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Santa Maria to San Jose train

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Santa Maria - San Jose Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Santa Maria and San Jose. The average train journey from Santa Maria to San Jose takes 11 hours and 21 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 5 hours and 10 minutes.

Distance184 mi (295 km)
Fastest train5h 10m
Lowest price$25.00
Trains per day1
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

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

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Santa Maria to San Jose was $74.00. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to San Jose if you book your train tickets at least 11 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $25.00.

Monthly avg. prices

$75$60$45$30$15AMJJASONDJFM
Mark your calendar for June if you want to score the cheapest train tickets from Santa Maria to San Jose. You’ll find the best deals during this time of year, when tickets cost an average of $53. If you're planning a trip from Santa Maria to San Jose during March, bear in mind that ticket prices are usually higher during this month. Expect to pay about $68 for your train ticket, unless you book well in advance and find an even better deal.

Prices as travel date approaches

$75$60$45$30$153020100

Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Santa Maria to San Jose. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 11 days before departure, you can save around $25.00. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!

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

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Santa Maria to San Jose. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak211h 22m$96.45
  • 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 Santa Maria to San Jose every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $25.

Frequently Asked Questions

While the train is the main method of transportation from Santa Maria to San Jose, 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 Santa Maria and San Jose is approximately 184 miles, or 295 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 11 hours and 21 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 10 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.

On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Santa Maria to San Jose on Monday. Tickets for Monday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Saturday. Saturday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.

The earliest train departs Santa Maria at 8:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:00am. 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 Santa Maria 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 San Jose 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 San Jose to Santa Maria.

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.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Santa Maria?

Main departure station: Santa Maria Bus Stop

There is one train station in Santa Maria.

All train stations in Santa Maria:

  • Santa Maria Bus Stop

Where is the train station in San Jose?

Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St - SJCDCS-0

Image credit: SPUR

Link to image attribution

Main arrival 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

Get around town with Moovit

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Need a return trip from San Jose to Santa Maria?

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