Cheap train tickets from Palm Springs to San Jose

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Trip Summary

There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Palm Springs to San Jose. Traveling by train from Palm Springs to San Jose usually takes 15 hours and 14 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 12 hours and 35 minutes.

Distance: 386 mi (621 km)
Fastest train: 12h 35m
Lowest price: $101.00
Trains per day: 0
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 1

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Palm Springs to San Jose Train Schedule

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Palm Springs to San Jose?

There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from Palm Springs to San Jose.

	Train	Bus
Avg. Price	Avg. Price$137.08Cheaper	Avg. Price$169.91
Daily Trips	Daily Trips5	Daily Trips1
Duration	Duration15h 14m	Duration9h 26mFaster

There are several train options that can take you from Palm Springs to San Jose:

Amtrak tickets: $101 one-way

See more details

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Palm Springs to San Jose was $131.17. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 8 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $21.83 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Palm Springs to San Jose by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Palm Springs to San Jose will cost between $134 and $145. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Palm Springs to San Jose by month

Ticket prices for the train from Palm Springs to San Jose often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only $116. If you're thinking of traveling from Palm Springs to San Jose during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $180 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 Palm Springs to San Jose on Wanderu at least 8 days ahead of time, you can save about $21.83 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Palm Springs to San Jose?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Palm Springs to San Jose. However, there are 5 trains per day to choose from.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	5	15h 14m	$137.08

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 5 Amtrak trains from Palm Springs to San Jose every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $101.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Palm Springs to San Jose

There are 5 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 Palm Springs. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Palm Springs to San Jose for $75.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Palm Springs and San Jose is approximately 386 miles, or 621 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 15 hours and 14 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 12 hours and 35 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)

386

Distance (km)

621

The earliest train departs Palm Springs at 2:02am while the last train of the day leaves at 2:20pm. 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

2:02am

Last train

2:20pm

Trains from Palm Springs to San Jose are the most crowded on Monday. 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Monday

Least crowded

Tuesday

City Information

Palm Springs

Palm Springs is a desert resort city in California defined by its ultra-cool midcentury modern buildings and aesthetics. Travelers seeking relaxation flock to Palm Springs' stylish hotels and resorts like the Caliente Tropic Resort, spas like The Well Spa, hot springs like the Azure Palm Hot Springs, and the city's many palm tree-lined golf courses. History and art buffs can check out the Palm Springs Art Museum, Cabazon Dinosaurs, and Cabot's Pueblo Museum. Trivia break! Can you guess which president had a home in Palm Springs?

Explore the desert environment by meeting some locals at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens or trot through the Indian Canyons on horseback. Outdoor enthusiasts can discover trails for hiking, walking, and mountain biking in the desert city. Palm Canyon Drive, a cultural strip downtown, offers upscale dining and exciting nightlife, from resort restaurants to taverns and lounges.

Visit this chic resort city by train on the Amtrak Texas Eagle or Amtrak Sunset Limited. You can take a bus to Palm Springs on one of FlixBus' routes from Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Riverside, and more. The Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is easy to reach, only two miles from downtown.

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 Palm Springs?

Main departure station: Palm Springs Station Rd

Palm Springs has 3 stations where passengers can board the train to San Jose.

All train stations in Palm Springs:

Palm Springs Station Rd
SunLine Transit Stop - 190 N Indian Canyon Dr
SunLine Transit Stop - 3400 E Tahquitz Canyon Way

Where is the train station in San Jose?

Main arrival station: Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St

Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St - SJCDCS-0

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 Palm Springs?

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