Cheap train tickets from San Jose to Oakland
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Trip Summary
There are usually 8 daily train trips available from San Jose to Oakland. Traveling by train from San Jose to Oakland usually takes one hour and 5 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Capitol Corridor train can make the trip in 54 minutes.
| Distance | 38 mi (62 km) |
| Fastest train | 54m |
| Lowest price | $15.00 |
| Trains per day | 8 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Capitol Corridor |
| Train lines | 2 |
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San Jose to Oakland Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from San Jose to Oakland?
There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from San Jose to Oakland.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$17.19 | Avg. Price$13.58Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips8 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration1h 5mFaster | Duration1h 7m |
There are several train options that can take you from San Jose to Oakland:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from San Jose to Oakland?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from San Jose to Oakland was $15.79. 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 18 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $6.55 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from San Jose to Oakland by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from San Jose to Oakland will cost between $16 and $19. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from San Jose to Oakland by month
Taking the train from San Jose to Oakland usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $18 whenever you decide to travel.
Prices as travel date approaches
The price of train trips from San Jose to Oakland doesn't fluctuate much throughout the year, so you don’t need to book your tickets super far in advance. However, to avoid last-minute price surges or sold-out tickets, we recommend purchasing your train tickets at least 48 hours before departure.
Which train should you take from San Jose to Oakland?
2 train services operate from San Jose to Oakland. Amtrak Capitol Corridor usually has more trains scheduled, with 7 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Capitol Corridor | 7 | 1h 4m | $15.89 |
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 1h 8m | $33.03 |
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 Oakland in about 1 hours and 4 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 about traveling by train from San Jose to Oakland
There are 8 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from San Jose to Oakland. You can also take a train for your return trip from Oakland to San Jose. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from San Jose to Oakland for $9.
Trains per day
8
Direct trains
8
The distance between San Jose and Oakland is approximately 38 miles, or 62 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 hour 5 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 54 minutes. It's a short and pleasant ride; the train is a perfect way to get to Oakland.
Distance (mi)
38
Distance (km)
62
The earliest train departs San Jose at 6:18am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:18pm. 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
6:18am
Last train
11:18pm
Trains from San Jose to Oakland are the most crowded on Saturday. 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
Saturday
Least crowded
Tuesday
City Information
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.
Oakland
Oakland, CA is a port city that is beginning to step out of the shadow of San Francisco, its neighbor to the west. Every visitor should start their Oakland trip in the downtown area and Old Oakland, the city's historic quarter full of quaint old buildings. While here, don't forget to take a short detour to Oakland's famous Chinatown as well. The African American Museum and Library at Oakland tells the history of Black communities in the area and is definitely worth a stop. For those who would prefer to stay close to nature, Dr. Aurelia Reinhardt Redwood Regional Park's abundance of redwood groves will offer amazing views.
Oakland's food scene is vibrant and diverse, with a wide range of offerings for all budgets. Enssaro is a popular local name with mid-range dishes that will whet your appetite. For an excellent haute-cuisine dinner, head towards The Wolf.
It's easy to get around the Bay Area on local public transit (called the BART, for Bay Area Rapid Transit). Getting to Oakland from further afield is also a breeze thanks to many intercity bus routes in the area and Amtrak's Capitol Corridor train, which stops in Oakland. Flights arrive at the Oakland International Airport, but several additional airport options in the larger Bay Area are also available.
Station Information
Where is the train station in San Jose?
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 Oakland?
Main arrival station: 245 Second St
The Jack London Station in Oakland opened in 1995, replacing 16th Street Station, which was extensively damaged in the Loma Prieta earthquake in 1989. The station was named after the famous writer Jack London, as he spent much of his life in the area. It is a contemporary glass and stone structure located on the easternmost corner of Jack London Square. The square, which fronts a natural estuary leading to San Francisco Bay, was formerly the hub of Oakland's port activities, connecting the maritime and agricultural sectors. It is still an active and bustling waterfront today. Amtrak's Capitol Corridor, Coast Starlight, and Gold Runner trains serve the station. It is the 10th busiest of Amtrak's 74 California stops, boarding or de-boarding an average of 1,142 people per day.
All train stations in Oakland:
- 245 Second St
- Across San Leandro Blvd from BART station - 700 73rd Ave
Need a return trip from Oakland to San Jose?
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