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Cheap train tickets from San Jose to South Lake Tahoe
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from San Jose to South Lake Tahoe. Travelling by train from San Jose to South Lake Tahoe usually takes 8 hours and 2 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 6 hours and 57 minutes.
- Distance
- 152 mi (244 km)
- Fastest train
- 6h 57m
- Lowest price
- £56.33
- Trains per day
- 2
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 1
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San Jose to South Lake Tahoe Train Timetable
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Average score for trains from San Jose to South Lake Tahoe (Based on 4 ratings and reviews)
There are several train options that can take you from San Jose to South Lake Tahoe:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from San Jose to South Lake Tahoe?
In the last month, train tickets from San Jose to South Lake Tahoe cost about £56 when booked at the cheapest time. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 4 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around £0.80 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from San Jose to South Lake Tahoe by travel date
The cost of a one-way train trip from San Jose to South Lake Tahoe is expected to stay pretty stable over the next four weeks. No matter which day you travel, you can expect to pay about £56 for your ticket.
Average train ticket prices from San Jose to South Lake Tahoe by month
Taking the train from San Jose to South Lake Tahoe usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around £56 whenever you decide to travel.
Prices as travel date approaches
The price of train trips from San Jose to South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Jose to South Lake Tahoe. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 8h 2m | £57.02 |
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 are 2 Amtrak trains from San Jose to South Lake Tahoe every day, as well as 2 trips at the weekends, with prices starting from £56.33.
Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from San Jose to South Lake Tahoe
While the train is the main method of transport from San Jose to South Lake Tahoe, 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.
Trains leave the station in San Jose twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. 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 change 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 South Lake Tahoe to San Jose.
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
0
The distance between San Jose and South Lake Tahoe is approximately 152 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 8 hours and 2 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 6 hours and 57 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 patchy signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and films to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Distance (mi)
152
Distance (km)
244
The earliest train departs San Jose at 4:30 while the last train of the day leaves at 6:18. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full timetable for your specific travel dates.
First train
4:30am
Last train
6:18am
Trains from San Jose to South Lake Tahoe are the most crowded on Thursday. 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
Thursday
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 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 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 South Lake Tahoe?
Main arrival station: South Y Transit Ctr - 1000 Emerald Bay Rd
South Lake Tahoe receives travellers from San Jose at its two active train stations.
Train stations in South Lake Tahoe:
- South Y Transit Ctr - 1000 Emerald Bay Rd
- Transp Ctr
Need a return trip from South Lake Tahoe to San Jose?
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