Cheap train tickets from Vancouver to San Jose
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Vancouver to San Jose. Traveling by train from Vancouver to San Jose usually takes 21 hours and 34 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Coast Starlight train can make the trip in 20 hours and 59 minutes.
| Distance | 575 mi (925 km) |
| Fastest train | 20h 59m |
| Lowest price | $106.00 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
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Vancouver to San Jose Train Schedule
There are several train options that can take you from Vancouver to San Jose:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Vancouver to San Jose?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Vancouver to San Jose was $158.67. 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 20 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $72.33 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Vancouver to San Jose by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Vancouver to San Jose will cost between $129 and $190. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Vancouver to San Jose by month
Ticket prices for the train from Vancouver 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 $123. If you're thinking of traveling from Vancouver to San Jose during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $199 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 Vancouver to San Jose on Wanderu at least 20 days ahead of time, you can save about $72.33 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Vancouver to San Jose?
There are multiple trains that travel from Vancouver to San Jose, including Amtrak, Amtrak Coast Starlight. Here is what you should know about the 2 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 22h 5m | $201.49 |
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 20h 59m | $203.02 |
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 Vancouver to San Jose every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $106.
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 Vancouver to San Jose
Trains leave the station in Vancouver 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 Vancouver.
TRIPS PER DAY
2
DIRECT TRIPS
1
The distance between Vancouver and San Jose is approximately 575 miles, or 925 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 21 hours and 34 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 20 hours and 59 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)
575
DISTANCE (KM)
925
The earliest train departs Vancouver at 1:15pm while the last train of the day leaves at 1:15pm. 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
1:15pm
LATEST TRAIN
1:15pm
Trains from Vancouver to San Jose are the most crowded on Monday. 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
Monday
LEAST CROWDED
Tuesday
City Information
Vancouver
Vancouver sits on the northern banks of the Columbia River in Washington and is the state's fourth most populated city. The surrounding Cascade Mountains offer incredible Pacific Northwest adventures. Mount Saint Helens and Mount Hood, two snow-topped volcanoes, are within short drives of Vancouver for easy access to hikes and ski runs. Beacon Rock State Park includes a trail to the summit of a monolithic rock formation. Plus, the Columbia River Gorge is easily one of the best destinations in Washington for breathtaking scenery.
Vancouver is located just across the Columbia from Portland, and Interstates 5 and 205 have north to south bridges connecting Portland to Vancouver. Within the city, you will find Vancouver's mass transit system, C-Tran, to get around with ease.
Several Amtrak services operate from Vancouver, including the Coast Starlight, Empire Builder, and Cascades routes. If you're arriving by air, the nearest airport is Portland International Airport, just a few minutes' drive from downtown Vancouver.
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 Vancouver?
Main departure station: 1301 W 11th St
There is one train station in Vancouver.
All train stations in Vancouver:
- 1301 W 11th St
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 Vancouver?
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