Purchase Tickets Before Boarding

Purchasing Caltrain tickets is easy with ticket vending machines.

Caltrain is a "Proof-of-Payment" system and tickets are not sold onboard trains.

Caltrain conductors and fare inspectors perform random fare checks onboard trains. Passengers without valid tickets are subject to a fine of up to $250 plus court fees.

Riders can buy any Caltrain ticket type at TVMs, which are easily accessible and are available at all stations from San Francisco to Gilroy, except for the Stanford and Paul Avenue stations.

If TVMs or validators aren't functioning at a station, please contact a conductor when you board the train.

Tickets from the ticket vending machine are heat sensitive and should not be laminated.

FEATURES

• Pay with cash or credit card. Exact change is not necessary. The machines accept Visa, MasterCard and Discover cards ($1.25 minimum).
• Purchase multiple tickets. You may purchase more than one ticket in a single transaction. The tickets may be the same type or different types. You can purchase tickets that begin and end at any Caltrain station.
• Monthly tickets, Muni Pass and parking permits. Available from the 21st of the previous month for which the ticket is valid through the 9th of the current month. The Muni Pass is available with the purchase of a Monthly Ticket. Monthly parking permits can be bought when buying two 10-ride tickets or a Monthly Ticket.
• Audio system and braille features. To activate the audio feature, press the audio button, also marked in braille, to the left of the menu screen. The volume can be adjusted by using the buttons to the right of the audio button. A headphone can be plugged into the audio jack under the audio button. The key pad under the audio button can be used instead of the buttons around the menu screen. Raised dots lead to the slots to insert cash and credit cards or retrieve tickets, change and receipt.
• Instructions in Spanish. These are available on the menu screen and over the audio system.

TVM Users Guide.

OTHER WAYS TO BUY TICKETS

• By mail 10-ride and Monthly tickets can be purchased by mail with Commuter Checks, a check or credit card.
• On the Internet 10-ride Tickets can be ordered by e-mail.
• At staffed stations Tickets can be purchased at staffed stations, using Commuter Checks, cash, checks, credit and debit cards.
• At Caltrain headquarters All Caltrain tickets can be purchased at Caltrain Headquarters, 1250 San Carlos Avenue, San Carlos, from 8 a.m to 5:30 p.m., Monday through Friday. Commuter Checks, cash, checks, credit and debit cards are accepted.

Conductors and fare inspectors make random fare checks and violators are subject to fines.

For schedules and fare information, call 1.800.660.4287.