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Cheap train tickets from San Jose to Tacoma
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from San Jose to Tacoma. Travelling by train from San Jose to Tacoma usually takes 1 day and 20 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Coast Starlight train can make the trip in 22 hours and 40 minutes.
- Distance
- 686 mi (1103 km)
- Fastest train
- 22h 40m
- Lowest price
- US$186.00
- Trains per day
- 2
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 2
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San Jose to Tacoma Train Timetable
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Average score for trains from San Jose to Tacoma (Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
5.0
There are several train options that can take you from San Jose to Tacoma:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from San Jose to Tacoma?
In the last month, train tickets from San Jose to Tacoma cost about US$188 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 1 day prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around US$80 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from San Jose to Tacoma by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from San Jose to Tacoma will cost between US$117 and US$268. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from San Jose to Tacoma by month
Ticket prices for the train from San Jose to Tacoma 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$150. If you're thinking of travelling from San Jose to Tacoma during August, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of US$246 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in August, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from San Jose to Tacoma on Wanderu at least 1 day ahead of time, you can save about US$80 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from San Jose to Tacoma?
2 train services operate from San Jose to Tacoma. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 26h | US$229.00 |
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 22h 40m | US$226.00 |
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 Tacoma every day, as well as 1 trip at the weekends, with prices starting from US$189.
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 Tacoma
Trains leave the station in San Jose twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to Tacoma faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip. You can also take a train for your return trip from Tacoma to San Jose.
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
1
The distance between San Jose and Tacoma is approximately 686 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 day and 20 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 22 hours and 40 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)
686
Distance (km)
1103
The earliest train departs San Jose at 19:58 while the last train of the day leaves at 19:58. 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
7:58pm
Last train
7:58pm
Trains from San Jose to Tacoma are the most crowded on Sunday. 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
Sunday
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.
Tacoma
Tacoma has seen some hard times in recent years, but the city is receiving many new revival attempts, turning it into a charming town with its own unique attractions. For those interested in the history of the city, as well as the creativity of its residents, head towards the Museum District, which houses numerous interesting museums such as the Tacoma Art Museum and the Washington State History Museum. While in the area, don’t miss out on the chance to marvel at the architectural ingenuity of the Bridge of Glass. If you wish to enjoy a bit of outdoor air, diving into the cold water of American Lake in Lakewood in the morning is bound to make you happy.
Seafood has always been among Tacoma’s finest offerings, and the best place to enjoy these dishes is Duke’s Chowder House, which features a bay view. For a more exquisite taste, head over to Indochine, a pan-Asian restaurant featuring mouth watering dishes.
The main coach station and the Amtrak train station in Tacoma are both near downtown, just a few blocks from each other. Tacoma is served by Amtrak’s Cascades and Coast Starlight lines. The city’s main airport is Seattle–Tacoma International and it sits 22 miles north of the city.
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 Tacoma?
Main arrival station: 422 E. 25th St.
The Amtrak station in Tacoma is located at 422 E 25th St, near I-5 and close to the Tacoma Dome. The Tacoma Dome Station is served by Amtrak Cascades, which travels between Vancouver, BC, Seattle, Portland, and Eugene, and Amtrak’s Coast Starlight from Seattle to Los Angeles. Local Sound Transit's commuter rail station is next door. The coach terminal on Puyallup Ave is across the street from the train station complex for easy transfers to local buses or intercity coaches. The station complex includes two car parks and a customer service centre with toilets and vending machines. Nearby attractions in Tacoma include Freighthouse Square, a shopping mall inside an old depot, and several museums like the Washington State History Museum and the Museum of Glass.
Train stations in Tacoma:
- 422 E. 25th St.
Need a return trip from Tacoma to San Jose?
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