Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA Train

11/17/2024
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Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA by train

The journey from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA by train is 2,296.77 mi and takes 66 hr 52 min. There are 1 connections per day, with the first departure at 4:05 PM and the last at 4:05 PM. It is possible to travel from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA by train for as little as $319.03 or as much as $319.03. The best price for this journey is $319.03.

Lowest Price $319.03
Journey Duration 66 hr 52 min
Connection per Day 1
Lowest Price $319.03
Highest Price $319.03
First Departure 4:05 PM
Last Departure 4:05 PM
Distance 2,296.77 mi
Departure Washington, DC
Arrival Los Angeles, CA
Carriers Amtrak

Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA Train Times

Departure date
Sunday, Nov 17, 2024

Traveling from Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles, CA by Train

Board the train from Springfield - Franconia,Washington DC Union Station,Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport, DCA,Baltimore–Washington International Airport, BWI in Washington, D.C. to Los Angeles (Americanstar),Los Angeles International Airport in Los Angeles. The journey typically takes about 66 hr 52 min. Approximately 1 trains traverse this route daily, providing passengers various departure times. Those on a budget will find fares starting from $319.03.

Amtrak, the country's premier train service, connects Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles mainly through Capitol Limited and Southwest Chief services. While most journeys are direct, unforeseen circumstances may necessitate an Amtrak Thruway bus service to cover part of the trip.

Travelers on this route will experience a scenic journey across a significant portion of the U.S., passing through the heartland, the Rocky Mountains, and the deserts of the Southwest. With an average speed of , the train ensures efficient travel while providing glimpses of America's diverse landscapes and significant cities. Onboard, Amtrak offers free Wi-Fi, power outlets, sleeping cars, and dining options. Some services also permit pets within specified weight limits.

Washington Union Station

Your journey from the nation's capital begins at Washington Union Station, a historic transportation hub with a rich architectural heritage. This station offers an array of dining and shopping choices and easy connections to local transit. For those departing or transitioning through other cities, options include:

  1. Rockville Amtrak Station
  2. Cumberland Amtrak Station
  3. Pittsburgh Amtrak Station

Los Angeles Union Station

In Los Angeles, the main terminus is the renowned Los Angeles Union Station. This historic landmark is centrally located, making it a convenient gateway to the city's numerous attractions. Other key stations include:

  1. Burbank Bob Hope Airport Station
  2. Fullerton Amtrak Station
  3. Glendale Amtrak Station

Things to Do in Los Angeles

Los Angeles, the City of Angels, boasts a vast array of attractions:

  1. Hollywood: Walk the famous Hollywood Walk of Fame or tour iconic studios.
  2. Griffith Observatory and Griffith Park: Offers panoramic views of the city and the famous Hollywood sign.
  3. Santa Monica Pier: A historic pier with an amusement park, restaurants, and beautiful views.
  4. Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA): The most significant art museum in the western United States.
  5. Venice Beach: Famous for its bohemian spirit, Muscle Beach, and vibrant boardwalk.

What to Eat in Los Angeles

Los Angeles is a melting pot of cultures, which is reflected in its diverse culinary scene:

  1. Tacos: Available at numerous street vendors, offering an authentic taste of L.A.
  2. California Roll: A sushi variant that originated in Los Angeles.
  3. In-N-Out Burger: The famous West Coast fast-food chain is a must-try.
  4. Korean BBQ: Reflecting the city's significant Korean population.
  5. Avocado Toast: A trendy breakfast option, famous in many L.A. cafes.

Travel Tips While in Los Angeles

To ensure a pleasant Los Angeles experience, keep in mind:

  1. Weather: Los Angeles typically offers sunny weather, but carrying a light jacket for cooler evenings is a good idea.
  2. Transit: The city's vastness often requires the use of a car. However, the L.A. Metro system is a growing and valuable transit option for many areas.
  3. Parking: Some popular areas, like Hollywood or Santa Monica, can have limited or expensive parking. Consider public transit or rideshares.
  4. Local Events: Check local movie premieres, concerts, or cultural festivals listings.
  5. Outdoor Activities: There's always something to do outdoors, from hiking in the nearby mountains to surfing on the Pacific coast.

Let us assist you if you're contemplating traveling by train from Washington, D.C., to Los Angeles. Virail examines countless routes across various modes of transportation to provide the best deals. See our price calendar below to compare fares for your train trip from D.C. to L.A.

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Compare prices and tickets from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA

Cheap train tickets from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA
Looking for the best deal on a train ticket for your trip? Here are 4 ways to get cheap train tickets from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.

Best time to book Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA travel

Virail Pro Tip ✌: Booking 10 days in advance save 10% on average

Find the best day to travel to Los Angeles, CA by train

When travelling to Los Angeles, CA by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Services on board Amtrak from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA
Compare services on board when travelling from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA by train.
Facilities Amtrak
quiet_zone Quiet zone check
wifi WiFi check
power_sockets Power sockets check
luggage Luggage check
accessibility Accessibility check
food_and_drink Food and drink check
air_con Air conditioning check
bicycle Bicycle check
sleeper_couchette Sleeper check

Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA CO2 Emissions by Train

Ecology
Train
258.74kg
Bus
277.22kg
Flight
739.26kg
Car
591.41kg
What are the CO2 emissions from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA by train? The CO2 emissions from taking the train between Washington, DC and Los Angeles, CA are 258.74kg.
How much CO2 do I save by taking the train between Washington, DC and Los Angeles, CA? By taking the train between Washington, DC and Los Angeles, CA you will save 480.52kg CO2 emissions compared to a flight, 18.48kg compared to a bus and 332.67kg compared to a car.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a train ticket from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA?
A train ticket from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA is $319.03. However the price varies depending on how early you buy, and if it's peak time to travel. Occasionally you can find them for as cheap as $319.03.
What's the cheapest train ticket from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA?
The cheapest ticket you can get from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA is $319.03. We recommend booking as early as possible and off-peak hours to get the cheapest ticket possible. Off-peak times are usually from 09:30 to 16:00, and after 19:00.
What's the distance between Washington, DC and Los Angeles, CA by train?
Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA is 2,296.77 mi.
How long does the train between Washington, DC and Los Angeles, CA take?
Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA is on average 66 hr 52 min. However the fastest option will get you there in 66 hr 52 min.
How many train connections per day go from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA?
Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA has 1 connection(s) per day on average.
What time does the first train from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA leave?
The earliest train from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA departs at 4:05 PM. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
What time does the last train from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA depart?
The latest train from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA departs at 4:05 PM. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
Should I book my ticket from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA in advance?
If you can, we recommend booking your ticket as early as possible to ensure you get better savings. The cheapest train ticket we have found is $319.03 but this may be subject to change depending on the day of travel, hour you wish to depart and how far in advance you book.
What's the fastest journey time between Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA by train?
The fastest journey time by train between Washington, DC and Los Angeles, CA is 66 hr 52 min.
Is there a direct train from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA?
Yes, there is a direct train between Washington, DC and Los Angeles, CA.
What are the CO2 emissions for Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA by train?
The train journey from Washington, DC to Los Angeles, CA creates 258.74kg of CO2 emissions.

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