Cheap train tickets from Santa Maria to San Jose
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Is it better to travel by bus or train from Santa Maria to San Jose?
There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Santa Maria to San Jose.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price€53.97 | Avg. Price€91.13 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips2 |
Duration | Duration4h 40m | Duration11h 15m |
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 8 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 5 hours and 10 minutes.
| Distance | 184 mi (295 km) |
| Fastest train | 5h 10m |
| Lowest price | €60.85 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Price trends for trains from Santa Maria to San Jose
Monthly avg. prices
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.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 11h 8m | €88.79 |
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 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €61.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Santa Maria to San Jose
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 8 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 Saturday. Tickets for Saturday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Sunday. Sunday 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
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 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?
Image credit: SPUR
Link to image attributionMain 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
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Need a return trip from San Jose to Santa Maria?
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