Cheap train tickets from Santa Ana to San Jose

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Trip Summary

There are usually 7 daily train trips available from Santa Ana to San Jose. Traveling by train from Santa Ana to San Jose usually takes 11 hours and 3 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 10 hours and 21 minutes.

Distance: 336 mi (540 km)
Fastest train: 10h 21m
Lowest price: $79.00
Trains per day: 0
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 1

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Santa Ana to San Jose Train Schedule

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Santa Ana to San Jose?

There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Santa Ana to San Jose.

	Train	Bus
Avg. Price	Avg. Price$127.24	Avg. Price$125.40Cheaper
Daily Trips	Daily Trips7	Daily Trips2
Duration	Duration11h 3m	Duration10hFaster

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Santa Ana to San Jose (Based on 1 ratings and reviews)

5.0

Kimberly

May 17, 2022 - Solo travel

Amtrak

Pros: So much easier than driving 7 hours! Cons: Not a thing

There are several train options that can take you from Santa Ana to San Jose:

Amtrak tickets: $79 one-way

See more details

What is the price of a train ticket from Santa Ana to San Jose?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Santa Ana to San Jose was $122.00. 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 21 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $20.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Santa Ana to San Jose by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Santa Ana to San Jose will cost between $96 and $132. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Santa Ana to San Jose by month

Ticket prices for the train from Santa Ana to San Jose often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in April when the average ticket price is only $103. If you're thinking of traveling from Santa Ana to San Jose during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $117 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 Santa Ana to San Jose on Wanderu at least 21 days ahead of time, you can save about $20.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Santa Ana to San Jose?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Santa Ana to San Jose. However, there are 7 trains per day to choose from.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	7	11h 3m	$127.24

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 Santa Ana to San Jose every day, as well as 7 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $79.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Santa Ana to San Jose

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 Jose to Santa Ana. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Santa Ana to San Jose for $52.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Santa Ana and San Jose is approximately 336 miles, or 540 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 11 hours and 3 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 10 hours and 21 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)

336

Distance (km)

540

The earliest train departs Santa Ana at 12:15am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:04pm. 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

12:15am

Last train

6:04pm

Trains from Santa Ana to San Jose 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Friday

Least crowded

Monday

City Information

Santa Ana

Santa Ana is a sunny city in Orange County located between Anaheim and Irvine in the greater Los Angeles area. Downtown Santa Ana bustles with independent breweries, diverse restaurants, unique retail shops, weekly pop-up markets, and art centers. This lively downtown area, in addition to Santa Ana's live-work housing and creative working spaces, make it attractive to young professionals.

One of the most popular spots for visitors is the Santa Ana Zoo, where little ones can enjoy a carousel and mini-train ride along with the animal exhibits. Architecture enthusiasts will love seeing the Bowers Museum, built in a Mission Revival style, and the Heritage Museum, which has restored homes from the 1890s.

The Orange County Transportation Authority and several shuttle services provide transit within Santa Ana. Santa Ana is easily accessible from over 20 other cities by Amtrak Thruway bus or on the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train. The primary airport for Orange County, John Wayne Airport, is located in Santa Ana and also makes it easy to travel to this vibrant SoCal spot.

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.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Santa Ana?

Main departure station: Reg Transp Ctr - 1000 E Santa Ana Blvd

There is one train station in Santa Ana.

All train stations in Santa Ana:

Reg Transp Ctr - 1000 E Santa Ana Blvd

Where is the train station in San Jose?

Main arrival station: Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St

Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St - SJCDCS-0

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

Need a return trip from San Jose to Santa Ana?

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