How to Book Train Travel from San Francisco to San Jose

San Francisco to San Jose is a heavily trafficked route, servicing 1.2 million riders a year. Weekday rush hours are a particular menace, as many people who work in San Francisco live in San Jose and commute daily. Fortunately there are many trains connecting these two cities.

Instructions

Catch the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) to San Jose

1

Find a convenient BART station. They are located from as far south as the San Francisco International Airport and as far north as the financial district.

2

Enter the station and buy a BART card. These are different from a ticket in that you keep a certain amount of money on the card and the cost of the trip is deducted. Expect to pay about $3 for this leg of the trip.

3

Purchase a BART card in advance to avoid standing in lines. They can be bought online at BART's website or at select retailers or grocers around the Bay Area.

Transfer at the Amtrak Oakland Coliseum/BART Station

4

Stop at the BART Coliseum/Oakland Airport station. Disembark from BART's raised island platform and exit the station.

5

Be aware that the Oakland Coliseum Amtrak station and the BART Coliseum/Oakland Airport station are two separate rail stations, though they are sometimes referred to by the same name.

6

Find the pedestrian bridge that connects the two train stations and the Oakland Coliseum (hence the name of the stations).

7

Cross the pedestrian bridge to the Amtrak Oakland Coliseum station.

8

Book a ticket of you have not already done so and look for your connecting Amtrak train. Head to the side platform where the trains arrive.

Arrive at the San Jose Amtrak Station

9

Disembark from the train in San Jose and exit the station to arrive on Cahill Street, where your ride can pick you up.

10

Continue travel to your final destination by bus or taxi, as the San Jose station provides these modes of transportation as well.

11

Book a ticket to continue travel by train along the Caltrain system, a commuter train servicing the San Jose and greater Bay area.

12

Exit the San Jose station and walk a couple of blocks to the light rail service.

13

Talk to a station agent or any ticket personnel if you have any questions or concerns. The San Jose station is fully staffed and can assist travelers with ticketing inquiries, reservations, checked baggage and tourist information.