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Cheap train tickets from Oakland to San Jose
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 8 daily train trips available from Oakland to San Jose. Traveling by train from Oakland to San Jose usually takes one hour and 15 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Coast Starlight train can make the trip in one hour and 5 minutes.
| Distance | 38 mi (62 km) |
| Fastest train | 1h 5m |
| Lowest price | $15.00 |
| Trains per day | 8 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Capitol Corridor |
| Train lines | 3 |
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Oakland to San Jose Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Oakland to San Jose?
There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Oakland to San Jose.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$17.04 | Avg. Price$13.97Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips8 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration1h 15m | Duration1h 14mFaster |
There are several train options that can take you from Oakland to San Jose:
- Amtrak tickets: $15 one-way
- Amtrak Capitol Corridor tickets: $15 one-way
- Amtrak Coast Starlight tickets: $17 one-way
What is the price of a train ticket from Oakland to San Jose?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Oakland to San Jose was $16.38. This is basically as cheap as train fares can get. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 15 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $4.36 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Oakland to San Jose by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Oakland to San Jose will cost between $16 and $20. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Oakland to San Jose by month
Taking the train from Oakland to San Jose usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $16 whenever you decide to travel.
Prices as travel date approaches
The price of train trips from Oakland to San Jose doesn't fluctuate much throughout the year, so you don’t need to book your tickets super far in advance. However, to avoid last-minute price surges or sold-out tickets, we recommend purchasing your train tickets at least 48 hours before departure.
Which train should you take from Oakland to San Jose?
There are 3 train lines with service from Oakland to San Jose. Amtrak Capitol Corridor is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 6 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 1h 22m | $17.39 |
| Amtrak Capitol Corridor | 6 | 1h 14m | $16.00 |
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 1h 5m | $30.71 |
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 Oakland to San Jose every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $15.
Since 1991, Capitol Corridor has connected Auburn to San Jose, with stops in Sacramento, Oakland, Berkeley, and 15 other cities in Northern California. The route's convenient transport to various cities includes breathtaking scenery guaranteed to help pass the time. Each train offers onboard WiFi and a cafe car for the comfort of passengers, as well as ample bicycle and luggage storage. Most Capitol Corridor trips make the journey from Oakland to San Jose in about 1 hours and 14 minutes.
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 cars, power outlets, complimentary onboard WiFi, and snacks.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Oakland to San Jose
There are 8 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Oakland to San Jose. You can also take a train for your return trip from San Jose to Oakland. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Oakland to San Jose for $10.
Trains per day
8
Direct trains
8
The distance between Oakland and San Jose is approximately 38 miles, or 62 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour 15 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 5 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.
Distance (mi)
38
Distance (km)
62
The earliest train departs Oakland at 6:13am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:05pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
First train
6:13am
Last train
7:05pm
Trains from Oakland to San Jose are the most crowded on Wednesday. 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Wednesday
Least crowded
Sunday
City Information
Oakland
Oakland, CA is a port city that is beginning to step out of the shadow of San Francisco, its neighbor to the west. Every visitor should start their Oakland trip in the downtown area and Old Oakland, the city's historic quarter full of quaint old buildings. While here, don't forget to take a short detour to Oakland's famous Chinatown as well. The African American Museum and Library at Oakland tells the history of Black communities in the area and is definitely worth a stop. For those who would prefer to stay close to nature, Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park's abundance of redwood groves will offer amazing views.
Oakland's food scene is vibrant and diverse, with a wide range of offerings for all budgets. Enssaro is a popular local name with mid-range dishes that will whet your appetite. For an excellent haute-cuisine dinner, head towards The Wolf.
It's easy to get around the Bay Area on local public transit (called the BART, for Bay Area Rapid Transit). Getting to Oakland from further afield is also a breeze thanks to many intercity bus routes in the area and Amtrak's Capitol Corridor train, which stops in Oakland. Flights arrive at the Oakland International Airport, but several additional airport options in the larger Bay Area are also available.
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 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 Oakland?
Main departure station: 245 Second St
The Jack London Station in Oakland opened in 1995, replacing 16th Street Station, which was extensively damaged in the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989. The station was named after the famous writer Jack London, as he spent much of his life in the area. It is a contemporary glass and stone structure located on the easternmost corner of Jack London Square. The square, which fronts a natural estuary leading to San Francisco Bay, was formerly the hub of Oakland's port activities, connecting the maritime and agricultural sectors. It is still an active and bustling waterfront today. Amtrak's Capitol Corridor, Coast Starlight, and Gold Runner trains serve the station. It is the 10th busiest of Amtrak's 74 California stops, boarding or de-boarding an average of 1,142 people per day.
All train stations in Oakland:
- 245 Second St
- Across San Leandro Blvd from BART station - 700 73rd Ave
Where is the train station 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 Oakland?
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