How to Book Train Travel from San Jose to Sacramento

A train or bus leaves the San Jose Amtrak station for Sacramento almost every hour, and costs anywhere from $20 to $30 without a discount. Because there are many options, you're free to choose your preferred route. Here's how to go about it.

Instructions

Choose a Route from San Jose to Sacramento

1

The direct Amtrak train from San Jose to Sacramento takes a little over three hours; this route usually has a snack car.

2

See more of the coast by traveling from San Jose to Oakland, and then from Oakland to Sacramento; this trip can take up to 3 1/2 hours, depending on the layover in Oakland. Only the leg from Oakland to Sacramento has a snack car.

3

Take the San Joaquin route and you'll also have access to a snack car; the downside is that the trip takes a bit longer, reaching Sacramaento via Stockton after four hours.

4

Call Amtrak at 1-800-USA-RAIL or visit Amtrak's web site in the "Resources" section below. On the web site, you can book your train reservations via Amtrak's Fare Finder. You can also navigate the site if you have a PDA, Blackberry or other handheld device.

5

If you ordered your tickets online or by phone, pick them up at a ticket agent or at one of the Quik-Trak kiosks that can be found at many Amtrak locations (you'll need to enter your reservation number). If you've booked your trip far in advance, you can also request that your tickets be mailed to you.

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