The cheapest and fastest trains from Washington, DC to South San Francisco, CA
Cheapest price on Sep 17
$791
Average ticket price on Sep 17
$1357
Fastest journey on Sep 17
3 d 1 h 15 m
Average journey duration on Sep 17
3 d 2 h 38 m
Trains on Sep 17
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 $1357 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $791.
On Thu, Sep 17, we found 2 trains from Washington, DC to South San Francisco, CA, including 2 direct services.
On Thu, Sep 17 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 Thu, Sep 17 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.
11:42 PM73h15Washington, DC12:57 AMSouth San Francisco, CA$7911One-way0 transfers
7:57 PM76h00Washington, DC11:57 PMSouth San Francisco, CA$19231One-way0 transfers
11:42 PM73h15Washington, DC12:57 AMSouth San Francisco, CA$7911One-way0 transfers
7:57 PM76h00Washington, DC11:57 PMSouth San Francisco, CA$19231One-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 bus, with an average ticket price of $324 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 9h 37m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $324, while a flight costs an average of $653.
Distance: 2437 miles (3922 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$569 Average price | $324 Average price Cheapest | $653 Average price |
71h 10m Average total duration 70h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 67h 53m Average total duration 67h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 37m Average total duration Fastest 7h 37m Onboard + 2h 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 bus is $245 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Washington, DC to South San Francisco, CA costing on average $569.
A bus is $328 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Washington, DC to South San Francisco, CA costing on average $653.
Other travel options to South San Francisco, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 67h 23m.
Train takes on average 70h 40m.
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, Wednesday, September 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:42 PM Washington, DC | 73h15 | 12:57 AM South San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, September 17 | |||||
![]() | 7:57 PM Washington, DC | 76h00 | 11:57 PM South San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
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.
Sep 17
Sep 18
Sep 19
Sep 20
Sep 21
Sep 22
Sep 23
Journey information
Overview: Train from Washington, DC to South San Francisco, CA
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 $427 but you can travel from only $194 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.
Distance 2437 miles (3922 km) |
Average train duration 70h 40m |
Cheapest ticket price $427 |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 70h 27m |
First train 6:55 AM |
Last train 6:30 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
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 $232. 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 Emeryville Station 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


