5.0
Pros: So much easier than driving 7 hours! Cons: Not a thing.
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Trip Summary
There are 6 daily trains from Santa Ana to San Jose. Traveling by train from Santa Ana to San Jose usually takes around 11 hours and 4 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 10 hours and 19 minutes.
| Distance | 336 mi (540 km) |
| Fastest train | 10h 19m |
| Lowest price | €53.72 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Overall score for trains from Santa Ana to San Jose
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Santa Ana to San Jose?
Over the past month, a train ticket between Santa Ana and San Jose cost €77.75, on average. Booking your trip at least 17 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around €27.49 more.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from Santa Ana to San Jose often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in May when the average ticket price is only €65,
If you're thinking of traveling from Santa Ana to San Jose during September, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of €74 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in September, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 17 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to San Jose from Santa Ana will be about €27.49 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
Which train should you take from Santa Ana to San Jose?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Santa Ana to San Jose. However, there are 6 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 6 | 11h 5m | €94.31 |
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 6 Amtrak trains from Santa Ana to San Jose every day, as well as 6 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €51.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Santa Ana to San Jose. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.
The distance between Santa Ana and San Jose is approximately 336 miles, or 540 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 11 hours and 4 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 10 hours and 19 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 spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Santa Ana to San Jose on Saturday. Tickets for Saturday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Wednesday. Wednesday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Santa Ana at 06:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 23:00. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 6 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from San Jose to Santa Ana.
City Information
Santa Ana
Image credit: Unsplash
Santa Ana is a sunny city in Orange County located between Anaheim and Irvine in the greater Los Angeles area. Downtown Santa Ana bustles with independent breweries, diverse restaurants, unique retail shops, weekly pop-up markets, and art centers. This lively downtown area, in addition to Santa Ana's live-work housing and creative working spaces, make it attractive to young professionals.
One of the most popular spots for visitors is the Santa Ana Zoo, where little ones can enjoy a carousel and mini-train ride along with the animal exhibits. Architecture enthusiasts will love seeing the Bowers Museum, built in a Mission Revival style, and the Heritage Museum, which has restored homes from the 1890s.
The Orange County Transportation Authority and several shuttle services provide transit within Santa Ana. Santa Ana is easily accessible from over 20 other cities by Amtrak Thruway bus or on the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train. The primary airport for Orange County, John Wayne Airport, is located in Santa Ana and also makes it easy to travel to this vibrant SoCal spot.
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 Santa Ana?
Main departure station: Reg Transp Ctr - 1000 E Santa Ana Blvd
There is one train station in Santa Ana.
All train stations in Santa Ana:
Reg Transp Ctr - 1000 E Santa Ana Blvd
Where is the train station in San Jose?
Image credit: SPUR
Link to image attributionMain arrival 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.
Train stations in San Jose:
Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
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Need a return trip from San Jose to Santa Ana?
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