Download Article

Download Article

Caltrain is a commuter train that links the San Francisco Peninsula communities with San Francisco, California on one stop and San Jose, California on the other end. If you'd like to avoid some traffic and make your trip a footling easier on the environs, give information technology a endeavor.

  1. 1

    Review the route map and find the stations nearest where you wish to go. Caltrain has only one line that serves San Jose, but there is a station where you can transfer to BART if needbe.

  2. 2

    Find the stations nearest your starting point and your destination. You can utilize Caltrain's route planner to do so. Then check the schedules (like BART, scheduling differs betwixt weekdays and weekends).[1] Make up one's mind when yous wish to make it at your destination and work dorsum from that.

    Advertisement

  3. three

    Find our the fare required for the trip you will take. Caltrain determines fares past the number of zones traveled. One-way fares range from $iii.75 for traveling within 1 zone to $15.00 for traveling inside six zones. Considering of the coronavirus pandemic, fares take been heavily discounted.[ii] Use the fare chart and the map to determine how many zones you volition cantankerous.

  4. 4

    Use route planning tools to plan your trip. When using these services, make sure to select the "Public transit" option, else you will exist shown walking, biking, or driving directions. Your fare may also be visible.

  5. Advertisement

  1. ane

    Become to the train station where you offset your trip. Await for the Caltrain logo to identify the station.

    • Like BART, parking is limited and fills upward very early on the weekdays. Y'all need a Caltrain parking let to park at any Caltrain station, except for Millbrae station, which requires a BART parking permit.
  2. 2

    Purchase a ticket. Ticket machines at each station accept cash and change likewise as credit and debit cards. You lot tin can also purchase tickets from the station attendant. Payment for railroad train rides is dependent on the number of zones traveled, non the number of stops.

    • Tickets are valid for one-time use only.
    • Check to encounter if you are eligible for whatever of the discounts. Students, seniors, persons with disabilities, Medicare holders, and youth (5-eighteen) are eligible. One child accompanied by a parent/guardian 4 and nether rides free.
    • You can upgrade the number of zones traveled at the same machines. Both tickets must be nowadays.
    • Clipper Cards are also dispensed at Caltrain stations.
  3. 3

    Check for announcements on system-broad delays before entering the station. Such announcements can exist found on Caltrain's website and at your station. This will help you lot avoid running late.

  4. 4

    Tag your Clipper Menu at the Clipper reader. If you do not desire to utilize a concrete ticket, you can use a Clipper Card. Keep your Clipper Card with y'all so you lot tin provide proof of payment.

    • If y'all do not have Clipper, you demand to validate your ticket at the same machine.
  5. Advertizing

  1. 1

    Board the correct train for your destination. Trains volition stop at the platform for a few minutes to allow for boarding/deboarding. Brand sure that you lot are headed in the correct direction.

    • If yous take a bike, make sure to board the machine labeled "wheel motorcar".
    • Some train motorcar are not wheelchair accessible. If you are in a wheelchair, board a car that has the wheelchair symbol.
  2. 2

    Show proof of payment to the usher. Before or shortly afterwards departing, the conductor will walk through the train to check that you and other riders paid for your ride. If you have non paid, you can become a citation.

  3. 3

    Practice good train ettiquette. Keep the center aisle articulate, and remain seated for the ride. Per federal police force, seats near the doors are reserved for seniors, pregnant women, and persons with disabilities. Keep your belongings secured.

  4. 4

    Exit the train. Keep in mind that doors open on different sides at different stations. Also, the rear doors may not open up at some stations, requiring yous to traverse several railroad train cars to get to the exit.

    • Check for all your personal items before making your way to the door. Items left behind will brand their fashion to Caltrain's lost and found. Lost items can be reported here.
  5. five

    Bear on your Clipper Carte du jour at the Clipper reader. If you used Clipper to become on the train, you must tag off at the advisable 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.
  6. Advertizing

Add New Question

  • Question

    Are there trains from San Jose to Oakland?

    Community Answer

    Yes, there are many. The cost is nigh $x and the journey lasts 2 to 3 hours. All the trains depart from San Jose Diridon Station. The outset train leaves at 7:18 a.grand.

  • Question

    How do I know when to get off?

    Community Answer

    The commuter will announce each cease along the route, just heed for the name of your stop.

  • 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 information technology when information technology arrives.

  • Question

    How do I get to SFO?

    Aasim

    Caltrain does not cease at SFO airport. You will have to transfer at Millbrae station to BART to complete the trip.

Enquire a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Ad

Video

  • There are discounts for seniors, disabled individuals, and youth. Y'all need to press Eligible Discount Ticket to go a discounted ticket. There are also discounts for the Clipper Card on Caltrain.

  • If you forget to get your viii-ride ticket validated before getting on the train, see a conductor as soon equally you discover. You tin can receive a fine for failing to validate your ticket, only conductors are mostly understanding if yous find them quickly.

  • At the Millbrae station, you lot can connect to BART to take trains to the San Francisco Airport, Downtown San Francisco, Oakland and other parts of the East Bay.

Advertisement

  • Any Bay Area driver knows that trains can get VERY crowded.

  • At station platforms, stay behind the yellow line.

Advertizement

References

Nigh This Article

Thanks to all authors for creating a page that has been read 68,071 times.

Did this article help you?