background-img-buses-trains
chiku-desktop

Monterey to San Jose train

chiku-mobile
Available on iOS & Android
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.

Monterey - San Jose Train Schedule

Bus
Train
Amtrak
  1. Sun,
  2. Mon,
  3. Tue,
  4. Wed,
  5. Thu,
  6. Fri,
  7. Sat
4:15 PM
MontereyMonterey Bay Aquarium
7:46 PM
San JoseDiridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
from $29.00
Bus
Train
Amtrak
  1. Sun,
  2. Mon,
  3. Tue,
  4. Wed,
  5. Thu,
  6. Fri,
  7. Sat
4:25 PM
MontereyMarriott
7:46 PM
San JoseDiridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
from $29.00
Bus
Train
Amtrak
  1. Sun,
  2. Mon,
  3. Tue,
  4. Wed,
  5. Thu,
  6. Fri,
  7. Sat
4:30 PM
Monterey500 Tyler St
7:46 PM
San JoseDiridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
from $26.00
Bus
Train
Amtrak
  1. Sun,
  2. Mon,
  3. Tue,
  4. Wed,
  5. Thu,
  6. Fri,
  7. Sat
4:50 PM
Monterey351 Fremont St
7:46 PM
San JoseDiridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
from $29.00
Bus
Train
Amtrak
  1. Sun,
  2. Mon,
  3. Tue,
  4. Wed,
  5. Thu,
  6. Fri,
  7. Sat
4:55 PM
Monterey1 Old Golf Course Rd
7:46 PM
San JoseDiridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
from $29.00

Trip Summary

On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Monterey to San Jose. The train trip from Monterey to San Jose is usually about 3 hours and 11 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 2 hours and 51 minutes.

Distance51 mi (82 km)
Fastest train2h 51m
Lowest price$26.00
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

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

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Monterey to San Jose was $31.00. At this price, taking the train is the cheap and easy way to go. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to San Jose if you book your train tickets at least 21 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $1.00.

Average prices by travel date

$60$40$20AprMay

For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from Monterey to San Jose will range from $29 to $50. If you're planning to travel by train to San Jose in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from Monterey you can find in the next 7 days is $29. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.

Monthly avg. prices

$50$40$30$20$10JJASONDJFMAM
You can find the lowest prices on this route during February. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Monterey to San Jose, with the average price at just $32. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in August, when the average price goes up to $47. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.

Which train should you take from Monterey to San Jose?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Monterey to San Jose. 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.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak13h 12m$35.82
  • 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 Monterey to San Jose every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $26.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the train is the main method of transportation from Monterey to San Jose, 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 Monterey and San Jose is approximately 51 miles, or 82 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 11 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 51 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.

Sunday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Monterey to San Jose. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Sunday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Sunday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Monterey at 4:00pm and arrives in San Jose 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 San Jose to Monterey.

City Information

San Jose

San Jose, CA - SJC-0

Image credit: Unsplash

San Jose, CA - SJC-1

Image credit: Unsplash

San Jose, CA - SJC-2

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 Monterey?

Main departure station: 1 Old Golf Course Rd

Because some trains make multiple stops before leaving the city, there are 5 stops and stations in Monterey where you can board the train.

All train stations in Monterey:

  • 1 Old Golf Course Rd

  • Marriott

  • Monterey Bay Aquarium

  • 500 Tyler St

  • 351 Fremont St

Where is the train station in San Jose?

Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St - SJCDCS-0

Image credit: SPUR

Link to image attribution

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

Get around town with Moovit

Find the best way to get to and from any station in San Jose by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now

Need a return trip from San Jose to Monterey?

Search Train Tickets

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.

Book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.

Download our app and snag the best travel deals across North America & Europe.Learn more

iPhone
Android
Available on iOS & Android