5.0
Pros: Everything from the moment I walked into the LA Union Station to picking up my luggage in San Hosea. Cons: Nothing.
Pros: Everything from the moment I walked into the LA Union Station to picking up my luggage in San Hosea. Cons: Nothing.
Trains from Los Angeles to San Jose
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Train Route Overview: Los Angeles to San Jose
There are 14 daily trains from Los Angeles to San Jose. Traveling by train from Los Angeles to San Jose usually takes around 31 hours and 22 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 8 hours and 25 minutes.
| Distance | 305 mi (492 km) |
| Fastest train | 8h 25m |
| Lowest price | $64.98 |
| Trains per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Overall score for trains from Los Angeles to San Jose
(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
5.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Los Angeles to San Jose?
In the last month, $179.06 was the average price of a train ticket from Los Angeles to San Jose. Tickets are generally somewhat expensive for this particular train route, which is to be expected given the long distance. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 4 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $70.33 more than that for a same-day booking.
Average prices by travel date
Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from Los Angeles to San Jose will vary between C$118 and C$290. Planning a train trip to San Jose within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from Los Angeles over the next 7 days is C$118. Make sure to book your trip as soon as possible as train fares tend to go up as you get closer to your travel date.
Monthly average prices
If you are trying to decide when to travel from Los Angeles to San Jose by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for May. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just C$75 – the lowest of the year.
Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Los Angeles to San Jose in March, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to C$103 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you have a high chance of scoring a ticket at a lower price.
Prices as travel date approaches
If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 4 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to San Jose from Los Angeles will be about C$70.33 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
Which train should you take from Los Angeles to San Jose?
2 train services operate from Los Angeles to San Jose. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 13 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 13 | 1d 9h 46m | $213.41 |
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 9h 46m | $76.28 |
Amtrak
Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 13 Amtrak trains from Los Angeles to San Jose every day, as well as 10 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $65.
Amtrak Coast Starlight
The Coast Starlight is an Amtrak train that travels the entire length of the West Coast, connecting Los Angeles to Seattle. The route starts hugging the California coastline, treating passengers to swoon-worthy views of the Pacific, before continuing into the verdant forests of the Cascade Mountains. The Coast Starlight indisputably earns its spot among the most scenic Amtrak train routes. Seating options include Coach or Business Class and roomettes or bedrooms for extra space. A trip from Los Angeles to San Jose takes 9 hours and 46 minutes on average, and Coach tickets start at $65.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel by train from Los Angeles to San Jose during the COVID-19 pandemic?
Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.
In addition, federal law requires all train passengers to wear a face covering for the entire duration of the trip. Please make sure you are wearing a face mask or you may not be allowed to board the train.
Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.
Can you take a train all the way from Los Angeles to San Jose?
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Los Angeles to San Jose. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.
How long is the train journey from Los Angeles to San Jose?
The distance between Los Angeles and San Jose is approximately 305 miles, or 492 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 31 hours and 22 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 8 hours and 25 minutes.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
When are trains the most crowded?
Trains from Los Angeles to San Jose are the most crowded on Sunday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider traveling on Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
When are the first and last trains of the day?
The earliest train departs Los Angeles at 12:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Is there a direct train from Los Angeles to San Jose?
There are 14 scheduled trains on most days. 3 of these are direct connections to San Jose. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.
You can also take a train for your return trip from San Jose to Los Angeles.
City Information
Los Angeles
Los Angeles is the undisputed world capital of the entertainment business. Because of that, the City of Angels is where you will find some of the most iconic landmarks of the film and music industries, including the world-famous Walk of Fame and Dolby Theatre (home of the Academy Awards) on Hollywood Boulevard, the easily recognizable Capitol Records building at Hollywood & Vine, and the LA Live complex in Downtown Los Angeles.
The best part of LA is that it has something to offer for people of all interests: outdoor enthusiasts can hike up to the Hollywood sign, fashion aficionados can go shopping in Beverly Hills, art lovers can check out the prominent Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) in the Miracle Mile district, and those looking for a fun night out can go bar-hopping in West Hollywood. Are you a Pokémon GO addict? Well then this is the place for you because LA is the best city to catch the rarest Pokémon in the U.S.. And if you want to want to experience the famed golden coast of Southern California for yourself, head west to Santa Monica and Venice for a refreshing dip in the Pacific Ocean.
With one of the biggest airports on the West Coast and several bus and train stops across the county, Los Angeles makes it easy to travel elsewhere in California, visit the neighboring Nevada, Arizona and Mexico, or take a flight to pretty much any other part of the world.
San Jose
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
San Jose is located in the heart of the world-famous Silicon Valley in California’s Bay Area. It is the largest city in Northern California and, as such, it is the area’s cultural, political and financial center.
While you’re in San Jose, make sure to check out the city’s various museums. Since you’re in the world’s foremost technology hub, the Tech Museum of Innovation is a must-visit. And since you’re on the West Coast, you should stop by the San Jose Museum of Art that features the largest permanent collection of works from West Coast artists.
Thanks to its mild California climate, San Jose is one of the best cities in the U.S. for outdoor activities, and due to its largely younger-leaning population, it offers quite the vibrant nightlife. In fact, San Jose is among the biggest party hubs in America.
San Jose is served by various bus carriers and has several Amtrak stops within its vicinity. In addition, the city’s airport is located right near the downtown area, which makes travel to and from San Jose a breeze.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Los Angeles?
Departure stations
Pennsylvania Station, or just Penn Station, is the main train station in New York City. All Amtrak trains to and from NYC use Penn Station as their only train stop in Manhattan. Penn Station offers easy connections to various other types of transportation, including commuter rail (the Long Island Rail Road and the NJ Transit both operate out of Penn Station), airport transit, and six lines of the NYC Subway, making it the busiest train station in the Western Hemisphere. Located in the heart of Manhattan, right by the world-famous Madison Square Garden, Penn Station is close to various points of interest such as Times Square and the Empire State Building, as well as many restaurants and retail stores.
All train stations in Los Angeles:
Penn Station
Sky Harbor Apt, Terminal 4 Arrivals, Door 3
Union Station
2717 W Bell Rd
120 East Santa Fe Ave - Fullerton Transp Ctr
Union Station
Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd
Anaheim Stadium Parking - 2626 E Katella Ave
Oceanside Transit Center
Irvine Transp Ctr - 15215 Barranca Pkwy
Reg Transp Ctr - 1000 E Santa Ana Blvd
Union Station
South Station
4005 Taylor St
Amtrak Metrolink Station - 7724 Van Nuys Blvd
Where is the train station in San Jose?
Image credit: SPUR
Link to image attributionArrival stations
Diridon Station opened in 1935 with architecture inspired by the Italian Renaissance, and today is a vital part of Silicon Valley’s transportation system. Diridon Station connects Amtrak train service to local commuter service like the Caltrain and VTA Light Rail. The station is also a major hub for bus transit on Amtrak Thruway and Greyhound buses. With paid parking onsite, bicycle racks, and accessible entrances, travelers can easily reach the station from nearby downtown San Jose. As a bonus, food trucks frequently set up outside the station to provide delicious cheap eats for passengers.
Train stations in San Jose:
Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
Need a return trip from San Jose to Los Angeles?
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