- Must visit
The Tech Interactive
Hands-on science and technology museum in Downtown San Jose with interactive exhibits, design challenges, and an IMAX Dome Theater. A strong family-friendly stop in Plaza de César Chávez.
Cheapest price
$262
Average price
$266
Fastest journey
1 d 19 m
Average duration
1 d 55 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
1142 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Seattle, WA 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 Seattle, WA to San Jose, CA will cost around $266 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $262.
Of the 2 trains that leave Seattle, WA for San Jose, CA on Mon, Jun 15, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 15 the direct trains cover the 1142 km distance in an average of 1 d 55 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 d 19 m .
On Mon, Jun 15 the slowest trains will take 1 d 1 h 30 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.
11 Coast Starlight
11 Coast Starlight · 4794 AMTRAK
11 Coast Starlight
11 Coast Starlight · 4794 AMTRAKOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Seattle, WA to San Jose, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $123. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 9m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $123, and a flight costs an average of $149.
Distance: 709 miles (1142 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$229 Average price Cheapest | $359 Average price | $291 Average price | $171 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
24h 47m Average total duration 24h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 9m Average total duration Fastest 3h 9m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 19h 30m Average total duration 19h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 12h 38m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Seattle, WA to San Jose, CA:
A train is $62 (€51) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Seattle, WA to San Jose, CA costing on average $291 (€236).
A train is $130 (€105) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Seattle, WA to San Jose, CA costing on average $359 (€291).
Other travel options to San Jose, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 19h 0m.
Train takes on average 24h 17m.
Tickets start at around $229 (€186) compared to roughly $171 (€139) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-57.87 (€-46.97). The journey takes 24h 17m versus 12h 38m 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 Seattle, WA to San Jose, CA trains for tomorrow, Monday, June 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
11 Coast Starlight | 9:55 AM King Street Station, Seattle, WA | 24h19 | 10:14 AM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
11 Coast Starlight · 4794 AMTRAK | 9:55 AM King Street Station, Seattle, WA | 25h30 | 11:25 AM 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 Seattle, WA to San Jose, CA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 24h 17m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $123 (€100) but you can travel from only $116 (€94) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 09:55, the last at 19:58. The fastest train covers the 709 miles (1142 km) distance in 24h 19m.
Distance 709 miles (1142 km) |
Average train duration 24h 17m |
Cheapest ticket price $123 (€100) |
Trains per day 3 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 24h 19m |
First train 9:55 AM |
Last train 7:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of San Jose — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Jose trip today.
Hands-on science and technology museum in Downtown San Jose with interactive exhibits, design challenges, and an IMAX Dome Theater. A strong family-friendly stop in Plaza de César Chávez.
One of the largest collections of ancient Egyptian artifacts on display in western North America, set in a distinctive Egyptian-inspired complex with gardens.
Leading contemporary art museum in the city center, known for West Coast and international artists in a well-restored historic post office building. Good choice for modern art lovers.
High-profile mixed-use district known for stylish streets, palm-lined promenades, and lively people-watching. Popular with visitors, photographers, and social media creators.
The city's main urban core with museums, plazas, nightlife, and event venues. Best area for first-time visitors wanting a central base and walkable attractions.
One of the few remaining historic Japantowns in the United States, appreciated for its heritage character, murals, small businesses, and community feel.
A large flour tortilla wrapped around beans, rice, meat, salsa, and other fillings. San Jose’s Mexican-American community makes it a staple local comfort food.
A street-style taco commonly found at taquerias and taco trucks, usually filled with grilled meats, onions, cilantro, and salsa. It reflects the city’s strong Mexican food culture.
Vietnamese noodle soup with aromatic broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat. San Jose has one of the strongest Vietnamese food scenes in the United States, making pho especially local to the area.
An established fine-dining restaurant set in a historic creekside building, known for French-inspired cuisine and a romantic atmosphere.
A long-running downtown classic known for Italian-American dishes, steaks, and old-school atmosphere. Popular for hearty portions and a historic San Jose dining experience.
A beloved casual San Jose institution famous for falafel, gyros, and its well-known banana shake. Great for a classic local quick meal.
Prices are high by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining. Budget options exist, but overall costs are elevated.
Tip 18-20% at sit-down restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip delivery drivers 10-20%.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Seattle, WA 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.

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