Cheap train tickets from San Jose to San Juan Capistrano
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 6 daily train trips available from San Jose to San Juan Capistrano. Traveling by train from San Jose to San Juan Capistrano usually takes 12 hours and 28 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 9 hours and 34 minutes.
| Distance | 356 mi (573 km) |
| Fastest train | 9h 34m |
| Lowest price | $91.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:
Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:
San Jose to San Juan Capistrano Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from San Jose to San Juan Capistrano?
There are usually 1 daily bus trips available from San Jose to San Juan Capistrano.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$136.93 | Avg. Price$128.00Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips6 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration12h 28mFaster | Duration13h 3m |

There are several train options that can take you from San Jose to San Juan Capistrano:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from San Jose to San Juan Capistrano?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from San Jose to San Juan Capistrano was $124.00. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 6 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $20.21 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from San Jose to San Juan Capistrano by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from San Jose to San Juan Capistrano will cost between $101 and $141. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from San Jose to San Juan Capistrano by month
Ticket prices for the train from San Jose to San Juan Capistrano often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only $106. If you're thinking of traveling from San Jose to San Juan Capistrano during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $126 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from San Jose to San Juan Capistrano on Wanderu at least 6 days ahead of time, you can save about $20.21 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from San Jose to San Juan Capistrano?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Jose to San Juan Capistrano. However, there are 6 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 6 | 12h 28m | $136.93 |
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 6 Amtrak trains from San Jose to San Juan Capistrano every day, as well as 7 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $91.










Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Jose to San Juan Capistrano
There are 6 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 San Juan Capistrano to San Jose. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from San Jose to San Juan Capistrano for $128.
Trains per day
6
Direct trains
0
The distance between San Jose and San Juan Capistrano is approximately 356 miles, or 573 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 12 hours and 28 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 9 hours and 34 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.
Distance (mi)
356
Distance (km)
573
The earliest train departs San Jose at 5:35am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:45pm. 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
5:35am
Last train
11:45pm
Trains from San Jose to San Juan Capistrano are the most crowded on Sunday. 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Sunday
Least crowded
Saturday
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.
San Juan Capistrano

Located in Orange County, California, San Juan Capistrano is a small city founded by the Spanish in 1776. Although largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1812, this city is a growing destination south of Los Angeles and is often used as a backdrop in major Hollywood movies.
San Juan Capistrano has many historical religious sites to explore, and Mission San Juan Capistrano is one of its most renowned. The "Jewel of California Missions" includes a chapel with regular Mass, stunning gardens, and a museum to learn about the many Native American, Mexican, and Spanish influences in the region. Visit in mid-March to experience the annual Return of the Swallows celebration. Local cliff swallows return from winters in Argentina, and the Mission plans parades, fairs, and other events to welcome them home.
The area around the Mission is a historic downtown with local restaurants, green spaces, and retail services. In the center of this historic core, San Juan Capistrano's Amtrak station welcomes Pacific Surfliner trains that run from Los Angeles to San Diego.
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 San Juan Capistrano?
Main arrival station: 26701 Verdugo St
San Juan Capistrano has one train station.
All train stations in San Juan Capistrano:
- 26701 Verdugo St
Need a return trip from San Juan Capistrano to San Jose?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
More trains from San Jose
Continue by train from San Juan Capistrano
- San Juan Capistrano to Santa Ana Train$12+
- San Juan Capistrano to San Luis Obispo Train$72+
- San Juan Capistrano to San Francisco Train$60+
- San Juan Capistrano to Los Angeles Train$22+
- San Juan Capistrano to Oceanside Train$15+
- San Juan Capistrano to Anaheim Train$14+
- San Juan Capistrano to Palm Springs Train$20+
Check out these popular routes

Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.




