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Cheap train tickets from San Jose to Sacramento

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

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San Jose to Sacramento Train Schedule

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

There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from San Jose to Sacramento.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
$26.81
Avg. Price
$38.63
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
1
Daily Trips
11
Duration
Duration
3h 28m
Duration
5h 2m

Trip Summary

There are usually 13 daily train trips available from San Jose to Sacramento. Traveling by train from San Jose to Sacramento usually takes 5 hours and 2 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Capitol Corridor train can make the trip in 3 hours and 3 minutes.

Distance89 mi (142 km)
Fastest train3h 3m
Lowest price$19.00
Trains per day8
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Capitol Corridor
Train lines3

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from San Jose to Sacramento

(Based on 16 ratings and reviews)

4.8

5.0

Derek

November 8, 2025- Visiting family

Amtrak Capitol Corridor

Pros: Friendly staff, first time on the train and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Cons: Carpet might need a steam cleaning. Tips: I think there's some shady people that come on and ride for free they'll hide in the bathroom to bypass the ticket check and then take people's bikes that aren't locked up.

5.0

Yolanda

October 1, 2025- Solo travel

Amtrak Capitol Corridor

Pros: less stressful compared to driving. Cons: Maybe make it a bit cheap. Do you have senior discount? Tips: I did not encounter anything that made me uncomfortable. I think my trip was pleasant and am thinking of doing it again.

5.0

Suzan

November 20, 2024- Visiting family

Amtrak Capitol Corridor

Pros: This my first time on a train, it was relaxing and peaceful. I would like to take another trip and take my grandkids. I know they will enjoy it. Cons: Everything was good, except bathroom door didn't lock. Tips: Just relax and enjoy.

5.0

Kalpana

September 1, 2023- Visiting friends

Amtrak Capitol Corridor

Pros: On time. Cons: Add more cars. Tips: Travel by Amtrak.

5.0

Michael

June 17, 2023- Visiting family

Amtrak Capitol Corridor

Pros: Someone else did the driving, internet access, the views out the window, none of the hassles and inefficiencies of air travel. Cons: Not much. All went as planned. Tips: this is a relaxing way to travel.

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

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from San Jose to Sacramento was $32.22. At this price, taking the train is the cheap and easy way to go. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Sacramento if you book your train tickets at least 23 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $9.63.

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

$105$70$35MarApr

For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from San Jose to Sacramento will range from $34 to $92. If you're planning to travel by train to Sacramento in the upcoming week, the cheapest train ticket from San Jose you can find in the next 7 days is $37. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.

Average train ticket prices from San Jose to Sacramento by month

$50$40$30$20$10AMJJASONDJFM
Mark your calendar for October if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from San Jose to Sacramento. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of $38. If you're planning a trip from San Jose to Sacramento during March, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about $43 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Prices as travel date approaches

$50$40$30$20$103020100

By booking your train trip from San Jose to Sacramento on Wanderu at least 23 days ahead of time, you can save about $9.63 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from San Jose to Sacramento?

There are 3 train lines with service from San Jose to Sacramento. Amtrak Capitol Corridor is the most popular choice with travelers, offering scheduled service on 7 trains each day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak57h 43m$39.89
Amtrak Capitol Corridor73h 14m$40.00
Amtrak Coast Starlight13h 51m$57.66

  • 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 Sacramento 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 San Jose to Sacramento in about 3 hours and 14 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 Sacramento

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from San Jose to Sacramento. 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 Sacramento is approximately 89 miles, or 142 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 2 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 3 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 Sacramento tend to have the most passengers on Saturday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Saturday. 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 Sunday 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 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 13 scheduled trains on most days. 8 of these are direct connections to Sacramento. 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 Sacramento 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.

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.

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 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 arrival 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

  • 1389 10th Street 10th and N Streets

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