Cheap train tickets from San Jose to Monterey

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Trip Summary

There is one daily train from San Jose to Monterey. Travelling 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
MX$893.35
Trains per day
1
Most frequent service
Amtrak
Train lines
1

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San Jose to Monterey Train Timetable

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from San Jose to Monterey (Based on 1 rating and review)

4.0

4.0

John

16 June 2019 - Holiday

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

In the last month, train tickets from San Jose to Monterey cost about MX$972 when booked at the cheapest time. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 24 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around MX$208.64 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

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

MX$1,230MX$820MX$410NovNov

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from San Jose to Monterey will cost between MX$949 and MX$1,228. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from San Jose to Monterey by month

MX$1,100MX$880MX$660MX$440MX$220JFMAMJJASOND

Taking the train from San Jose to Monterey usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around MX$1,024 whenever you decide to travel.

Prices as travel date approaches

MX$1,175MX$940MX$705MX$470MX$235010

The price of train trips from San Jose to Monterey doesn't fluctuate much throughout the year, so you don’t need to book your tickets super far in advance. However, to avoid last-minute price surges or sold-out tickets, we recommend purchasing your train tickets at least 48 hours before departure.

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.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak12h 35mMX$1,084.43
  • 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 toilet, free WiFi and power sockets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there is 1 Amtrak train from San Jose to Monterey every day, as well as 5 trips at the weekends, with prices starting from MX$893.35.

    Amtrak train passing through mountains, offering affordable train tickets for scenic rail travel - WanderuModern Amtrak train at a station, providing cheap train travel and convenient Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak train speeding through scenic fall foliage, featuring cheap train tickets for long-distance trips - WanderuInterior view of a table in the dining car of an Amtrak train - WanderuInterior view of the dining car on an Amtrak train. Find affordable train tickets on - WanderuClean and spacious Amtrak bathroom, offering convenience and comfort for passengers during long train journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak power outlet for charging devices, providing convenience for passengers during affordable travel with cheap train tickets - WanderuComfortable Amtrak seats with ample legroom, ideal for relaxing during long journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuSpacious Amtrak seats with reclining options, offering comfort and convenience for passengers on affordable train travel - WanderuAmtrak viewing car seats with large windows, offering panoramic views and comfort for passengers enjoying scenic routes with affordable train tickets - Wanderu

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

While the train is the main method of transport 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 coach or express shuttle.

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 hand 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.

Trains per day

1

Direct trains

0

The distance between San Jose and Monterey is approximately 51 miles. 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.

Distance (mi)

51

Distance (km)

82

Most days, there is only one train which leaves San Jose at 10:26 and arrives in Monterey around 2 hours later.

First train

10:26am

Last train

10:26am

Trains from San Jose to Monterey are the most crowded on Monday. 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

Monday

Least crowded

Sunday

City Information

San Jose

San Jose, CA - SJC-0San Jose, CA - SJC-1San Jose, CA - SJC-2

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 coach 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?

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 transport 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 coach transit on Amtrak Thruway and Greyhound coaches. 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 Monterey?

Main arrival station: Monterey (Calle Principal Parking Garage), California

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 (Calle Principal Parking Garage), California
  • 1 Old Golf Course Rd
  • 500 Tyler St
  • Monterey Bay Aquarium
  • 351 Fremont St

Need a return trip from Monterey to San Jose?

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