Cheap train tickets from Seattle to San Jose

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Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Seattle to San Jose. Traveling by train from Seattle to San Jose usually takes 1 day and 55 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Coast Starlight train can make the trip in 1 day and 19 minutes.

Distance: 710 mi (1142 km)
Fastest train: 24h 19m
Lowest price: CZK 2,857.18
Trains per day: 1
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 2

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Seattle to San Jose Train Schedule

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Seattle to San Jose (Based on 1 ratings and reviews)

4.0

Stephanie

December 30, 2019 - Visiting family

Amtrak Coast Starlight

Pros: The train was comfortable, the route was beautiful, the staff was helpful, the food was better than we expected, and the entire experience was pretty relaxing. We got to talk to other people in the observation car and the dining car and met really fascinating folks as a result, and there was none of the stress that's intrinsic to flying. Having meals included made the price of the tickets so much easier to manage, and really added to the experience. It was extremely fun. We're definitely going to do this again on other routes whenever possible and plan to treat our train time as part of the vacation. Cons: I wish that the staff had been more communicative about the length of our delay and our updated station arrival times. WiFi would be great on the Coastal Starlight-- we already paid to sleep and eat, we definitely would have paid another $10-20 to be able to google the birds we saw and such. Not having it was also fine, though, because it forced the experience into the world a bit more, but it definitely created inconveniences. Tips: Don't make plans for immediately after you arrive at your destination under the assumption you'll be on time. Enjoy the ride; you're going to get there safely and comfortably.

There are several train options that can take you from Seattle to San Jose:

See more details

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Seattle to San Jose was CZK 2,944. 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 22 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CZK 12,857.31 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Seattle to San Jose by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Seattle to San Jose will cost between CZK 2,533 and CZK 3,961. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Seattle to San Jose by month

Ticket prices for the train from Seattle 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 CZK 3,312. If you're thinking of traveling from Seattle to San Jose during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CZK 5,152 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Seattle to San Jose on Wanderu at least 22 days ahead of time, you can save about CZK 12,857.31 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Seattle to San Jose?

2 train services operate from Seattle to San Jose. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	1	25h 31m	CZK 4,002.83
Amtrak Coast Starlight	1	24h 20m	CZK 5,252.59

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 Seattle to San Jose every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from CZK 3,030.34.
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.

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

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Seattle 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.

Trains leave the station in Seattle 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 Seattle.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Seattle and San Jose is approximately 710 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 day and 55 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 day and 19 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)

710

Distance (km)

1142

The earliest train departs Seattle at 9:55 AM while the last train of the day leaves at 9:55 AM. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

First train

9:55am

Last train

9:55am

Trains from Seattle 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

Seattle

Seattle is a must-see destination on the West Coast of the United States, offering many unique activities for any type of traveler. However, we're confident every visitor will enjoy the view of Mount Rainier from the top of Seattle's iconic Space Needle. Outdoor enthusiasts can bike, hike, boat, and ski in one of the top cities for outdoor activities in the U.S., while soaking in the Pacific Northwest's natural beauty (and yes, some rain as well). Urban explorers will love walking through Pike Place Market and experiencing Seattle's museums and public art, like the scenic Olympic Sculpture Park. These offerings and more make Seattle one of the best vacation destination in Washington.

Known for its coffee culture and as the birthplace of Starbucks, Seattle is also one of the top 5 craft beer cities in the U.S., which is ideal for those who prefer to experience the taste of a city served up in a latte mug or a pint glass.

Seattle is home to the largest airport in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle-Tacoma Airport, but there are plenty of other ways to continue your travels from the Emerald City. A short ferry ride to Bainbridge Island includes the chance to see orca whales in the Puget Sound, or you can catch the Amtrak Cascades train or one of several affordable bus options from the historic King Street Station to other exciting Northwest cities in British Columbia, Oregon and beyond.

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 Seattle?

Main departure station: King Street Station

Seattle, WA - King Street Station - SEAAMT-0

King Street Station is the main station for Amtrak train service in Seattle. Greyhound buses use the bus station at 503 S Royal Brougham Way, near Lumen Field. King Street Station has connections to local public transit like the Link Light Rail and King County Metro at the International District/Chinatown station one block away. Located near downtown Seattle in the trendy Pioneer Square neighborhood, King Street Station opened in 1906 and continues to impress travelers with its restored Italian architecture and Venetian-style clocktower. King Street Station has on-site Amtrak staff, restrooms, and vending machines, and while there are no restaurants in the station, several nearby coffee shops and eateries make it easy to fuel up before your trip.

All train stations in Seattle:

King St Station - 303 S Jackson St

Where is the train station in San Jose?

Main arrival station: Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St

Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St - SJCDCS-0

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 Seattle?

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