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Trip Summary
You can pick from 2 daily train trips between San Jose and South Lake Tahoe. The average train journey from San Jose to South Lake Tahoe takes 13 hours and 44 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 6 hours and 12 minutes.
| Distance | 152 mi (244 km) |
| Fastest train | 6h 12m |
| Lowest price | $77.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from San Jose to South Lake Tahoe
(Based on 4 ratings and reviews)
5.0
What is the price of a train ticket from San Jose to South Lake Tahoe?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from San Jose to South Lake Tahoe was $78.00. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 19 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $0.33 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Monthly avg. prices
The price of a train ticket from San Jose to South Lake Tahoe remains pretty stable, regardless of when you plan to travel. Tickets on this route usually cost $67 throughout the year.
Prices as travel date approaches
The price of train trips from San Jose to South Lake Tahoe doesn't fluctuate much throughout the year, so you don’t need to book your tickets super far in advance. However, to avoid last-minute price surges or sold-out tickets, we recommend purchasing your train tickets at least 48 hours before departure.
Which train should you take from San Jose to South Lake Tahoe?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Jose to South Lake Tahoe. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 13h 44m | $78.41 |
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 South Lake Tahoe every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $77.
Frequently Asked Questions
While the train is the main method of transportation from San Jose to South Lake Tahoe, it will only take you part of the way there. Please note that part of your trip will be on a different vehicle, most commonly a bus or express shuttle.
The distance between San Jose and South Lake Tahoe is approximately 152 miles, or 244 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 13 hours and 44 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 6 hours and 12 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 South Lake Tahoe are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs San Jose at 4:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 4:00am. 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. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from South Lake Tahoe 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 South Lake Tahoe?
Main arrival station: Transp Ctr
South Lake Tahoe receives travelers from San Jose at its two active train stations.
All train stations in South Lake Tahoe:
Transp Ctr
South Y Transit Ctr - 1000 Emerald Bay Rd
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Continue by train from South Lake Tahoe
- Train from South Lake Tahoe to Anaheim
$91+
- Train from South Lake Tahoe to Berkeley
$66+
- Train from South Lake Tahoe to Davis
$46+
- South Lake Tahoe to Emeryville
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- South Lake Tahoe to Fremont Train
$72+
- South Lake Tahoe to Fresno Train
$60+
- South Lake Tahoe to Los Angeles Train
$89+
- South Lake Tahoe to Martinez Train
$56+
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