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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Trip Summary
There is usually just one train option from San Jose to Monterey per day. The average train journey from San Jose to Monterey takes 2 hours and 35 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 2 hours and 24 minutes.
| Distance | 51 mi (82 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 24m |
| Lowest price | €24.50 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Overall 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?
Over the past month, a train ticket between San Jose and Monterey cost €27.33, on average. This is about as cheap as train fares get on this route. Booking your trip at least 26 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around €16.33 more.
Average prices by travel date
The average cost of a one-way train trip from San Jose to Monterey is expected to fluctuate between €26 and €36 in the next 30 days. If you’re planning a train trip to Monterey in the upcoming week, the cheapest price in the next 7 days for a ticket from San Jose is €27.
Monthly average prices
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 January when the average ticket price is only €28,
If you're thinking of traveling from San Jose to Monterey during August, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of €43 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in August, is to book your trip well in advance.
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 | €33.86 |
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 €25.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 departing from San Jose to Monterey tend to have the most passengers on Sunday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Sunday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Sunday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
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: 351 Fremont St
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:
351 Fremont St
1 Old Golf Course Rd
500 Tyler St
Marriott
Monterey Bay Aquarium
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Need a return trip from Monterey to San Jose?
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