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Trains from San Jose to Sacramento

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San Jose - Sacramento Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are 20 daily trains from San Jose to Sacramento. Traveling by train from San Jose to Sacramento usually takes around 10 hours and 15 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Capitol Corridor train can make the trip in 2 hours and 57 minutes.

Distance89 mi (142 km)
Fastest train2h 57m
Lowest price$35.90
Trains per day7
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines3

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for trains from San Jose to Sacramento

(Based on 6 ratings and reviews)

4.8

4.0

Aura

March 15, 2022- Visiting friends

Amtrak Capitol Corridor

Pros: Very peaceful ride. Cons: Keep doing what you are doing 👏 great customer service 👍. Tips: Sit back and enjoy the ride.

Pros: Very peaceful ride. Cons: Keep doing what you are doing 👏 great customer service 👍. Tips: Sit back and enjoy the ride.

5.0

Patti

January 18, 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak Capitol Corridor

Pros: Peaceful. Cons: Nothing.

Pros: Peaceful. Cons: Nothing.

5.0

SANDRA

November 13, 2021- Visiting family

Amtrak Capitol Corridor

Pros: That I wasn’t stuck in traffic and was able to enjoy my ride. Cons: N/A. Tips: N/A.

Pros: That I wasn’t stuck in traffic and was able to enjoy my ride. Cons: N/A. Tips: N/A.

5.0

Georgiana

August 24, 2021- Vacation

Amtrak Capitol Corridor

Pros: It was so nice not to have to drive, to just relax and enjoy the interesting and pretty scenery. And, to be able to enjoy wine while we traveled! Cons: The staff were not super friendly; however, we really didn’t need to interact much. The food offerings in t...

Pros: It was so nice not to have to drive, to just relax and enjoy the interesting and pretty scenery. And, to be able to enjoy wine while we traveled! Cons: The staff were not super friendly; however, we really didn’t need to interact much. The food offerings in the cafe could be improved. There were really just snack food items, candy, chips, etc. we traveled at lunch time, so it would have been nice to have more of a meal. Even a sandwich would have been good! Didn’t feel real secure about leaving luggage in an open space… Tips: The place where you board the train is Sacramento is a pretty good walk from the building where you check in.

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5.0

Ealaisa

August 31, 2019- Visiting family

Amtrak Capitol Corridor

Pros: T’was beautiful and smooth and magical😊. Cons: Preferably no overflowing toilets but I understand. Tips: Don’t be a fool and enjoy the trip.

Pros: T’was beautiful and smooth and magical😊. Cons: Preferably no overflowing toilets but I understand. Tips: Don’t be a fool and enjoy the trip.

Train service from San Jose to Sacramento

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

In the last month, $77.81 was the average price of a train ticket from San Jose to Sacramento. You can expect to find tickets at that price or lower if you book your trip at least 20 days in advance. Otherwise, expect to pay around $9.44 more than that for a same-day booking.

Average prices by travel date

$96$64$32MayJun

Over the next 30 days, the average cost of a one-way train trip from San Jose to Sacramento will vary between C$73 and C$85. Planning a train trip to Sacramento within the upcoming week? The cheapest train ticket you can find from San Jose over the next 7 days is C$74. 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

$96$77$58$38$19JJASONDJFMAM

If you are trying to decide when to travel from San Jose to Sacramento by train so you can score the best possible deal, your best bet would be to plan your trip for October. That’s when the average price for a train ticket is expected to be just C$49 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from San Jose to Sacramento in March, expect to spend more on your train trip, as the average ticket price usually surges to C$76 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

$96$77$58$38$193020100

If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 20 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Sacramento from San Jose will be about C$9.44 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.

Which train should you take from San Jose to Sacramento?

There are 3 train lines with service from San Jose to Sacramento. Amtrak is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 13 trains each day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak1311h 5m$83.69
Amtrak Capitol Corridor63h 7m$51.29
Amtrak Coast Starlight13h 45m$38.40
  • Amtrak

    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 Sacramento every day, as well as 93 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $36.

    AMT-0AMT-1AMT-2AMT-3AMT-4AMT-5AMT-6AMT-7AMT-8AMT-9
  • Amtrak Capitol Corridor

    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 Sacramento in about 3 hours and 7 minutes.

  • Amtrak Coast Starlight

    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 Sacramento takes 3 hours and 45 minutes on average, and Coach tickets start at $36.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it safe to travel by train from San Jose to Sacramento 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 Sacramento?

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

The distance between San Jose and Sacramento is approximately 89 miles, or 142 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 10 hours and 15 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 57 minutes. Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.

When are trains the most crowded?

Trains departing from San Jose to Sacramento tend to have the most passengers on Monday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Monday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Tuesday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

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 Sacramento?

There are 20 scheduled trains on most days. 7 of these are direct connections to Sacramento. 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 Sacramento to San Jose.

City Information

San Jose

San Jose, CA - SJC-0

Image credit: Unsplash

San Jose, CA - SJC-1

Image credit: Unsplash

San Jose, CA - SJC-2

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.

Sacramento

As the long-held capital city of California, Sacramento has a rich and vibrant history that is reflected in its historic buildings and quarters. The Old Sacramento Waterfront quarter is the best place to explore the city’s rich heritage. Boasting ages-old constructions and a quaint vibe that is reminiscent of the Wild West, the area allows visitors to travel back in time and relive the Gold Rush era. Among the most interesting destinations in the area is the California State Museum, located at the northern edge of the quarter. It offers numerous restored locomotives as well as exhibitions on the United States’ westward expansion. If history is not really your thing, then the Midtown quarter, which boasts a vibrant and expanding art scene, will be a great alternative.

Sacramento is famous for its vast tracts of farmland, so it makes sense that the best dishes are the ones made from locally-grown produce. Among the best places to try out homemade dishes are The Firehouse and The Kitchen. For a bit of an Asian taste, visit Mikuni in Midtown Sacramento.

The busiest bus station in Sacramento is located right in the heart of the city and offers bus service to Portland, Reno, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, among many other places. The main Amtrak train station is the nearby Sacramento Valley Station, which also serves the Gold Line of the local transit light rail. The principal regional airport is the Sacramento International Airport, located 10 miles northwest of Downtown.

Station Information

Where is the train station in San Jose?

Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St - SJCDCS-0

Image credit: SPUR

Link to image attribution

Departure 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.

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

  • Intermodal Station - 800 Pine St

  • 11 Station Pl

  • 180 W Grand Ave

  • Union Station

  • 209 State Street

  • Santa Maria Bus Stop

  • Transportation Center

  • 120 East Santa Fe Ave - Fullerton Transp Ctr

  • Anaheim Stadium Parking - 2626 E Katella Ave

  • Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd

Where is the train station in Sacramento?

Valley Station - 401 I St - SACAMT-0

Image credit: rosemarie_mckeon

Link to image attribution
Valley Station - 401 I St - SACAMT-1

Image credit: Lev Lazinskiy

Link to image attribution

Arrival stations

Sacramento Valley Station is the second busiest transport hub in California and is used by more than one million people every year. Originally constructed in 1926, it now serves as a major center for Amtrak trains traveling within California, northwards along the West Coast, and eastwards into the American Southwest. The station also falls along four Amtrak Thruway bus routes and operates as the western terminus for the Sacramento Light Rail network. Located between Old Sacramento and Downtown, the station is within walking distance of several Gold-Rush era historical monuments as well as an ultra-modern retail district filled with shops and restaurants.

Train stations in Sacramento:

  • Valley Station - 401 I St

Related reading

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