Cheap train tickets from San Francisco to San Jose
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Is it better to travel by bus or train from San Francisco to San Jose?
There are usually 5 daily bus trips available from San Francisco to San Jose.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$16.00 | Avg. Price$25.24 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips5 | Daily Trips4 |
Duration | Duration1h 20m | Duration3h 51m |
Trip Summary
There are usually 6 daily train trips available from San Francisco to San Jose. Traveling by train from San Francisco to San Jose usually takes 3 hours and 44 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in one hour.
| Distance | 42 mi (68 km) |
| Fastest train | 1h 0m |
| Lowest price | $19.00 |
| Trains per day | 3 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from San Francisco to San Jose?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from San Francisco to San Jose was $24.59. 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 5 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $4.49 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Monthly avg. prices
Prices as travel date approaches
Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from San Francisco to San Jose. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 5 days before departure, you can save around $4.49. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!
Which train should you take from San Francisco to San Jose?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Francisco to San Jose. However, there are 6 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 6 | 3h 45m | $26.60 |
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 6 Amtrak trains from San Francisco to San Jose every day, as well as 7 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $19.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Francisco to San Jose
Trains from San Francisco to San Jose are the most crowded on Sunday. 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.
The earliest train departs San Francisco at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 5:00pm. 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 6 scheduled trains on most days. 3 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 San Francisco.
City Information
San Francisco
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Located in the heart of Northern California's Bay Area, San Francisco is a geographically small but culturally huge city known for its historic cable cars, active waterfront, and the eclectic mix of hippies and techies who call it home. While it might be one of the most expensive U.S. cities to live in, San Fran can actually be very cheap to visit, and there is no shortage of unique sights to see.
If the city's omnipresent fog (nicknamed "Karl the Fog" by locals) takes a break, the best views and Instagram photo ops of the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge are found in Golden Gate Park. Stroll through the oldest Chinatown in North America to find the perfect dim sum, or if you and your boo prefer a little Full House moment, try a romantic picnic at Alamo Square Park in front of the Victorian "Painted Ladies." After all, San Francisco is one of the best vacation destinations for couples.
Since the city is condensed onto a small peninsula, exploring by bike is an efficient and scenic way to get around. When you’re ready to travel beyond city limits, San Francisco is a convenient hub for trips throughout Northern California. It's actually the first stop on Wanderu's West Coast Wine Tour, with the next stop, obviously, in Napa Valley. Whether traveling by bus, train, or through either of the two nearby airports, San Francisco is a can't-miss destination.
San Jose
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
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 San Francisco?
Image credit: 146109843@N05
Link to image attributionMain departure station: San Francisco, California
Behind a modern curved façade lies San Francisco’s commuter hub, the Salesforce Transit Center. This gateway to downtown San Francisco and the entire Bay Area welcomes tens of thousands of passengers every day. Finding your way around is easy thanks to more than 270 digital displays with transit information. The Salesforce Transit Center serves as a bus station for Greyhound and Amtrak Thruway buses, as well as several public transit options for convenient connections. A standout feature of the Salesforce Transit Center is a public five-acre rooftop park which gives travelers an open space to relax. Rotating food trucks, cafés, carts, and pop-up retail make this a dynamic and vibrant destination in itself.
All train stations in San Francisco:
San Francisco, California
Where is the train station in San Jose?
Image credit: SPUR
Link to image attributionMain 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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Need a return trip from San Jose to San Francisco?
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Continue by train from San Jose
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$27+
- Train from San Jose to San Luis Obispo
$55+
- Train from San Jose to Santa Barbara
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- San Jose to South Lake Tahoe Train
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- Train from San Jose to Yosemite Valley
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- San Jose to Las Vegas Train
$149+
- San Jose to Reno
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- Train from San Jose to Portland
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- San Jose to Seattle
$198+
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