, CA leaves at 6:30 PM.
There is no direct train service currently available from Washington, DC to South San Francisco, CA.

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, November 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Amtrak8:57 PM Washington, DC
76h00
12:57 AM South San Francisco, CA0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Train companies

Train companies from Washington, DC to South San Francisco, CA

Trains from Washington, DC to South San Francisco, CA with Amtrak. Night trains available on this route with Amtrak. High-speed trains available on this route with Amtrak. Use the details below to compare onboard facilities.

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 Amtrak Duration
70h 27m
Cheapest Amtrak Price
CHF 342
Amtrak frequency
2 a day
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

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Washington, DC and South San Francisco, CA

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

Yes, there is a high-speed train from Washington, DC to South San Francisco, CA.
Yes, there is a night train from Washington, DC to South San Francisco, CA.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.

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.

FAQs
Yes, you can take the train from Washington, DC to South San Francisco, CA.

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 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.

Departure train stations in Washington
Arrival train stations in South San Francisco

Which Washington, DC station do trains to South San Francisco, CA leave from?

Trains from Washington, DC to South San Francisco, CA leave from Union Station. The station is 1 miles (3 km) from Washington, DC city centre at 50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002, United States.
Union Station50 Massachusetts Ave NE, Washington, DC 20002, United States+1 202 2891908WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation Desk
City-centre transport

Getting to Union Station from Washington city centre

Union Station is 2 km from Washington city centre. Public transport options include:

BusD30 · 15m · CHF 3 · every ~10 min
281, 481, 483, 484, 486 · 19m · CHF 2 · every ~1 min
SubwayR · 5m · CHF 2 · every ~27 min

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.

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