- Recommended
McHenry Museum
Local history museum in a restored library building with exhibits on Modesto, agriculture, and community life.
Cheapest price on Oct 13
€37
Average ticket price on Oct 13
€39
Fastest journey on Oct 13
5 h 9 m
Average journey duration on Oct 13
5 h 42 m
Trains on Oct 13
2
Distance
86 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Jose, CA to Modesto, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from San Jose, CA to Modesto, CA will cost around €39 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €37.
On Tue, Oct 13, we found 2 trains from San Jose, CA to Modesto, CA, including 2 direct services.
On Tue, Oct 13 the direct trains cover the 86 km distance in an average of 5 h 42 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 9 m .
On Tue, Oct 13 the slowest trains will take 6 h 15 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.




Trains from San Jose, CA to Modesto, CA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 3h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €36 if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 06:10, the last at 20:03. The fastest train covers the 53 miles (86 km) distance in 3h 10m.
Distance 53 miles (86 km) |
Average train duration 3h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price €36 |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 3h 10m |
First train 6:10 AM |
Last train 8:03 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 1 day |
The table below shows live departures for San Jose, CA to Modesto, CA trains for today, Monday, October 12. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 9:50 PM San Jose, CA | 5h09 | 2:59 AM Modesto, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 10:50 PM San Jose, CA | 5h09 | 3:59 AM Modesto, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Tuesday, October 13 | |||||
![]() | 2:18 PM San Jose, CA | 6h15 | 8:33 PM Modesto, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Modesto, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Modesto, CA trip today.
Local history museum in a restored library building with exhibits on Modesto, agriculture, and community life.
Children's museum with hands-on science and play exhibits designed for families seeking an interactive indoor visit.
College museum featuring natural history displays, fossils, live animals, and planetarium programming for curious visitors.
Lively downtown district known for historic buildings, events, shopping, and walkable blocks that reflect Modesto's civic core.
Central park with mature trees, sports areas, and the Gallo Center nearby, making it a pleasant stop in downtown Modesto.
Popular regional park with a lake, trails, picnic areas, and water activities, ideal for a longer outdoor visit.
Tri-tip barbecue is a Central California staple: beef sirloin grilled over red oak and sliced smoky and juicy, reflecting the region’s ranching and casual cookout culture.
Al pastor tacos are widely loved locally, with spit-roasted pork, chile, and pineapple in a style rooted in California’s Mexican food culture and common across Modesto taquerias.
Wet burritos are a hearty Central Valley favorite: a large stuffed burrito covered in enchilada sauce and cheese, popular in family-run Mexican restaurants.
Warm, polished spot serving classic Italian dishes, pasta, and steaks with an old-school neighborhood restaurant feel.
Long-running local burger stand famous for charbroiled burgers, fries, and a classic Modesto fast-casual atmosphere.
Casual local favorite for tacos, burritos, and other Mexican comfort foods in a lively, family-friendly setting.
Moderate for California inland cities. Hotels often cost less than coastal hubs, while dining and car-based transport are average for U.S. travelers.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants, about 10-15% for taxis, and $1-2 per drink or coffee in cafes if service is provided.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Jose, CA to Modesto, CA by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Modesto, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most San Jose, CA to Modesto, CA trains use the Santa Clara Station to Modesto Station station pair. Use this guide to compare San Jose, CA and Modesto, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Santa Clara Station is 1 km from San Jose city centre. Public transport options include:
Santa Clara Station has practical services for this route, including Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, and WC.
Food and drink options are available at Santa Clara Station.
ATMs are available at Santa Clara Station.
Available at Santa Clara Station: Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Clara Station.
San José Diridon Station is 1 km from San Jose city centre. Public transport options include:
San José Diridon Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Farmers Union, Poor House Bistro, La Victoria Taqueria
ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at San José Diridon Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at San José Diridon Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at San José Diridon Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at San José Diridon Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at San José Diridon Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel De Anza, The Westin San Jose, AC Hotel by Marriott San Jose Downtown.
Modesto Station is 8 km from Modesto city centre. Public transport options include:
Modesto Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Modesto Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Modesto Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Modesto Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Modesto Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Modesto Station.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need