How much is the train ticket from San Diego to Washington?

The cheapest train tickets from San Diego to Washington start at $571. The average price for this train route is around $847. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.

How long is the train ride from San Diego to Washington?

The average train trip from San Diego to Washington takes 2d 20h and covers 3657 km. The quickest train gets you there in 2d 20h and is operated by Amtrak .

Which train operators serve the San Diego to Washington route?

Several major train operators serve this route, with 3 trains available per day.

What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from San Diego to Washington?

The earliest train from San Diego to Washington departs at 2:01pm. The latest train departs at 4:10pm.

Train San Diego to Washington from $650 | Refundable Tickets

Next departures

Next departures for San Diego to Washington on December 14
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	3d 18h	1:10pm	Union Station	Cheapest
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	1:10pm	Union Station	Fastest
2:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	2d 20h	1:10pm	Union Station	No tags
2:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	3d 1h	6:44pm	Union Station	No tags
4:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	3d 18h	1:10pm	Union Station	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Washington on December 15
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
2:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	2d 20h	1:10pm	Union Station	Cheapest
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	1:10pm	Union Station	Fastest
2:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	2d 20h	1:10pm	Union Station	No tags
2:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	2d 20h	1:10pm	Union Station	No tags
4:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	3d 18h	1:10pm	Union Station	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Washington on December 16
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
4:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	3d 18h	1:10pm	Union Station	Cheapest
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	1:10pm	Union Station	Fastest
2:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	2d 20h	1:10pm	Union Station	No tags
2:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	3d 1h	6:44pm	Union Station	No tags
4:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	3d 18h	1:10pm	Union Station	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Washington on December 18
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
4:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	3d 18h	1:10pm	Union Station	Cheapest
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	1:10pm	Union Station	Fastest
2:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	2d 20h	1:10pm	Union Station	No tags
4:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	3d 18h	1:10pm	Union Station	No tags
4:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	3d 18h	1:10pm	Union Station	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Washington on December 19
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	3d 18h	1:10pm	Union Station	Cheapest
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	1:10pm	Union Station	Fastest
2:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	2d 20h	1:10pm	Union Station	No tags
4:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	3d 18h	1:10pm	Union Station	No tags
4:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	3d 18h	1:10pm	Union Station	No tags

Next departures for San Diego to Washington on December 20
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
2:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	2d 20h	1:10pm	Union Station	Cheapest
2:10pm	Old Town San Diego	2d 20h	1:10pm	Union Station	Fastest
4:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	3d 18h	1:10pm	Union Station	No tags
4:01pm	Santa Fe Depot	3d 23h	6:44pm	Union Station	No tags
4:10pm	Old Town San Diego	3d 18h	1:10pm	Union Station	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 5:02 AM PST.

Compare 2 ways to go from San Diego to Washington

We recommend taking the bus

Among the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as a good way to reach Washington. The journey takes about 2 days, 21 hours 10 minutes, and with fares starting at just $320, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

22bus per day

2d 21hAverage Duration

3658 kmDistance

91kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$320 - $1,181	Average Duration2d 21h	CO₂ emissions 91kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$571 - $4,356	Average Duration2d 20h	CO₂ emissions 333kg CO₂e

Train companies

Amtrak

4/55,642 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5642 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained with the WiFi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at $571

US train and bus companies:Amtrak, Trenitalia, Renfe, VIA Rail Canada, Amtrak Acela, NS Nederlandse Spoorwegen, Iryo

Frequently asked questions about travelling from San Diego, CA, US to Washington, DC, US by train

Please note that schedules, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your trip.

How much is the train ticket from San Diego to Washington?
The cheapest train tickets from San Diego to Washington start at $571. The average price for this train route is around $847. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the train ride from San Diego to Washington?
The average train trip from San Diego to Washington takes 2d 20h and covers 3657 km. The quickest train gets you there in 2d 20h and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators serve the San Diego to Washington route?
Several major train operators serve this route, with 3 trains available per day.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from San Diego to Washington?
The earliest train from San Diego to Washington departs at 2:01pm. The latest train departs at 4:10pm.

Find cheapest prices for trains

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

12-11

$2,554

12-12

$656

Today

$650

12-14

$976

12-15

$719

12-16

$895

12-17

No data

12-18

$989

The cheapest trip from San Diego, CA, US to Washington, DC, US was searched and found on Dec 13, 2025 with a price of $650

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from San Diego, CA, US to Washington, DC, US, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $650 to $3,903 for a train ticket from San Diego, CA, US to Washington, DC, US based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $719 which is on 2025-12-15.