How to travel from Washington to San Diego, United States of America

The distance between Washington and San Diego is around 2,673 miles (4,301km) and the quickest way to get there is to drive which takes around 1 day 18h.

2 routes found

We've found 2 different ways to get from Washington to San Diego by train and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out San DiegoWashington if you're planning a return trip.

💰 Cheapest
1
3 x train
+

Train

Take the train to Chicago Union Station then Fullerton Amtrak Station and then to San Diego.

  • Duration2 days 14h
  • Departsonce daily
  • Typical cost
    $375
🚀 Fastest
2
car
+

Drive

Drive to San Diego.

  • Duration1 day 18h
  • Distance2,673 miles (4,301km)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between Washington and San Diego

There are several options for getting from Washington to San Diego by train and car. The cheapest option is to take the train which costs around $375 and will take around 2 days 14h. If you need to get there more quickly, you can drive and arrive in approximately 1 day 18h, though it is a bit more costly at approximately $265.

The distance between Washington and San Diego is around 2,673 miles (4,301km). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 2,270 miles (3,653km)

It takes around 2 days 14h to get from Washington and San Diego by train. If you are travelling by car it will take around 1 day 18h to drive there.

The quickest way to get from Washington to San Diego is to drive which takes around 1 day 18h and will set you back approx $265.

The cheapest way to travel between Washington and San Diego, if you exclude driving, is to take the train which will typically cost around $375 for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between Washington and San Diego. It typically takes around 2 days 14h and departs once daily.

There are no direct train services that runs from Washington to San Diego. However, you can instead can take several connecting trains with a changeover in Chicago Union Station and Fullerton Amtrak Station. These services run once daily and will take a minimum of 2 days 14h.

Amtrak run train services between Washington and San Diego. Trains depart once daily and will take around 2 days 14h, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Sorry, looks like there is no bus service that runs between Washington and San Diego. We recommend that you drive to San Diego. instead which will take 1 day 18h.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from Washington to San Diego. We recommend that you take the train to Chicago Union Station then Fullerton Amtrak Station and then to San Diego. instead which will take 2 days 14h.

The closest major airport to San Diego is San Diego International Airport (SAN) (SAN) which is approximately 4km (2 miles) from San Diego. John Wayne Airport (SNA) (SNA) and Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) (PSP) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from Washington and San Diego. The distance is around 2,673 miles (4,301km) by road and it will take around 1 day 18h in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from Washington to San Diego is to take the train which takes, on average, 2 days 14h and will usually cost around $375.

How do I get from Washington to San Diego

Compare travel optionsbetween Washington and San Diego

Transport options from Washington to San Diego
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Train
2 days 14h
$375
once daily4,945km (3,073 miles)
Drive
1 day 18h
$265
on demand4,301km (2,673 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between Washington and San Diego

Airlines

Bus companies

Train operators

Airports near San Diego

The following major airports near San Diego offer regular flights to various popular destinations within United States of America and internationally.

SAN
San Diego International Airport (SAN)
International Airport
Distance
2 miles (4km) from San Diego
SNA
John Wayne Airport (SNA)
International Airport
Distance
78 miles (125km) from San Diego
PSP
Palm Springs International Airport (PSP)
International Airport
Distance
85 miles (137km) from San Diego