4.0
Pros: Very restful. Easy to move around. Good viewing from the lounge car. Cons: The check in process and seat assigning seemed cumbersome and slow. Tips: Arrive early if you want a pair of seats together.
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San Jose to Monterey Train Timetable
Trip Summary
There is one daily train from San Jose to Monterey. Traveling by train from San Jose to Monterey usually takes 2 hours and 35 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 2 hours and 24 minutes.
| Distance | 51 mi (82 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 24m |
| Lowest price | £35.35 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from San Jose to Monterey
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
4.0
What is the price of a train ticket from San Jose to Monterey?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from San Jose to Monterey was £37.71. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 26 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around £10.45 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from San Jose to Monterey by month
Ticket prices for the train from San Jose to Monterey often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in April when the average ticket price is only £35,
If you're thinking of traveling from San Jose to Monterey during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of £42 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from San Jose to Monterey on Wanderu at least 26 days ahead of time, you can save about £10.45 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from San Jose to Monterey?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Jose to Monterey. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 2h 35m | £44.29 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from San Jose to Monterey every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £35.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Jose to Monterey
While the train is the main method of transportation from San Jose to Monterey, it will only take you part of the way there. Please note that part of your trip will be on a different vehicle, most commonly a bus or express shuttle.
The distance between San Jose and Monterey is approximately 51 miles, or 82 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 2 hours and 35 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 24 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.
Trains from San Jose to Monterey are the most crowded on Wednesday. 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves San Jose at 10:00 and arrives in Monterey around 2 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you transfer trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Monterey 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.
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
Where is the train station in Monterey?
Main arrival station: Monterey Bay Aquarium
There are more train stations and stops in Monterey than most cities. Most trains from San Jose will stop at one (or more) of the 5 following stations in Monterey:
Train stations in Monterey:
Monterey Bay Aquarium
500 Tyler St
Monterey (Calle Principal Parking Garage), California
351 Fremont St
1 Old Golf Course Rd
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