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Cheap train tickets from San Jose to Bakersfield

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San Jose to Bakersfield Train Schedule

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

There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from San Jose to Bakersfield.

Bus
Train

Avg. Price

Avg. Price

$54.90

Avg. Price

$63.04

Daily Trips

Daily Trips

2

Daily Trips

5

Duration

Duration

4h 55m

Duration

9h 49m

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Trip Summary

5 trains operate daily from San Jose to Bakersfield. The train trip from San Jose to Bakersfield is usually about 9 hours and 45 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 7 hours and 2 minutes.

Distance209 mi (337 km)
Fastest train7h 2m
Lowest price$36.00
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

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

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from San Jose to Bakersfield was $47.74. This is an excellent deal, especially considering the length of the journey. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Bakersfield if you book your train tickets at least 15 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $12.18.

Average train ticket prices from San Jose to Bakersfield by travel date

$90$60$30NovNov

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from San Jose to Bakersfield will cost between $50 and $86. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Monthly avg. prices

$75$60$45$30$15DJFMAMJJASON
You can find the lowest prices on this route during August. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from San Jose to Bakersfield, with the average price at just $48. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in January, when the average price goes up to $59. 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 San Jose to Bakersfield?

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

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak59h 46m$60.28
  • 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 San Jose to Bakersfield every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $36.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Jose to Bakersfield

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from San Jose to Bakersfield. 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 San Jose and Bakersfield is approximately 209 miles, or 337 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 45 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 7 hours and 2 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 departing from San Jose to Bakersfield tend to have the most passengers on Wednesday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Wednesday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Monday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

The earliest train departs San Jose at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:00pm. 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 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 Bakersfield to San Jose.

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.

Bakersfield

Bakersfield, California, is just north of LA on the Kern River. The Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, one of the city’s biggest attractions, displays fossils, dinosaur models, Native American artifacts, and a changing array of temporary exhibitions. Meanwhile, the Bakersfield Museum of Art features multiple rotating galleries of modern and historical art.

As the sun sets in Bakersfield, locals and visitors alike flock to Buck Owens Crystal Palace for food, drinks, and the biggest live music venue in the area. The Belvedere Cocktail lounge offers a more intimate live music experience– plus some amazing drinks and arcade games. For a truly unique experience, check out the family-friendly Gaslight Melodrama Theatre, where audiences are encouraged to cheer, boo, and get in on the fun of the live performances.

On the quieter side, Bakersfield has a number of beautiful parks across the city. The Park at RiverWalk is a fan favorite, with 32 sprawling acres along the Kern River dotted with picnic areas, public grills, and fishing spots. The Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area provides more outdoor activities with swimming, boating, sailing, cycling, and more.

To get to Bakersfield, fly into the Meadows Field Airport just north of the town. Several bus lines also service the area, connecting the city to Phoenix, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and Ontario. For train service, Amtrak offers routes to San Diego, San Francisco, and even New York City.

Station Information

Where is the train station in San Jose?

Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St - SJCDCS-0

Image credit: SPUR

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Main departure 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

Where is the train station in Bakersfield?

Main arrival station: 601 Truxtun Ave - Transit Station

Bakersfield has one train station.

All train stations in Bakersfield:

  • 601 Truxtun Ave - Transit Station

Get around town with Moovit

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

Need a return trip from Bakersfield to San Jose?

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