Cheap train tickets from Vancouver, BC to San Jose, CA
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Vancouver, BC to San Jose, CA. Traveling by train from Vancouver, BC to San Jose, CA usually takes 29 hours and 3 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 28 hours and 44 minutes.
| Distance | 828 mi (1332 km) |
| Fastest train | 28h 44m |
| Lowest price | $196.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:
Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:
Download our free app!
Find, compare & book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
4.8 Rating
5k Reviews
4.5 Rating
4.8k Reviews
Vancouver to San Jose Train Schedule
There are several train options that can take you from Vancouver to San Jose:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Vancouver, BC to San Jose, CA?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Vancouver, BC to San Jose, CA was $204.00. Considering the distance between Vancouver, BC and San Jose, CA, tickets on this route are relatively expensive. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 24 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $137.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Vancouver, BC to San Jose, CA by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Vancouver, BC to San Jose, CA will cost between $195 and $309. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Vancouver, BC to San Jose, CA by month
Ticket prices for the train from Vancouver, BC to San Jose, CA often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in April when the average ticket price is only $198. If you're thinking of traveling from Vancouver, BC to San Jose, CA during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $258 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Vancouver, BC to San Jose, CA on Wanderu at least 24 days ahead of time, you can save about $137.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Vancouver to San Jose?
There are multiple trains that travel from Vancouver to San Jose, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 29h 3m | $295.33 |
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Vancouver to San Jose
Trains leave the station in Vancouver, BC 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 carry-on 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 San Jose, CA to Vancouver, BC. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Vancouver, BC to San Jose, CA for $120.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
0
The distance between Vancouver, BC and San Jose, CA is approximately 828 miles, or 1332 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 29 hours and 3 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 28 hours and 44 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
828
DISTANCE (KM)
1332
The earliest train departs Vancouver, BC at 5:30am while the last train of the day leaves at 5:30am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
5:30am
LATEST TRAIN
5:30am
Trains from Vancouver, BC to San Jose, CA are the most crowded on Friday. 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 traveling on Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Friday
LEAST CROWDED
Monday
City Information
Vancouver, BC
Vancouver is a trendy diverse city in British Columbia, known for its eclectic shopping, fresh seafood, and unique scenic setting between snow-capped mountains and urban beaches. Vancouver is sometimes called "Hollywood North" due to the amount of movies and TV shows filmed in the area. If you're lucky, you may even stumble upon a movie set as you're walking around town!
If you're looking for the best restaurants, shops and nightlife, cobblestoned Gastown is the perfect neighborhood to explore. Biking around the gorgeous Stanley Park in downtown Vancouver is rivaled only by hiking and skiing on nearby Grouse Mountain, which offers stunning views of the city on clear days.
Vancouver International Airport is conveniently close to downtown, and also one of the biggest gateways for international travel on the West Coast of North America. From Vancouver, it's easy to travel into the U.S. to Seattle by bus or train, or to other B.C. destinations like Kamloops and Kelowna to experience more of the province's natural beauty.
San Jose, CA
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 does the train leave from in Vancouver?
Main departure station: Pacific Central Station
The historic Pacific Central Station is Vancouver’s primary train station for Amtrak and VIA Rail service, as well as a bus station for numerous carriers. The impressive Beaux-Arts style station opened in 1919, and is within walking distance of Science World, Strathcona Park, and the lively Gastown neighborhood. Plus, walking just across the street from Pacific Central Station gives you access to Vancouver's SkyTrain public transit system at the Main Street–Science World station. With free WiFi, restrooms, and several restaurants and shops on the premises, Pacific Central Station is a convenient place to start or end your trip.
All train stations in Vancouver:
- Pacific Central Station
Where does the train arrive in San Jose?
Main 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.
All train stations in San Jose:
- Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
Need a return trip from San Jose to Vancouver?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
More trains from Vancouver
Continue by train from San Jose
Check out these popular routes
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu's simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.