background-img-buses-trains
chiku-desktop

Cheap train tickets from Houston to San Jose

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

chiku-mobile

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

Chiku

Houston to San Jose Train Schedule

Find cheap rental carsFind great deals on cheap cars in the area.
RentalCars logotypeRentalCars logotype
from$30.00
No preview is currently available. Please try another date or search the full schedule.

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

There are usually 5 daily bus trips available from Houston to San Jose.

Bus
Train

Avg. Price

Avg. Price

$246.69

Avg. Price

$319.14

Daily Trips

Daily Trips

5

Daily Trips

1

Duration

Duration

2d 1h 57m

Duration

2d 7h 15m

Search BusesSearch Trains

Trip Summary

4 trains operate daily from Houston to San Jose. The train trip from Houston to San Jose is usually about 52 hours and 34 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 49 hours and 40 minutes.

Distance1608 mi (2587 km)
Fastest train49h 40m
Lowest price$184.00
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

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

The average price for a train ticket from Houston to San Jose is $190.50, Tickets are generally pricier for this train route, which is to be expected given the long distance. By booking your trip at least 28 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $69.75 more.

Monthly avg. prices

$400$320$240$160$80DJFMAMJJASON
You can find the lowest prices on this route during January. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Houston to San Jose, with the average price at just $223. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in August, when the average price goes up to $380. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.

Which train should you take from Houston to San Jose?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Houston to San Jose. However, there are 4 trains per day to choose from.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak42d 4h 34m$279.97
  • 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 4 Amtrak trains from Houston to San Jose every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $184.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Houston to San Jose

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Houston to San Jose. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

The distance between Houston and San Jose is approximately 1608 miles, or 2587 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 52 hours and 34 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 49 hours and 40 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.

Trains departing from Houston to San Jose tend to have the most passengers on Tuesday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Tuesday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Friday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

The earliest train departs Houston at 1:00pm while the last train of the day leaves at 1:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

There are 4 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 Houston.

City Information

Houston

Houston, TX - HOU-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Houston, TX - HOU-1

Image credit: Unsplash

Houston, TX - HOU-2

Image credit: Unsplash

Houston, Texas is one of the most populous cities and among the most expansive cities in the U.S. As a result, Houston has become the leading commercial center in the Southern United States. Astronomy aficionados recognize Houston as the city where NASA’s Mission Control Center is located, and music fans know Houston as the birthplace of Queen B herself, Beyoncé Knowles-Carter.

Even though Houston has a relatively small downtown area, it is packed with exciting things you can do while you’re in town. If you’re in the mood for a cultural outing, head to the Theater District where you are sure to find a play or a music performance you’d enjoy, or check out the Museum District that boasts more than 20 different museums and galleries. Since Houston is the most racially and ethnically diverse city in the country, its restaurant scene is one of a kind offering a rich variety of cuisines from all over the world. The many experiences available in Houston make it one of Texas' best vacation destinations.

As one of the main metropolitan cities in the U.S., Houston is very well connected to the rest of the country and the world. The main bus and train stations are both located right in the heart of downtown making it easy to get to your final destination by public transit or car. There are also several airports within the city’s vicinity that provide a good variety of options depending on where you’re flying to or from.

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 Houston?

902 Washington Ave - HOUAMT-0

Image credit: Bill Bradford

Link to image attribution

Main departure station: 902 Washington Ave

The Amtrak Station on Washington Avenue is a key stop on the Sunset Limited train route that runs from Los Angeles to New Orleans. Restrooms, vending machines, and checked baggage services are available inside the waiting room of the station. There is also plenty of free same-day and overnight parking onsite. Downtown Houston is within a quick walk, where you can find hotels, restaurants, and attractions in the nearby Theater District, Civic Center, and Skyline District.

All train stations in Houston:

  • 902 Washington Ave

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

Find the best way to get to and from any station in San Jose by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now

Need a return trip from San Jose to Houston?

Search Train Tickets

Plan your next adventure

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.