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There are usually 11 daily train trips available from San Jose to Sacramento. Traveling by train from San Jose to Sacramento usually takes 3 hours and 42 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Capitol Corridor train can make the trip in 2 hours and 57 minutes.
| Distance | 89 mi (142 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 57m |
| Lowest price | CA$23.26 |
| Trains per day | 7 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Capitol Corridor |
| Train lines | 3 |
Average score for trains from San Jose to Sacramento
(Based on 12 ratings and reviews)
5.0
Pros: On time. Cons: Add more cars. Tips: Travel by Amtrak.
5.0
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.
4.0
Reached late by 45 mins. It would be great if the time was correct
4.0
Pros: Very peaceful ride. Cons: Keep doing what you are doing 👏 great customer service 👍. Tips: Sit back and enjoy the ride.
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from San Jose to Sacramento was CA$37.12. This is a fantastic deal for train travel. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Sacramento if you book your train tickets at least 18 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra CA$18.87.
For the next 30 days, the cost of a one-way train trip from San Jose to Sacramento will range from CA$44 to CA$56. 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 CA$47. Be sure to book your trip in advance as train ticket prices typically increase as your travel date approaches.
By booking your train trip from San Jose to Sacramento on Wanderu at least 18 days ahead of time, you can save about CA$18.87 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
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 6 trains each day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 4 | 4h 32m | CA$49.88 |
| Amtrak Capitol Corridor | 6 | 3h 7m | CA$54.73 |
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 3h 51m | CA$47.69 |
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 4 Amtrak trains from San Jose to Sacramento every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from CA$23.
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 7 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.
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 11 scheduled trains on most days. 7 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.
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.
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.
Image credit: SPUR
Link to image attributionDiridon 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.
Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
Image credit: rosemarie_mckeon
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Lev Lazinskiy
Link to image attributionSacramento 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.
Valley Station - 401 I St
1389 10th Street 10th and N Streets
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