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Trip Summary
You can pick from 2 daily train trips between San Jose and Santa Maria. The average train journey from San Jose to Santa Maria takes 8 hours and 33 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 5 hours and 5 minutes.
Distance | 184 mi (295 km) |
Fastest train | 5h 5m |
Lowest price | $25.00 |
Trains per day | 1 |
Most frequent service | Amtrak |
Train lines | 1 |
Price trends for trains from San Jose to Santa Maria
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
Which train should you take from San Jose to Santa Maria?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Jose to Santa Maria. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
---|---|---|---|
Amtrak | 2 | 8h 33m | $53.88 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from San Jose to Santa Maria every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $25.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between San Jose and Santa Maria is approximately 184 miles, or 295 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 8 hours and 33 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 5 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 Santa Maria are the most crowded on Friday. 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 Thursday 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 2:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in San Jose twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to Santa Maria faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Santa Maria to San Jose.
City Information
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in San Jose?
Image credit: SPUR
Link to image attributionMain 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 Santa Maria?
Main arrival station: Santa Maria Bus Stop
Santa Maria has one train station.
All train stations in Santa Maria:
Santa Maria Bus Stop
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Need a return trip from Santa Maria to San Jose?
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Continue by train from Santa Maria
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- Train from Santa Maria to Camarillo
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