Trains from San Jose to Oakland
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Trip Summary
There are 20 daily trains from San Jose to Oakland. Traveling by train from San Jose to Oakland usually takes around 8 hours and 14 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Capitol Corridor train can make the trip in 55 minutes.
| Distance | 38 mi (62 km) |
| Fastest train | 0h 55m |
| Lowest price | $20.66 |
| Trains per day | 13 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 3 |
Train service from San Jose to Oakland
- Amtrak tickets: C$23 one-way
- Amtrak Capitol Corridor tickets: C$21 one-way
- Amtrak Coast Starlight tickets: C$21 one-way
What is the price of a train ticket from San Jose to Oakland?
In the last month, $64.22 was the average price of a train ticket from San Jose to Oakland. This is a good price that is inexpensive compared to most train fares. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 26 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $1.42 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 San Jose to Oakland will vary between C$61 and C$71. Planning a train trip to Oakland within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from San Jose over the next 7 days is C$61. 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 San Jose to Oakland by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for December. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just C$23 – the lowest of the year.
Alternatively, if you plan to travel from San Jose to Oakland in May, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to C$65 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 26 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Oakland from San Jose will be about C$1.42 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
Which train should you take from San Jose to Oakland?
There are 3 train lines with service from San Jose to Oakland. Amtrak is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 13 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 13 | 9h 22m | $72.29 |
| Amtrak Capitol Corridor | 6 | 1h 2m | $21.29 |
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 1h 8m | $28.64 |
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 San Jose to Oakland every day, as well as 154 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $23.
Amtrak Capitol Corridor
Since 1991, Capitol Corridor has connected Auburn to San Jose, with stops in Sacramento, Oakland, Berkeley, and 15 other cities in Northern California. The route's convenient transport to various cities includes breathtaking scenery guaranteed to help pass the time. Each train offers onboard WiFi and a cafe car for the comfort of passengers, as well as ample bicycle and luggage storage. Most Capitol Corridor trips make the journey from San Jose to Oakland in about 1 hours and 2 minutes.
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 San Jose to Oakland takes 1 hours and 8 minutes on average, and Coach tickets start at $21.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel by train from San Jose to Oakland 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 San Jose to Oakland?
How long is the train journey from San Jose to Oakland?
When are trains the most crowded?
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from San Jose to Oakland on Sunday. Tickets for Sunday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Wednesday. Wednesday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
When are the first and last trains of the day?
The earliest train departs San Jose 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 San Jose to Oakland?
There are 20 scheduled trains on most days. 13 of these are direct connections to Oakland. 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 Oakland to San Jose.
City Information
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.
Oakland
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Oakland, CA is a port city that is beginning to step out of the shadow of San Francisco, its neighbor to the west. Every visitor should start their Oakland trip in the downtown area and Old Oakland, the city's historic quarter full of quaint old buildings. While here, don't forget to take a short detour to Oakland's famous Chinatown as well. The African American Museum and Library at Oakland tells the history of Black communities in the area and is definitely worth a stop. For those who would prefer to stay close to nature, Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park's abundance of redwood groves will offer amazing views.
Oakland's food scene is vibrant and diverse, with a wide range of offerings for all budgets. Enssaro is a popular local name with mid-range dishes that will whet your appetite. For an excellent haute-cuisine dinner, head towards The Wolf.
It's easy to get around the Bay Area on local public transit (called the BART, for Bay Area Rapid Transit). Getting to Oakland from further afield is also a breeze thanks to many intercity bus routes in the area and Amtrak's Capitol Corridor train, which stops in Oakland. Flights arrive at the Oakland International Airport, but several additional airport options in the larger Bay Area are also available.
Station Information
Where is the train station in San Jose?
Image credit: SPUR
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
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.
All train stations in San Jose:
Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
Metro Center - 920 Pacific Ave
Scotts Valley Transit Ctr
1 Grand Avenue, Building 113
1011 Railroad Ave
11 Station Pl
Intermodal Station - 800 Pine St
Union Station
209 State Street
Reg Transp Ctr - 1000 E Santa Ana Blvd
Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd
Anaheim Stadium Parking - 2626 E Katella Ave
Transportation Center
Oceanside Transit Center
Irvine Transp Ctr - 15215 Barranca Pkwy
Where is the train station in Oakland?
Image credit: David Wilson
Link to image attribution
Image credit: David Wilson
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: 245 Second St
The Jack London Station in Oakland opened in 1995, replacing 16th Street Station, which was extensively damaged in the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989. The station was named after the famous writer Jack London, as he spent much of his life in the area. It is a contemporary glass and stone structure located on the easternmost corner of Jack London Square. The square, which fronts a natural estuary leading to San Francisco Bay, was formerly the hub of Oakland's port activities, connecting the maritime and agricultural sectors. It is still an active and bustling waterfront today. Amtrak's Capitol Corridor, Coast Starlight, and San Joaquins trains serve the station. It is the 10th busiest of Amtrak's 74 California stops, boarding or de-boarding an average of 1,142 people per day.
Train stations in Oakland:
245 Second St
Across San Leandro Blvd from BART station - 700 73rd Ave
Need a return trip from Oakland to San Jose?
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