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

The cheapest train tickets from San Diego to Washington start from $404. The average price for this train route is around $600. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.

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

The average train ride duration from San Diego to Washington is 2d 20h, covering a distance of 2267 miles (3657 km). The quickest train can get you there in 2d 20h and is operated by Amtrak .

Which train operators service the San Diego to Washington route?

Several major train operators operate on this route with 3 trains available per day.

What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from San Diego to Washington?

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

Train San Diego to Washington from $460 | 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 the good way to reach Washington. The journey takes about 2 days, 21 hours 10 minutes and with fares starting at just $227, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

22bus per day

2d 21hAverage Duration

2268 milesDistance

91kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$227 - $836	Average Duration2d 21h	CO₂ emissions 91kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$404 - $3,084	Average Duration2d 20h	CO₂ emissions 333kg CO₂e

Train Companies

Amtrak

4/55,641 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5641 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travelers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained with the wifi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at $404

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

Frequently asked questions about traveling 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 from $404. The average price for this train route is around $600. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from San Diego to Washington?
The average train ride duration from San Diego to Washington is 2d 20h, covering a distance of 2267 miles (3657 km). The quickest train can get you there in 2d 20h and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators service the San Diego to Washington route?
Several major train operators operate on this route with 3 trains available per day.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from San Diego to Washington?
The earliest train departs from San Diego to Washington at 2:01pm. And 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

$1,808

12/12

$464

Today

$460

12/14

$691

12/15

$509

12/16

$633

12/17

No data

12/18

$700

The cheapest trip from San Diego, CA, US to Washington, DC, US was searched and found on Dec 13, 2025 with a price of $460

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 $460 to $2,763 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 $509 which is on 2025-12-15.