Amtrak

All Aboard Amtrak!

Learn about Capitol Corridor, San Joaquins, Coast Starlight, and California Zephyr

Where can Amtrak take you?

Amtrak operates four train routes that pass through the Bay Area. Capitol Corridor and San Joaquins provide regional intercity train service to several regions throughout California. The Coast Starlight and California Zephyr can take you across the country, with destinations including Los Angeles, Portland, Seattle, Salt Lake City, Denver, and Chicago.

If you’re from anywhere outside of the Bay Area in California (such as Redding, Modesto, Merced, Bakersfield, SLO, LA, San Diego, Sacramento, or Santa Barbara), taking the Amtrak may be a convenient method of transportation to get to and from home during vacations.

Taking Amtrak can often be more cost-efficient than driving or flying and provides you with some of the best views in the country! All Amtrak trains are equipped with a cafe car, and long-distance trains have dining and observation cars.

Capitol Corridor System Map

San Joaquins System Map

Coast Starlight System Map

California Zephyr System Map

Students get discounts on Amtrak!

Students aged 13-25 are eligible for a 15% discount on Capitol Corridor and San Joaquins service. Use code V664 when booking in the Amtrak app. Students aged 17-24 are eligible for a 15% discount on Coast Starlight and California Zephyr service. Use code V814 when booking in the Amtrak app.

Amtrak Route Destinations
 Schedule
 Where to catch it
Capitol Corridor San Jose, Sacramento, Auburn Schedule PDF Berkeley, Emeryville, Richmond
San Joaquins Stockton, Fresno, Bakersfield Schedule PDF Oakland, Emeryville, Richmond
Coast Starlight Los Angeles, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Bay Area, Sacramento, Redding, Eugene, Portland OR, Seattle WA Schedule PDF Oakland, Emeryville
California Zephyr Sacramento, Truckee, Reno NV, Salt Lake City UT, Denver CO, Lincoln & Omaha NE, Chicago IL Schedule PDF Emeryville, Richmond

Ticket Information and Discounts

Amtrak does not allow passengers to book tickets on the train; you must buy a ticket before you board. You can buy tickets online and in person at staffed Amtrak stations. We strongly recommend that you download the Amtrak app to buy tickets. This way you do not have to print out any tickets and can show the conductor your ticket on your phone. 

You can purchase single-ride and multi-ride tickets on the Amtrak website and app. These passes offer significant discounts on Amtrak journeys between two stations. Here is some information on available passes:

  • 6-Ride Pass: Valid for a 365-day period on Capitol Corridor and San Joaquins trains.
  • 10-Ride Pass: Valid for a 45- or 90-day period depending on selected stations on all Amtrak services.
  • Monthly Pass: Valid for up to two trips per day between two stations for a calendar month.

Students are eligible for a 15% discount on most Amtrak routes nationwide for single rides! Here's how to apply the discount to your next trip:

  • For Capitol Corridor and San Joaquins service, enter code V664 when booking in the Amtrak app.
  • For Coast Starlight and Calfiornia Zephyr service, enter code V814 when booking in the Amtrak app.

Thruway Connecting Bus Service

Amtrak operates several bus services throughout California that connect to train lines. Visit our long-distance bus travel page for more information on where you can go on Amtrak buses.

Using WageWorks on Amtrak

University employees can purchase Amtrak fares via WageWorks, either through tickets or with the commuter card. Click here for more details on using Wageworks with Amtrak.