Cheap train tickets from San Jose to Bakersfield

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Trip Summary

There are usually 6 daily train trips available from San Jose to Bakersfield. Travelling by train from San Jose to Bakersfield usually takes 8 hours and 9 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 6 hours and 21 minutes.

Distance: 209 mi (337 km)
Fastest train: 6h 21m
Lowest price: CHF 35.91
Trains per day: 6
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 1

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San Jose to Bakersfield Train Schedule

There are several train options that can take you from San Jose to Bakersfield:

Amtrak tickets: CHF 36 one-way

See more details

What is the price of a train ticket from San Jose to Bakersfield?

In the last month, train tickets from San Jose to Bakersfield cost about CHF 48 when booked at the cheapest time. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 16 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CHF 8.94 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from San Jose to Bakersfield by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from San Jose to Bakersfield will cost between CHF 48 and CHF 58. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from San Jose to Bakersfield by month

Ticket prices for the train from San Jose to Bakersfield often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in March when the average ticket price is only CHF 50. If you're thinking of travelling from San Jose to Bakersfield during September, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CHF 58 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in September, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from San Jose to Bakersfield on Wanderu at least 16 days ahead of time, you can save about CHF 8.94 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from San Jose to Bakersfield?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Jose to Bakersfield. However, there are 6 trains per day to choose from.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	6	8h 9m	CHF 51.19

Amtrak is the largest passenger railway 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 washroom, 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 6 Amtrak trains from San Jose to Bakersfield every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from CHF 35.91.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from San Jose to Bakersfield

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from San Jose to Bakersfield. 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.

There are 6 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. You can also take a train for your return trip from Bakersfield to San Jose. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the bus from San Jose to Bakersfield for CHF 36.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between San Jose and Bakersfield is approximately 337 kilometres. The average train journey between these two cities takes 8 hours and 9 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 6 hours and 21 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.

Distance (mi)

209

Distance (km)

337

The earliest train departs San Jose at 6:18 a.m. while the last train of the day leaves at 3:40 p.m. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

First train

6:18am

Last train

3:40pm

Trains from San Jose to Bakersfield are the most crowded on Friday. 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 travelling on Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Friday

Least crowded

Sunday

City Information

San Jose

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 centre.

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.

Bakersfield

Bakersfield, California, is just north of LA on the Kern River. The Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, one of the city’s biggest attractions, displays fossils, dinosaur models, Native American artifacts, and a changing array of temporary exhibitions. Meanwhile, the Bakersfield Museum of Art features multiple rotating galleries of modern and historical art.

As the sun sets in Bakersfield, locals and visitors alike flock to Buck Owens Crystal Palace for food, drinks, and the biggest live music venue in the area. The Belvedere Cocktail lounge offers a more intimate live music experience– plus some amazing drinks and arcade games. For a truly unique experience, check out the family-friendly Gaslight Melodrama Theatre, where audiences are encouraged to cheer, boo, and get in on the fun of the live performances.

On the quieter side, Bakersfield has a number of beautiful parks across the city. The Park at RiverWalk is a fan favourite, with 32 sprawling acres along the Kern River dotted with picnic areas, public grills, and fishing spots. The Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area provides more outdoor activities with swimming, boating, sailing, cycling, and more.

To get to Bakersfield, fly into the Meadows Field Airport just north of the town. Several bus lines also service the area, connecting the city to Phoenix, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and Ontario. For train service, Amtrak offers routes to San Diego, San Francisco, and even New York City.

Station Information

Where is the train station in San Jose?

Main departure station: Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St

Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St - SJCDCS-0

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, travellers 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.

All train stations in San Jose:

Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St

Where is the train station in Bakersfield?

Main arrival station: 601 Truxtun Ave - Transit Station

Bakersfield has one train station.

All train stations in Bakersfield:

601 Truxtun Ave - Transit Station

Need a return trip from Bakersfield to San Jose?

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