How to Ride Caltrain

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Caltrain is a commuter train that links the San Francisco Peninsula communities with San Francisco, California on one end and San Jose, California on the other end. If you'd like to avoid some traffic and make your trip a little easier on the environment, give it a try.

Part 1
Part 1 of 3:

Planning Your Trip

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  1. Caltrain has only one line that serves San Jose, but there is a station where you can transfer to BART if needbe.
  2. You can use Caltrain's route planner to do so. Then check the schedules (like BART, scheduling differs between weekdays and weekends). [1] Decide when you wish to arrive at your destination and work back from that.
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  3. Caltrain determines fares by the number of zones traveled. One-way fares range from $3.75 for traveling within one zone to $15.00 for traveling within six zones. Because of the coronavirus pandemic, fares have been heavily discounted. Use the fare chart and the map to determine how many zones you will cross.
  4. When using these services, make sure to select the "Public transit" option, else you will be shown walking, biking, or driving directions. Your fare may also be visible.
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Part 2
Part 2 of 3:

At the Station

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  1. Look for the Caltrain logo to identify the station.
    • Like BART, parking is limited and fills up very early on the weekdays. You need a Caltrain parking permit to park at any Caltrain station, except for Millbrae station, which requires a BART parking permit.
  2. Ticket machines at each station take cash and change as well as credit and debit cards. You can also purchase tickets from the station attendant. Payment for train rides is dependent on the number of zones traveled, not the number of stops.
    • Tickets are valid for one-time use only.
    • Check to see if you are eligible for any of the discounts. Students, seniors, persons with disabilities, Medicare holders, and youth (5-18) are eligible. One child accompanied by a parent/guardian 4 and under rides free.
    • You can upgrade the number of zones traveled at the same machines. Both tickets must be present.
    • Clipper Cards are also dispensed at Caltrain stations.
  3. Such announcements can be found on Caltrain's website and at your station. This will help you avoid running late.
  4. If you do not want to use a physical ticket, you can use a Clipper Card. Keep your Clipper Card with you so you can provide proof of payment.
    • If you do not have Clipper, you need to validate your ticket at the same machine.
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Part 3
Part 3 of 3:

Taking the Train

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  1. Trains will stop at the platform for a few minutes to allow for boarding/deboarding. Make sure that you are headed in the correct direction.
    • If you have a bike, make sure to board the car labeled "bike car".
    • Some train car are not wheelchair accessible. If you are in a wheelchair, board a car that has the wheelchair symbol.
  2. Before or shortly after departing, the conductor will walk through the train to check that you and other riders paid for your ride. If you have not paid, you can get a citation.
  3. Keep the center aisle clear, and remain seated for the ride. Per federal law, seats near the doors are reserved for seniors, pregnant people, and persons with disabilities. Keep your belongings secured.
  4. Keep in mind that doors open on different sides at different stations. Also, the rear doors may not open at some stations, requiring you to traverse several train cars to get to the exit.
    • Check for all your personal items before making your way to the door. Items left behind will make their way to Caltrain's lost and found. Lost items can be reported here .
  5. If you used Clipper to get on the train, you must tag off at the appropriate station. The appropriate fare will be deducted from your Clipper Card. Not tagging off will result in you paying the maximum possible fare for the ride.
    • Transfers to BART is available at Millbrae station. Transfers to VTA are available at Mountain View, San Jose Diridon, and Tamien stations. Transfers to MUNI are available at San Francisco station. Transfers to Amtrak and the Altamont Corridor are available at San Jose Diridon and Santa Clara stations.
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Community Q&A

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  • Question
    Are there trains from San Jose to Oakland?
    Community Answer
    Yes, there are many. The cost is about $10 and the journey lasts 2 to 3 hours. All the trains depart from San Jose Diridon Station. The first train leaves at 7:18 a.m.
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  • Question
    How do I know when to get off?
    Community Answer
    The driver will announce each stop along the route, just listen for the name of your stop.
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  • Question
    How do I ride Caltrain from Belmont to San Francisco?
    Community Answer
    Check the timetable beforehand, buy a ticket from the ticket machine, wait for the train, and get on it when it arrives.
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      Tips

      • You can carry a bicycle onto marked cars on Caltrain, but spaces are limited. If you don't need it at both ends, consider leaving it in the bike racks or bike lockers at the station where you need it. [2]
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      • There are discounts for seniors, disabled individuals, and youth. You need to press Eligible Discount Ticket to get a discounted ticket. There are also discounts for the Clipper Card on Caltrain.
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      • If you forget to get your 8-ride ticket validated before getting on the train, see a conductor as soon as you notice. You can receive a fine for failing to validate your ticket, but conductors are generally understanding if you find them quickly.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.caltrain.com/schedules.html
      2. ↑ https://www.caltrain.com/rider-information/bicycles/bike-parking

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