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San Jose to Berkeley train

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San Jose - Berkeley Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are usually 8 daily train trips available from San Jose to Berkeley. Traveling by train from San Jose to Berkeley usually takes one hour and 41 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Capitol Corridor train can make the trip in one hour and 18 minutes.

Distance42 mi (68 km)
Fastest train1h 18m
Lowest price$16.50
Trains per day6
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Capitol Corridor
Train lines2

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

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from San Jose to Berkeley was $18.17. This is a fantastic deal for train travel. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Berkeley if you book your train tickets at least 25 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $0.49.

Monthly avg. prices

$25$20$15$10$5MJJASONDJFMA
Taking the train from San Jose to Berkeley usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $19 whenever you decide to travel.

Prices as travel date approaches

$25$20$15$10$53020100

The average price of train tickets from San Jose to Berkeley is pretty stable year-round. However, we still suggest buying your train tickets at least 48 hours prior to departure to avoid unexpected price hikes and the possibility of the train being sold out.

Which train should you take from San Jose to Berkeley?

2 train services operate from San Jose to Berkeley. Amtrak Capitol Corridor usually has more trains scheduled, with 6 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak13h 30m$16.50
Amtrak Capitol Corridor61h 21m$19.00
  • 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 San Jose to Berkeley every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $17.

  • 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 San Jose to Berkeley in about 1 hours and 21 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from San Jose to Berkeley. 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 Berkeley is approximately 42 miles, or 68 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour 41 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 hour 18 minutes. As a relatively short ride, taking the train is an easy way to travel between these two cities.

Trains departing from San Jose to Berkeley tend to have the most passengers on Sunday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Sunday. 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 Tuesday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

The earliest train departs San Jose at 4:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00pm. 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 8 scheduled trains on most days. 6 of these are direct connections to Berkeley. 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 Berkeley 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.

Berkeley

Berkeley, CA, US - BKY-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Berkeley is located on the eastern shore of the San Francisco Bay Area and is home to the popular University of California. It has an ethnically diverse community and numerous culinary and art attractions as a college city. Make the most of your trip with a visit to their unique museums, like the Phoebe A. Hearst Museum of Anthropology, the Berkeley Art Museum, and the Pacific Film Archive.

The Lawrence Hall of Science offers a planetarium and hands-on exhibits for families. Berkeley is also home to gorgeous parks and green spaces, like the 2000-acre Tilden Regional Park and Adventure Playground. Berkeley is the center of entertainment in California, with the exciting nightlife attracting students and young professionals. Food is an important part of this city, as you can explore the ethnic restaurants and food trucks. Look out for shows held in the Greek Theatre, or explore their ever-growing craft beer scene. Downtown Berkeley is the entertainment district of this college city.

If you're visiting Berkeley, you can do so by train from 85 other cities or bus from 38 cities. The bus lines are provided by FlixBus, while Amtrak supplies most of the train routes. In the town, you can move around with public transit, with student-friendly prices.

Station Information

Where is the train station in San Jose?

Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St - SJCDCS-0

Image credit: SPUR

Link to image attribution

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 Berkeley?

Main arrival station: 700 University Ave under University Ave overpass W of 4th St

Berkeley has one train station.

All train stations in Berkeley:

  • 700 University Ave under University Ave overpass W of 4th St

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