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San Jose to San Juan Capistrano train

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San Jose - San Juan Capistrano Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are usually 7 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 53 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 11 hours and 39 minutes.

Distance356 mi (573 km)
Fastest train11h 39m
Lowest price$65.00
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

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

The average price for a train ticket from San Jose to San Juan Capistrano is $91.14, By booking your trip at least 12 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $16.73 more.

Monthly average prices

$100$80$60$40$20MJJASONDJFMA
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 January when the average ticket price is only $62. If you're thinking of traveling from San Jose to San Juan Capistrano during October, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $94 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in October, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$100$80$60$40$203020100

By booking your train trip from San Jose to San Juan Capistrano on Wanderu at least 12 days ahead of time, you can save about $16.73 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 7 trains per day to choose from.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak712h 53m$101.63
  • 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 7 Amtrak trains from San Jose to San Juan Capistrano every day, as well as 7 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $57.

Frequently Asked Questions

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from San Jose to San Juan Capistrano. 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 San Juan Capistrano is approximately 356 miles, or 573 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 12 hours and 53 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 11 hours and 39 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 from San Jose to San Juan Capistrano are the most crowded on Wednesday. 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs San Jose at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 11:00pm. 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 7 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.

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.

San Juan Capistrano

San Juan Capistrano, CA, US - SNC-0

Image credit: Unsplash

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?

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 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

Get around town with Moovit

Find the best way to get to and from any station in San Juan Capistrano by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now

Need a return trip from San Juan Capistrano to San Jose?

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