Amtrak operates the Capitol Corridor, a 168-mile (270-kilometer) passenger rail service in Northern California that connects San Jose in the Bay Area and Auburn in the Sacramento Valley. The route is called for the two sites where most trains travel: San Jose (the initial state capital of California) and Sacramento (the present capital, which houses the State Capitol building). The route is nearly parallel to Interstates 880 and 80. Some limited trips travel between Oakland and San Jose. A single daily round journey operates between San Jose and Auburn, located in the Sierra Nevada foothills. Capitol Corridor trains began in 1991.
The Capitol Corridor, like all other regional railroads in California, is run by a joint powers authority. A board of two elected members leads the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA) from each of the eight counties the train passes through. The CCJPA contracts with the San Francisco Bay Area Rapid Transit District for day-to-day service administration, Amtrak for train operations, and Transit Services America for rolling equipment maintenance. The California Department of Transportation (Caltrans) funds the service and owns the rolling stock.
This is not Amtrak’s official website and is not affiliated with Amtrak; this is just for the reader’s guide.
Planning Your Trip
Tickets & Fares
Capitol Corridor trains do not require advance reservations, so you can simply buy a ticket and travel.
Types of Tickets
- Single Ride/Multi-City Ticket
- 10-Ride Ticket
- Monthly Ticket
- Connecting Bus Tickets
Ways to Purchase Tickets
Capitol Corridor tickets can be bought in the following ways:
- Online, from the Capitol Corridor or Amtrak websites,
- from the Amtrak mobile app,
- from a station ticket agent,
- from a station self-service kiosk (Ticket Kiosk),
- from a conductor aboard the train (one-way only; fee applies unless the boarding station is unstaffed.)
Tickets bought online, at a station ticket agent, or at a self-service Ticket Kiosk machine are issued electronically, or through eTickets.
If you book your ticket online, you will get an email receipt with your eTicket attached as a PDF, which you can print or view on your mobile device.
If you buy your ticket from a station agent or a Ticket Kiosk machine, you will get a paper ticket at the conclusion of your transaction; you will not be sent it.
You may also purchase and access your ticket using the Amtrak smartphone app.
When you board, you must present your ticket (paper copy or on your mobile device) to the train conductor or bus driver. You may be requested to provide a valid picture ID.
The following types of tickets are not issued as eTickets:
- Group tickets
- Tickets purchased on board the train
- Tickets purchased through a travel agency or corporate travel office
Read more about ticket policies.
Fares
The Capitol Corridor price varies depending on the station of origin and departure. Capitol Corridor’s Fare Chart shows station-by-station train costs for one-way/round-trip, 10-ride, and monthly tickets. Please refer to the new Capitol Corridor Fare Chart. You may also check prices (including those for journeys that include a bus leg) by entering your origin and destination on the Capitol Corridor website or by calling 1-877-9-RIDECC (1-877-974-3322).
Note: The San Francisco Bay Area Clipper fare payment card is not available on the Capitol Corridor.
Capitol Corridor Train Stations information
Locating your station (address, map)
Planning your Capitol Corridor trip? You’ve got tons of options when it comes to stations! With 26 stops scattered across Northern California, you’re likely to find one that fits your travel needs perfectly.
To get the full scoop on each station, head over to the Capitol Corridor website: https://www.capitolcorridor.org/stations/. Here, you can find everything from addresses and maps to parking info and nearby attractions.
Let’s explore some key areas:
- San Francisco Bay Area: Calling all Bay Area explorers! The Capitol Corridor whisks you right to bustling San Jose (Diridon Station) or the vibrant East Bay with stops in Oakland (Jack London Square Station and Coliseum/Airport Station), Hayward, Fremont, Richmond, Berkeley, Emeryville, and Martinez.
- Sacramento Calling: Headed to California’s capital city? The Capitol Corridor delivers you straight to Sacramento Valley Station, putting you right in the heart of the action. Plus, connections to other areas are a breeze from here.
- Central Valley Cruisin’: Venturing through California’s fertile Central Valley? No problem! The Capitol Corridor has stations in Davis, Fairfield-Vacaville, Suisun-Fairfield, and Martinez, making it easy to explore this dynamic region.
- Sierra Foothill Escapes: Craving some mountain air? The Capitol Corridor takes you all the way to Auburn in the Sierra Foothills, with a stop in Rocklin along the way. Breathe in the fresh mountain air and enjoy the charming small-town vibes.
Bonus Station Tips:
- Parking availability: Many stations offer parking, but spaces can fill up fast, especially during peak hours. Check the station information on the website for details on parking fees and availability.
- Local transit connections: Several stations connect seamlessly with local bus systems and other regional rail lines. This makes it easy to continue your journey to your final destination after your relaxing train ride.
Baggage policy (checked luggage, carry-on guidelines)
The Capitol Corridor has updated its baggage policy, requiring passengers to follow Amtrak’s guidelines for carry-on baggage. The policy allows passengers to bring two pieces of carry-on luggage and one personal item, including bicycles, onboard. Carry-on bags can weigh up to 50 lbs. and 28 x 22 x 14 inches, while personal items can weigh up to 25 lbs. and 14 x 11 x 7 inches.
As a courtesy, passengers are advised to store baggage and personal belongings in designated areas, overhead racks, or under their seats. An excess baggage fee of $20 will be charged for any carry-on or personal items exceeding these limits. Each carry-on bag must be visibly tagged with the passenger’s name and address.
Checked baggage service is not available on this route. Prohibited items onboard the train include non-service animals, firearms, ammunition, hoverboards, corrosive chemicals, incendiaries, martial arts, archery equipment, devices containing propellants, and sharp objects. For a complete list of prohibited items, please visit the Amtrak website.
Onboard amenities
Free Wi-Fi
Capitol Corridor trains provide free Wi-Fi to keep you connected during your train ride. Their next-generation WiFi service is faster and more reliable. Use any Wi-Fi-enabled gadget to be productive or to relax and have fun.
How to Connect:
- Select the Wi-Fi network “YourTrainWiFi.”
- To view the YourTrainWiFi welcome screen, simply open or refresh your browser.
- Click “I agree, get connected” to connect to the Internet.
Cafe car
The Capitol Corridor Café Car is typically located on the upper level of the train, with some trains having lower-level options. To access it, look for “California Café” signs near the stairwell. While you can bring your own food and beverages on board, personal food preparation and consumption are not allowed due to health and safety regulations. Alcoholic beverages can only be consumed on-board if purchased in the Café Car. Personal alcohol consumption is also not allowed on board. Amtrak staff cannot heat up or prepare food onboard, and food preparation equipment is only for food purchased onboard trains. Alcohol is prohibited onboard and can only be consumed onboard if purchased in the Café Car.
Note: Selections and prices are subject to change without notice.
Bicycle storage
The Capitol Corridor is gaining popularity as a combination of bicycle and train travel. The Amtrak Capitol Corridor offers a safe and conscientious way to experience Northern California while boosting well-being. This combination is ideal for commuting, weekend rides, and bicycle tours, ensuring a balanced and enjoyable experience.
Pet Policy (carry-on or service animals)
Cats and dogs weighing less than 20 pounds can ride on the Capitol Corridor for just $29 one way! If your pet meets the criteria, take them on your next adventure.
Schedules & estimated travel times
- Every day, there are several trains to pick from.
- It takes slightly over an hour to go from San Jose to Oakland.
- The travel duration between San Jose and Berkeley is 1.5 hours.
- It takes roughly 3 hours to travel from San Jose to Sacramento.
Visit Amtrak.com to view the most recent schedules and timetables.
Your Train Ride
Arriving at the station
- Check the platform signs to confirm your train (“Boarding” will appear next to the train number).
- Board from any door. Unreserved service allows you to select any seat on the train.
- If you are bringing a bicycle, search for the vehicle with the bike decal.
- Once seated, a conductor will scan your ticket and indicate your destination with a seat check located above your seat. If you decide to relocate to a different seat, bring this seat check.
Onboard procedures
- Select the trip from the booking widget.
- Enter your travel information and go until you see the option to customize your trip.
- Add a pet to your reservation for $29.
- If you need to modify your reservation, call 800-USA-RAIL.
*Please keep in mind that if you purchase a ticket with a pet reservation, you must travel on the day specified. This reservation offers less flexibility than our standard, unreserved tickets.
Helpful Tips
- Download the Capitol Corridor App for mobile ticketing and real-time updates ([https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.amtrak.rider&hl=en&gl=US])
- Pack some entertainment for the ride, especially for longer journeys. Books, magazines, downloaded movies, or your favorite tunes with headphones will keep you happily occupied.
- Consider bringing some snacks and drinks, particularly if you have dietary restrictions or anticipate limited options on the cafe car.
- Onboard public restrooms are available, but it’s advisable to carry hand sanitizer for added cleanliness.
- Arriving early on the Capitol Corridor allows you to secure the best seats, despite seating being generally unreserved.
Contact Information
- Capitol Corridor website (https://www.capitolcorridor.org/)
- Phone number for inquiries (1-877-9-RIDECC)