Cheap train tickets from San Jose to Seattle

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Trip Summary

There is one daily train from San Jose to Seattle. Travelling by train from San Jose to Seattle usually takes 23 hours and 55 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Coast Starlight train can make the trip in 23 hours and 53 minutes.

Distance: 710 mi (1142 km)
Fastest train: 23h 53m
Lowest price: US$119.00
Trains per day: 1
Most frequent service: Amtrak Coast Starlight
Train lines: 1

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San Jose to Seattle Train Timetable

There are several train options that can take you from San Jose to Seattle:

Amtrak Coast Starlight tickets: US$119 one-way

See more details

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

In the last month, train tickets from San Jose to Seattle cost about US$132 when booked at the cheapest time. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 21 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around US$708 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

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

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from San Jose to Seattle will cost between US$116 and US$609. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from San Jose to Seattle by month

Ticket prices for the train from San Jose to Seattle often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only US$167. If you're thinking of travelling from San Jose to Seattle during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$262 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from San Jose to Seattle on Wanderu at least 21 days ahead of time, you can save about US$708 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from San Jose to Seattle?

Amtrak Coast Starlight is the one and only train line which connects San Jose to Seattle. 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 Coast Starlight	1	23h 55m	US$225.55

The Amtrak Coast Starlight is a service provided by Amtrak that connects Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles on the US Pacific coast. The full journey winds through the Cascade Mountains, perfectly clipped vineyards, and dense coastal forest, allowing passengers to get a glimpse of the US west coast while enjoying air-conditioned carriages, power sockets, complimentary onboard WiFi, and snacks.

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

Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. Luckily, this train will get you to Seattle with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains. You can also take a train for your return trip from Seattle to San Jose.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between San Jose and Seattle is approximately 710 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 23 hours and 55 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 23 hours and 53 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)

710

Distance (km)

1142

Most days, there is only one train which leaves San Jose at 19:58 and arrives in Seattle around 23 hours later.

First train

7:58pm

Last train

7:58pm

Trains from San Jose to Seattle 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 travelling on Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Wednesday

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.

Seattle

Seattle is a must-see destination on the West Coast of the United States, offering many unique activities for any type of traveller. However, we're confident every visitor will enjoy the view of Mount Rainier from the top of Seattle's iconic Space Needle. Outdoor enthusiasts can bike, hike, boat, and ski in one of the top cities for outdoor activities in the U.S., while soaking in the Pacific Northwest's natural beauty (and yes, some rain as well). Urban explorers will love walking through Pike Place Market and experiencing Seattle's museums and public art, like the scenic Olympic Sculpture Park. These offerings and more make Seattle one of the best holiday destination in Washington.

Known for its coffee culture and as the birthplace of Starbucks, Seattle is also one of the top 5 craft beer cities in the U.S., which is ideal for those who prefer to experience the taste of a city served up in a latte mug or a pint glass.

Seattle is home to the largest airport in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle-Tacoma Airport, but there are plenty of other ways to continue your travels from the Emerald City. A short ferry ride to Bainbridge Island includes the chance to see orca whales in the Puget Sound, or you can catch the Amtrak Cascades train or one of several affordable coach options from the historic King Street Station to other exciting Northwest cities in British Columbia, Oregon and beyond.

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 Seattle?

Main arrival station: King Street Station

Seattle, WA - King Street Station - SEAAMT-0

King Street Station is the main station for Amtrak train service in Seattle. Greyhound coaches use the coach station at 503 S Royal Brougham Way, near Lumen Field. King Street Station has connections to local public transit like the Link Light Rail and King County Metro at the International District/Chinatown station one block away. Located near downtown Seattle in the trendy Pioneer Square neighbourhood, King Street Station opened in 1906 and continues to impress travellers with its restored Italian architecture and Venetian-style clocktower. King Street Station has on-site Amtrak staff, toilets, and vending machines, and while there are no restaurants in the station, several nearby coffee shops and eateries make it easy to fuel up before your trip.

Train stations in Seattle:

King St Station - 303 S Jackson St

Need a return trip from Seattle to San Jose?

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