Cheap train tickets from South Lake Tahoe to San Jose
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There is one daily train from South Lake Tahoe to San Jose. Traveling by train from South Lake Tahoe to San Jose usually takes 9 hours, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 8 hours and 50 minutes.
| Distance | 152 mi (244 km) |
| Fastest train | 8h 50m |
| Lowest price | $75.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Millions of travelers trust Wanderu every year to get:
Lowest Prices
We find the cheapest bus & train tickets, so you can wander for less.
Best Travel Options
We partner with 500+ carriers to bring you the most bus & train options.
Quick & Easy Booking
Book trips quickly with a simple, hassle-free checkout – online & on our app.
Fast Customer Support
We don’t monkey around. We respond within minutes to help you out.
See what travelers are saying about Wanderu:
Download our free app!
Find, compare & book buses and trains on the go with the Wanderu app.
4.8 Rating
5k Reviews
4.5 Rating
4.8k Reviews
South Lake Tahoe to San Jose Train Schedule
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from South Lake Tahoe to San Jose (Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
4.0
There are several train options that can take you from South Lake Tahoe to San Jose:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from South Lake Tahoe to San Jose?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from South Lake Tahoe to San Jose was $75.00. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 7 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $1.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from South Lake Tahoe to San Jose by travel date
The cost of a one-way train trip from South Lake Tahoe to San Jose is expected to stay pretty stable over the next four weeks. No matter which day you travel, you can expect to pay about $75 for your ticket.
Average train ticket prices from South Lake Tahoe to San Jose by month
Taking the train from South Lake Tahoe to San Jose usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $76 whenever you decide to travel.
Prices as travel date approaches
The price of train trips from South Lake Tahoe to San Jose 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 South Lake Tahoe to San Jose?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects South Lake Tahoe to San Jose. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 9h | $75.34 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from South Lake Tahoe to San Jose every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $75.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from South Lake Tahoe to San Jose
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. 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 transfer 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 San Jose to South Lake Tahoe.
Trains per day
1
Direct trains
0
The distance between South Lake Tahoe and San Jose is approximately 152 miles, or 244 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 8 hours and 50 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)
152
Distance (km)
244
Most days, there is only one train which leaves South Lake Tahoe at 2:30pm and arrives in San Jose around 8 hours later.
First train
2:30pm
Last train
2:50pm
Trains from South Lake Tahoe to San Jose are the most crowded on Sunday. 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Sunday
Least crowded
Tuesday
City Information
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 South Lake Tahoe?
Main departure station: South Y Transit Ctr - 1000 Emerald Bay Rd
There are two stations in South Lake Tahoe where you can board the train to San Jose.
All train stations in South Lake Tahoe:
- South Y Transit Ctr - 1000 Emerald Bay Rd
- Transp Ctr
Where is the train station in San Jose?
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
Need a return trip from San Jose to South Lake Tahoe?
Search Train TicketsPlan your next adventure
More trains from South Lake Tahoe
Continue by train from San Jose
Check out these popular routes
Wanderu is the simplest way to book bus and train travel.
With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.