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Seattle Art Museum
Major downtown art museum with global collections, rotating exhibitions, and strong Pacific Northwest representation.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from San Mateo, CA to Seattle, WA
Showing times and prices for Jul 02
Cheapest price
$384
Average price
$384
Fastest journey
1 d 58 m
Average duration
1 d 58 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
1117 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Mateo, CA to Seattle, WA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from San Mateo, CA to Seattle, WA will cost around $384 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $384.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from San Mateo, CA to Seattle, WA without transferring at least once.
6:53 PM24h58San Mateo, CA7:51 PMSeattle, WA$3841One-way1 transfer
- 6:53 PM24h58San Mateo, CA7:51 PMSeattle, WA$3841One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for San Mateo, CA to Seattle, WA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Mateo, CA to Seattle, WA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $160. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 21h 49m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $160, and a train costs an average of $384.
Distance: 694 miles (1117 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$384 Average price | $193 Average price Cheapest | $166 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
25h 28m Average total duration 24h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 22h 19m Average total duration Fastest 21h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 48m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from San Mateo, CA to Seattle, WA is a bus with an average price of $193 (€159).
This is compared to other travel options from San Mateo, CA to Seattle, WA:
A bus is $192 (€158) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Mateo, CA to Seattle, WA costing on average $384 (€317).
The fastest way to travel from San Mateo, CA to Seattle, WA is by bus with an average journey time of 21h 49m.
Other travel options to Seattle, WA take longer:
Train takes on average 24h 58m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between San Mateo, CA and Seattle, WA including taking a train and bus.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around $384 (€317) compared to roughly $166 (€137) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-218.68 (€-180.34). The journey takes 24h 58m versus 12h 48m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
San Mateo, CA to Seattle, WA train times
The table below shows live departures for San Mateo, CA to Seattle, WA trains for today, Wednesday, July 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 6:53 PM San Mateo, CA | 24h58 | 7:51 PM Seattle, WA | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets San Mateo, CA to Seattle, WA by train or bus
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Journey information
Overview: Train from San Mateo, CA to Seattle, WA
USAUSA
Trains from San Mateo, CA to Seattle, WA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 24h 58m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $384 (€317) but you can travel from only $160 (€132) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 18:53, the last at 18:54. The fastest train covers the 694 miles (1117 km) distance in 24h 57m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $160 (€132)
Distance 694 miles (1117 km) |
Average train duration 24h 58m |
Cheapest ticket price $384 (€317) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 24h 57m |
First train 6:53 PM |
Last train 6:54 PM |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $160 (€132)
Train companies: Caltrain from San Mateo, CA to Seattle, WA trainsCaltrain trains will get you between San Mateo, CA and Seattle, WA from $160 (€132). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Caltrain
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
24h 57m
Cheapest Price
$384 (€317)
Caltrain frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Seattle
Things to do in Seattle
Discover the best of Seattle — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Seattle trip today.
- Must visit
Museum of Pop Culture
High-profile museum on music, science fiction, gaming, and pop culture, housed in a landmark Frank Gehry building.
- Must visit
Chihuly Garden and Glass
Immersive exhibition of Dale Chihuly's glass art with dramatic indoor galleries and an outdoor garden installation.
- Must visit
Kerry Park
Compact Queen Anne viewpoint famed for postcard skyline views of downtown, Elliott Bay, and Mount Rainier on clear days.
- Must visit
Gas Works Park
Waterfront park built around preserved industrial structures, loved for skyline views, sunsets, and social media photos.
- Must visit
Waterfront Park and Seattle Waterfront
Revitalized waterfront promenade area for walking, views, piers, and easy access to major central attractions.
- Gluten-free
Cedar-Plank Salmon
Pacific Northwest salmon roasted on a cedar plank, giving it a smoky wood aroma. It is one of Seattle's most iconic regional seafood dishes.
- Gluten-free
Geoduck
A large local clam from Puget Sound, often served raw as sashimi or lightly cooked. It is a distinctive regional delicacy tied to Washington's shellfish culture.
- Gluten-free
Dungeness Crab
Sweet, tender crab harvested in Pacific waters and served steamed, in cakes, or in seafood platters. It is a classic Seattle seafood favorite.
Pike Place Chowder
Well-known casual spot near Pike Place Market, famous for rich clam chowder and other seafood soups in a lively market setting.
Canlis
Iconic fine-dining restaurant with refined Pacific Northwest cuisine, polished service, and sweeping views. One of Seattle's most established special-occasion venues.
Tats Delicatessen
Popular casual deli celebrated for hearty sandwiches, especially cheesesteaks, with a loyal local following and no-frills atmosphere.
United States Dollar
Seattle is pricey by U.S. standards, especially for hotels, dining, and coffee, though casual food options exist.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 12-20 for fast casual or food trucks.
- Mid-range
- USD 25-45 per person at a casual sit-down restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 80+ per person before drinks and tax.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for a latte or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Bars: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15% or round up. Hotel housekeeping: USD 2-5 per night. Little or no tip needed for counter service.
FAQs: Trains from San Mateo, CA to Seattle, WA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Mateo, CA to Seattle, WA 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 Seattle, WA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Train ticket prices from San Mateo, CA to Seattle, WA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $384 (€317), while the average price is around $384 (€317).
The train from San Mateo, CA to Seattle, WA runs once a day and takes approximately 24h 57m.
The distance by train from San Mateo, CA to Seattle, WA is 694 miles (1117 km).
The first train from San Mateo, CA to Seattle, WA leaves at 6:53 PM.
The last train from San Mateo, CA to Seattle, WA leaves at 6:54 PM.
There is no high speed train available from San Mateo, CA to Seattle, WA.
There is no direct train service currently available from San Mateo, CA to Seattle, WA.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from San Mateo, CA to Seattle, WA.
The cheapest way to get from San Mateo, CA to Seattle, WA is by bus, with a cost of around $160 (€132).
Yes, the train journey from San Mateo, CA to Seattle, WA is considered scenic, offering views of the Pacific coastline, lush forests, and the Cascade Mountains, making it a picturesque travel option.
In Seattle, WA, you can take a ferry ride to Bainbridge Island for stunning views and a charming small-town experience, explore the vibrant neighborhoods of Capitol Hill and Fremont, visit the Seattle Aquarium, and enjoy a walk or bike ride along the Burke-Gilman Trail. For cultural experiences, see a live performance at the historic Paramount Theatre. Must-see sights include the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, Chihuly Garden and Glass, the Museum of Pop Culture, and the Seattle Art Museum.
For a comprehensive experience in Seattle, WA, 3 to 4 days are typically sufficient to explore major attractions such as the Space Needle, Pike Place Market, and the Museum of Pop Culture, while also allowing time for side trips to nearby destinations like Mount Rainier or Bainbridge Island.
Yes, you can take the train from San Mateo, CA to Seattle, WA.
Since neither San Mateo, CA nor Seattle, WA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Seattle, WA include Olympia, WA, Tacoma, WA, Lacey, WA, Centralia, WA, Mount Vernon, WA.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Seattle, WA, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins, especially in crowded areas and popular tourist spots like Pike Place Market. Scams involving fake charity collectors and street performers asking for money are common. It's advisable to stay alert in public transit and avoid unlicensed taxis. Travelers should also be aware of occasional aggressive panhandling in certain neighborhoods.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
More options for your journey from San Mateo, CA to Seattle, WA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Seattle, WA and San Mateo, CA
Most popular train connections to Seattle, WA
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