Caltrain is experiencing service issues, causing train cancellations and delays. Check updates here. Caltrain Mobile App retired Oct. 31. Use Clipper Card or App. Click here for more information. Riders can now pay for parking with the ParkMobile app. More Info.
Why is the Caltrain Mobile App going away?
The Caltrain Mobile App is being retired as Caltrain and the region prepare for the launch of Next generation Clipper. All products available on the Caltrain application are available for purchase at the station Ticket vending Machines.
When will the Caltrain Mobile App retire?
The app will retire at 11:59pm on October 31, 2025.
How will I pay for parking at Caltrain stations?
Daily parking permits can always be purchased at the Caltrain station Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs). Monthly parking permits are available at TVMs or Caltrain Headquarters in San Carlos, for customers with a monthly pass or GoPass from their employer. Caltrain is currently working with ParkMobile to provide an alternative mobile parking option.
How do I purchase train tickets?
You can purchase Caltrain tickets either via Clipper or at a Ticket Vending Machine (TVM). We recommend using Clipper because it’s easy, convenient and provides discounted transfers to select Bay Area transit systems. Clipper is available as a virtual or physical card. Be sure to register your new card at www.clippercard.com.
Option 1: Clipper Card (Digital or Physical)
- Clipper is the Bay Area’s all-in-one transit card, accepted on Caltrain, VTA and most other transit agencies.
- Download the Clipper app to create a virtual card and load cash value or pick up a physical card at any Clipper retailer or VTA’s Downtown San José Customer Service Office (for youth and seniors).
- Each rider must have their own card; you cannot share cards.
- To ride Caltrain, tap on at your boarding station and tap off at your destination (e.g., Mountain View).
If transferring to VTA light rail, tap on at the VTA reader before boarding. Be sure to tap off at Caltrain’s Clipper validator on its platform first, as Caltrain and VTA validators look similar but operate separately.
Option 2: Ticket Vending Machine (TVM)
- Purchase a One-Way Ticket or Day Pass at the station before boarding.
- Select your ticket type, then choose your destination (for example, Zone 3 – Mountain View).
- Youth fares: select Eligible Discount → Youth (18 & Under) for $1 one-way or $2 Day Pass.
- Pay with cash, credit or debit card.
- Keep your ticket with you for inspection during your ride.
Paper tickets do not require tapping on or off.
Are Zone Upgrades available via Clipper?
Zone Upgrades for Monthly Pass users will not be accessible through Clipper at this time, but they can be purchased at the Caltrain TVMs.
How do I purchase group tickets?
Group tickets must be processed through Caltrain’s Group Travel Program and purchased at a Caltrain Ticket Vending Machine (TVM) or through a pre-approved group order. Clipper cannot process group tickets at this time.
- Groups of 15 or more fare-paying passengers may qualify for a 10% discount off regular adult fares.
- To qualify, the group must travel together on the same train, between the same stations, and use the same type of ticket (One-Way or Day Pass).
- To request a group fare, submit a Group Travel Order Form at least nine business days before travel.
- Once your request is reviewed, Caltrain Customer Service will coordinate payment directly with you.
- After payment is confirmed, Caltrain staff will print the tickets, which can be picked up at Caltrain Headquarters (1250 San Carlos Avenue in San Carlos) at the Front Desk.
- Payment must be completed at least seven business days before travel. All group ticket sales are final (no refunds or exchanges).
For more information or to submit a request, visit Caltrain’s Group Sales page
What should I use instead of the Caltrain Mobile App?
While Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) remain available at all Caltrain stations for purchasing train tickets and parking, Clipper is now the preferred digital options for a faster and more convenient experience.
For Train Fares:
Clipper App (Mobile Option): Download the free Clipper app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store. Create a virtual Clipper card, load funds, and manage your balance directly from your phone. No physical card is needed for the mobile option.
- Clipper Physical Card: Purchase a physical Clipper card at participating retailers, Caltrain stations or at clippercard.com. You can load value online, at retail locations or at any Caltrain TVM.
- Simply tap on at your boarding station and tap off at your destination to automatically pay the correct fare.
- Clipper also offers discounted transfers to other Bay Area transit systems such as BART, VTA and Muni -- making it the easiest and most cost-effective way to travel throughout the region.
Clipper Next Gen rollout. More info at https://www.futureofclipper.com/.
For Parking:
- TVMs will continue to accept parking payments at all applicable stations.
How do I purchase tickets for youth riders?
Youth fares are available for riders 18 and under at a reduced cost: $1 for a one-way ticket or $2 for a Day Pass. Tickets can be purchased at Caltrain Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) at all stations.
For youth Clipper cards, which can be used on Caltrain and other Bay Area transit, you can:
- Visit Caltrain headquarters at 1250 San Carlos Avenue, or Clipper Customer Service Centers in San Fransico and San Jose to apply for a youth Clipper card.
- Use the Clipper app to load value onto a youth card if you already have one.
Each youth rider, 5 to 18 years old, must have their own card, and the card can be used to tap on/off at stations and on transfers to other transit systems. More info on youth fares
How much did the Caltrain Mobile App cost?
The Caltrain Mobile App required significant ongoing costs to maintain and operate. Given Caltrain’s current financial challenges, it is both necessary and responsible to transition to more cost-effective, widely used systems such as Clipper.
Clipper is the Bay Area’s all-in-one transit card, accepted on nearly all major transit agencies, including BART, Muni, VTA, SamTrans, AC Transit, Golden Gate Transit, and more. It allows riders to pay fares seamlessly across the region using one card or app.
With Clipper, riders can:
- Pay for Caltrain and other Bay Area transit rides with a single account.
- Manage funds, set up automatic reloads, and view ride history through the Clipper app or clippercard.com.
- Choose between a digital card (in Apple Wallet or Google Pay) or a physical card purchased at participating retailers and ticket machines.
This regional integration makes Clipper a smarter, simpler, and more sustainable choice for Caltrain riders and the Bay Area transit community.
Where can I find more information about fares and payments?
Visit Caltrain Fares & How to Buy for detailed information.
Who can I contact if I have questions?
Contact Caltrain Customer Service at 1.800.660.4287 or visit caltrain.com