Cheap train tickets from Tacoma to San Jose

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Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Tacoma to San Jose. Traveling by train from Tacoma to San Jose usually takes 23 hours and 59 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Coast Starlight train can make the trip in 23 hours and 31 minutes.

Distance
686 mi (1103 km)
Fastest train
23h 31m
Lowest price
RON 627.78
Trains per day
2
Most frequent service
Amtrak
Train lines
2

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Tacoma to San Jose Train Schedule

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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Tacoma to San Jose (Based on 1 rating and review)

5.0

5.0

Gloria

November 4, 2019 - Business

Amtrak Coast Starlight
Pros: Soothing! Cons: Less expensive meals Tips: Comfort
See more details

Price trends for trains from Tacoma to San Jose

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

RON 660RON 440RON 220Dec

Average train ticket prices from Tacoma to San Jose by month

RON 1,475RON 1,180RON 885RON 590RON 295JFMAMJJASOND

Prices as travel date approaches

RON 650RON 520RON 390RON 260RON 130

Which train should you take from Tacoma to San Jose?

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

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak124h 27mRON 661.32
Amtrak Coast Starlight123h 31mRON 627.78
  • 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 Tacoma to San Jose

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Tacoma 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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Tacoma to San Jose for RON 412.

Trains per day

2

Direct trains

1

The distance between Tacoma and San Jose is approximately 686 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 23 hours and 59 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 23 hours and 31 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)

686

Distance (km)

1103

The earliest train departs Tacoma at 10:43 AM while the last train of the day leaves at 10:43 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

10:43am

Last train

10:43am

Trains from Tacoma to San Jose are the most crowded on Wednesday. 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Wednesday

Least crowded

Wednesday

City Information

Tacoma

TAC-0TAC-1TAC-2

Tacoma has seen some hard times in recent years, but the city is receiving many new revival attempts, turning it into a charming town with its own unique attractions. For those interested in the history of the city, as well as the creativity of its residents, head towards the Museum District, which houses numerous interesting museums such as the Tacoma Art Museum and the Washington State History Museum. While in the area, don’t miss out on the chance to marvel at the architectural ingenuity of the Bridge of Glass. If you wish to enjoy a bit of outdoor air, diving into the cold water of American Lake in Lakewood in the morning is bound to make you happy.

Seafood has always been among Tacoma’s finest offerings, and the best place to enjoy these dishes is Duke’s Chowder House, which features a bay view. For a more exquisite taste, head over to Indochine, a pan-Asian restaurant featuring mouth watering dishes.

The main bus station and the Amtrak train station in Tacoma are both near downtown, just a few blocks from each other. Tacoma is served by Amtrak’s Cascades and Coast Starlight lines. The city’s main airport is Seattle–Tacoma International and it sits 22 miles north of the city.

San Jose

San Jose, CA - SJC-0San Jose, CA - SJC-1San Jose, CA - SJC-2

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 Tacoma?

Main departure station: 422 E. 25th St.

422 E 25th Ave  - TACAMT-0

The Amtrak station in Tacoma is located at 422 E 25th St, near I-5 and close to the Tacoma Dome. The Tacoma Dome Station is served by Amtrak Cascades, which travels between Vancouver, BC, Seattle, Portland, and Eugene, and Amtrak’s Coast Starlight from Seattle to Los Angeles. Local Sound Transit's commuter rail station is next door. The bus terminal on Puyallup Ave is across the street from the train station complex for easy transfers to local or intercity buses. The station complex includes two parking garages and a customer service center with restrooms and vending machines. Nearby attractions in Tacoma include Freighthouse Square, a shopping mall inside an old depot, and several museums like the Washington State History Museum and the Museum of Glass.

All train stations in Tacoma:

  • 422 E. 25th 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 Tacoma?

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