A Beginner's Guide to Caltrain

Locate the stations closest to your departure point and your destination. Utilize Caltrain's route planner for assistance. Then, check the schedules (similar to BART, schedules vary between weekdays and weekends). Determine your desired arrival time and plan your journey accordingly.

Determine the fare required for your journey. Caltrain calculates fares based on the number of zones traveled. One-way fares range from $3.75 for travel within one zone to $15.00 for travel within six zones. Due to the coronavirus pandemic, fares are heavily discounted. Refer to the fare chart and map to ascertain the number of zones you will traverse.

Utilize route planning tools to organize your trip. When utilizing these services, ensure you select the 'Public transit' option; otherwise, you may receive walking, biking, or driving directions. Your fare may also be displayed.

Proceed to the train station where your journey commences. Identify the station by looking for the Caltrain logo.

• Parking, similar to BART, is limited and fills up quickly on weekdays. A Caltrain parking permit is required to park at any Caltrain station, with the exception of Millbrae station, which requires a BART parking permit.

Purchase a ticket. Ticket machines at each station accept cash, change, credit, and debit cards. Alternatively, you can buy tickets from the station attendant. Payment for train rides depends on the number of zones traveled, not the number of stops.

• Tickets are valid for single use only.
• Check if you qualify for any discounts. Students, seniors, persons with disabilities, Medicare holders, and youth (ages 5-18) are eligible. One child accompanied by a parent/guardian aged 4 and under rides for free.
• You can upgrade the number of zones traveled at the same machines. Both tickets must be present.
• Clipper Cards are also available at Caltrain stations.

Check for announcements regarding system-wide delays before entering the station. These announcements can be found on Caltrain's website and at your station. Doing so will help you avoid being delayed.

Tap your Clipper Card at the Clipper reader. If you prefer not to use a physical ticket, you can use a Clipper Card. Keep your Clipper Card with you to provide proof of payment.

• If you don't have a Clipper Card, you need to validate your ticket at the same machine.

Board the correct train bound for your destination. Trains will pause at the platform for a few minutes to allow for boarding and alighting. Ensure that you're heading in the right direction.

• If you're bringing a bike, ensure to board the car labeled 'bike car'.
• Some train cars are not wheelchair accessible. If you require wheelchair access, board a car with the wheelchair symbol.

Show your proof of payment to the conductor. The conductor will pass through the train either before or shortly after departure to ensure that you and other passengers have paid for your journey. Failure to pay may result in a citation.

Observe good train etiquette. Keep the center aisle clear and remain seated during the journey. Federal law reserves seats near the doors for seniors, pregnant individuals, and persons with disabilities. Ensure your belongings are properly secured.

Depart the train. Be aware that doors open on different sides at different stations. Additionally, rear doors may not open at certain stations, requiring you to pass through multiple train cars to reach the exit.

• Check for all your personal items before heading to the door. Any items left behind will be taken to Caltrain's lost and found. Lost items can be reported here.

Tag your Clipper Card at the Clipper reader. If you used a Clipper Card to board the train, remember to tag off at the appropriate station. The fare will be deducted accordingly from your Clipper Card. Failure to tag off will result in being charged the maximum fare for the journey.

• Transfers to BART are 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.

• You can bring a bicycle onto designated cars on Caltrain, but space is limited. If you don't need it at both ends, consider using the bike racks or lockers at your destination station.
• Special discounts are available for seniors, individuals with disabilities, and youth. Press the 'Eligible Discount Ticket' option to purchase a discounted ticket. Additionally, discounts are offered for Clipper Card users on Caltrain.
• If you forget to validate your 8-ride ticket before boarding the train, inform a conductor as soon as possible. While failing to validate your ticket may result in a fine, conductors are generally understanding if you notify them promptly.

• Trains in the Bay Area can become extremely crowded during peak times.
• When on station platforms, remain behind the yellow line.