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Sacramento to San Jose train

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Sacramento - San Jose Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are usually 12 daily train trips available from Sacramento to San Jose. Traveling by train from Sacramento to San Jose usually takes 4 hours, but the fastest Amtrak Capitol Corridor train can make the trip in 3 hours and 4 minutes.

Distance89 mi (142 km)
Fastest train3h 4m
Lowest price$19.00
Trains per day7
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Capitol Corridor
Train lines3

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Sacramento to San Jose

(Based on 7 ratings and reviews)

4.9

5.0

Ronald

September 17, 2023- Visiting family

Amtrak Capitol Corridor

Pros: Cheap and convenient. Cons: More food selections but the prices were great! Tips: Enjoy the write.

5.0

Bo

August 29, 2023- Solo travel

Amtrak Capitol Corridor

Pros: Being able to relax for 3 hours. Cons: More drink options. Tips: Give it a try.

5.0

Angela

November 10, 2022- Visiting family

Amtrak Capitol Corridor

Pros: The trip was relaxing. Cons: Can’t think of anything.

4.0

Aura

March 20, 2022- Visiting friends

Amtrak Capitol Corridor

Pros: Peaceful. Cons: Nothing no. Tips: N/A.

5.0

Ealaisa

September 3, 2019- Business

Amtrak Capitol Corridor

Pros: Smooth ride. Cons: The toilets.

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Sacramento to San Jose was $35.81. Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 28 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $60.30 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average prices by travel date

$60$40$20MarApr

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Sacramento to San Jose will cost between $35 and $53. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Monthly avg. prices

$50$40$30$20$10AMJJASONDJFM
You can find the lowest prices on this route during December. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Sacramento to San Jose, with the average price at just $35. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in April, when the average price goes up to $49. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$50$40$30$20$103020100

Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Sacramento to San Jose. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 28 days before departure, you can save around $60.30. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!

Which train should you take from Sacramento to San Jose?

There are 3 train lines with service from Sacramento to San Jose. Amtrak Capitol Corridor is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 6 trains each day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak55h 19m$41.57
Amtrak Capitol Corridor63h 9m$40.00
Amtrak Coast Starlight13h 26m$38.32
  • 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 Sacramento to San Jose every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $19.

  • 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 Sacramento to San Jose in about 3 hours and 9 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

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Sacramento 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 Sacramento and San Jose is approximately 89 miles, or 142 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 4 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.

Trains from Sacramento to San Jose are the most crowded on Thursday. 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.

The earliest train departs Sacramento at 4:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 7:00pm. 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 12 scheduled trains on most days. 7 of these are direct connections to San Jose. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.

You can also take a train for your return trip from San Jose to Sacramento.

City Information

Sacramento

As the long-held capital city of California, Sacramento has a rich and vibrant history that is reflected in its historic buildings and quarters. The Old Sacramento Waterfront quarter is the best place to explore the city’s rich heritage. Boasting ages-old constructions and a quaint vibe that is reminiscent of the Wild West, the area allows visitors to travel back in time and relive the Gold Rush era. Among the most interesting destinations in the area is the California State Museum, located at the northern edge of the quarter. It offers numerous restored locomotives as well as exhibitions on the United States’ westward expansion. If history is not really your thing, then the Midtown quarter, which boasts a vibrant and expanding art scene, will be a great alternative.

Sacramento is famous for its vast tracts of farmland, so it makes sense that the best dishes are the ones made from locally-grown produce. Among the best places to try out homemade dishes are The Firehouse and The Kitchen. For a bit of an Asian taste, visit Mikuni in Midtown Sacramento.

The busiest bus station in Sacramento is located right in the heart of the city and offers bus service to Portland, Reno, Los Angeles, and San Francisco, among many other places. The main Amtrak train station is the nearby Sacramento Valley Station, which also serves the Gold Line of the local transit light rail. The principal regional airport is the Sacramento International Airport, located 10 miles northwest of Downtown.

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 Sacramento?

Valley Station - 401 I St  - SACAMT-0

Image credit: rosemarie_mckeon

Link to image attribution
Valley Station - 401 I St  - SACAMT-1

Image credit: Lev Lazinskiy

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: Valley Station - 401 I St

Sacramento Valley Station is the second busiest transport hub in California and is used by more than one million people every year. Originally constructed in 1926, it now serves as a major center for Amtrak trains traveling within California, northwards along the West Coast, and eastwards into the American Southwest. The station also falls along four Amtrak Thruway bus routes and operates as the western terminus for the Sacramento Light Rail network. Located between Old Sacramento and Downtown, the station is within walking distance of several Gold-Rush era historical monuments as well as an ultra-modern retail district filled with shops and restaurants.

All train stations in Sacramento:

  • Valley Station - 401 I St

  • 10251 St Edwards Dr

  • Pacific Central Station

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

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