Cheap train tickets from Portland to San Jose
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Portland to San Jose. Traveling by train from Portland to San Jose usually takes 20 hours and 26 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Coast Starlight train can make the trip in 19 hours and 52 minutes.
| Distance | 567 mi (912 km) |
| Fastest train | 19h 52m |
| Lowest price | $105.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Coast Starlight |
| Train lines | 2 |
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Portland to San Jose Train Schedule
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There are several train options that can take you from Portland to San Jose:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Portland to San Jose?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Portland to San Jose was $138.50. 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 $70.30 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Portland to San Jose by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Portland to San Jose will cost between $121 and $186. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Portland to San Jose by month
Ticket prices for the train from Portland to San Jose often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only $125. If you're thinking of traveling from Portland to San Jose during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $192 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 Portland to San Jose on Wanderu at least 21 days ahead of time, you can save about $70.30 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Portland to San Jose?
There are multiple trains that travel from Portland to San Jose, including Amtrak Coast Starlight, Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 19h 52m | $192.91 |
| Amtrak | 1 | 21h 3m | $184.59 |
The Amtrak Coast Starlight is a service provided by Amtrak that connects Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles on the US Pacific coast. The full journey winds through the Cascade Mountains, perfectly clipped vineyards, and dense coastal forest, allowing passengers to get a glimpse of the US west coast while enjoying air-conditioned cars, power outlets, complimentary onboard WiFi, and snacks.
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 Portland to San Jose every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $103.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Portland to San Jose
The distance between Portland and San Jose is approximately 567 miles, or 912 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 20 hours and 26 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 19 hours and 52 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)
567
DISTANCE (KM)
912
The earliest train departs Portland at 2:22pm while the last train of the day leaves at 2:22pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
2:22pm
LATEST TRAIN
2:22pm
Trains from Portland to San Jose are the most crowded on Thursday. 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.
MOST CROWDED
Thursday
LEAST CROWDED
Tuesday
City Information
Portland
Portland is the largest city in Oregon and accordingly one of the state's best vacation destinations. Also known as the City of Roses, this city along the Willamette River wows visitors with its diverse street food, quirky counterculture, and sprawling bookstores such as the world-famous Powell's Books.
Portland is the 5th best city in the United States for outdoor activities, thanks in part to open-air grounds like the expansive Forest Park. Gardens are also excellent outdoor date locales for couples on a romantic getaway: stop and smell the roses at either the International Rose Test Garden or the Portland Japanese Garden.
Once you've gotten hungry from a long day wandering outside, nearly every block downtown has a plethora of food trucks waiting to tickle your taste buds. Or, kick back at one of the many breweries in the #3 best city for craft beer in the United States. Unique locations like McMenamin's brewpubs in renovated cinemas or historic hotels do their part to "keep Portland weird."
As the biggest city in Oregon, Portland is a hub for travel throughout the Pacific Northwest. Amtrak train service and various bus services operate primarily out of Union Station, conveniently-located downtown, and nearby Portland International Airport makes it easy to travel to Portland from near and far.
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 does the train leave from in Portland?
Main departure station: Union Station
Located in Portland’s Old Town Chinatown area at 800 Northwest Sixth Avenue, Union Station features a glowing neon sign encouraging you to “Go By Train.” Union Station serves several iconic Amtrak routes including the Cascades through the Pacific Northwest, the scenic Coast Starlight from Los Angeles to Seattle, and the long-distance Empire Builder which travels all the way to Chicago. Along with train service, Union Station serves intercity bus service via Greyhound, and connects to the Portland Streetcar, MAX Light Rail, and several local TriMet buses. There is a restaurant and bar onsite, as well as a Metropolitan Lounge reserved for Amtrak’s first- and business-class passengers.
All train stations in Portland:
- Union Station
Where does the train arrive 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 Portland?
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