- Must visit
The Tech Interactive
Interactive science center with hands-on exhibits, an IMAX dome theater, and family-friendly displays in the heart of downtown.
Cheapest price
$143
Average price
$174
Fastest journey
10 h 46 m
Average duration
11 h 23 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
541 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santa Ana, CA to San Jose, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Santa Ana, CA to San Jose, CA will cost around $174 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $143.
It's difficult to get from Santa Ana, CA to San Jose, CA without transferring at least once.
765 Pacific Surfliner · 4765 AMTRAK
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight
765 Pacific Surfliner · 4765 AMTRAK
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast StarlightOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Ana, CA to San Jose, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $58. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 44m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $58, and a flight costs an average of $181.
Distance: 336 miles (541 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$156 Average price | $115 Average price Cheapest | $328 Average price | $76 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 26m Average total duration 10h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 44m Average total duration 9h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 44m Average total duration Fastest 2h 44m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 0m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Ana, CA to San Jose, CA:
A bus is $41 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santa Ana, CA to San Jose, CA costing on average $156.
A bus is $213 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Ana, CA to San Jose, CA costing on average $328.
Other travel options to San Jose, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 9h 14m.
Train takes on average 10h 56m.
Tickets start at around $156 compared to roughly $76 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-79.88. The journey takes 10h 56m versus 6h 0m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Santa Ana, CA to San Jose, CA trains for today, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight | 8:04 AM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 11h42 | 7:46 PM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA | 1 transfer | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 4765 AMTRAK | 8:04 AM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 10h46 | 6:50 PM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA | 1 transfer | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight | 8:04 AM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 11h42 | 7:46 PM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Santa Ana, CA to San Jose, CA run on average 9 times per day, taking around 10h 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $98 but you can travel from only $58 by bus.
The earliest train runs at 00:15, the last at 23:45. The fastest train covers the 336 miles (541 km) distance in 10h 46m.
Distance 336 miles (541 km) |
Average train duration 10h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $98 |
Trains per day 9 |
Fastest train 10h 46m |
First train 12:15 AM |
Last train 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of San Jose, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Jose, CA trip today.
Interactive science center with hands-on exhibits, an IMAX dome theater, and family-friendly displays in the heart of downtown.
Large art museum known for modern and contemporary works, strong West Coast focus, and thoughtful rotating exhibitions.
A vast collection of restored computer history, from early machines to supercomputers, popular with tech enthusiasts.
Signature downtown plaza for festivals, concerts, and civic life, surrounded by museums, hotels, and historic buildings.
A vibrant historic district with Japanese shops, temples, murals, and a strong sense of local community and heritage.
Lively arts district centered on galleries, murals, and monthly South First Fridays, ideal for an evening walk downtown.
A Vietnamese noodle soup with beef or chicken in a fragrant broth. San Jose's large Vietnamese community makes it a defining local comfort food.
A Vietnamese sandwich on a crisp baguette, often filled with grilled pork, pickled vegetables, herbs, and pate. A staple tied to San Jose's Little Saigon.
A South Indian rice and lentil crepe served with chutney and sambar. It is a local favorite thanks to San Jose's strong South Asian community.
Refined fine dining destination offering modern French cuisine, polished service, and an elegant special-occasion atmosphere.
Beloved San Jose institution serving smoked meats, ribs, and classic sides in a casual, old-school barbecue setting.
Casual neighborhood favorite for handcrafted pupusas and Salvadoran comfort food with a warm, family-run feel.
San Jose is pricier than many US cities. Hotels, dining, and parking add up fast, though public transit and casual food can help control daily costs.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 at cafes for good service. Tax is usually added separately.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Ana, CA to San Jose, 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 San Jose, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Santa Ana, CA to San Jose, CA trains use the Santa Ana Station to San José Diridon Station station pair, with some services arriving at Santa Clara Station. Use this guide to compare Santa Ana, CA and San Jose, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Santa Ana Station is 1 km from Santa Ana city centre. Public transport options include:
Santa Ana Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Olde Ship British Pub & Restaurant, Chapter One: the modern local
Ticket office support is available at Santa Ana Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Santa Ana Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Santa Ana Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Santa Ana Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Ana Station: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Santa Ana, Courtyard by Marriott Santa Ana, Holiday Inn Santa Ana-Orange County Airport.
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.
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.
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