Clipper
Clipper® is a reloadable fare payment system that’s used to store a Caltrain Monthly Pass and/or cash to use for fare payment. Add a Clipper card to your mobile wallet (using Apple Pay, Google Pay, the Clipper or Caltrain mobile app) to tap on with ease.
Caltrain Station Ticket Machines
The Caltrain station ticket machines accept coins, bills and credit or Visa/Mastercard debit cards. Tickets must be purchased on day of travel and cannot be purchased in advance. Adult Clipper cards are available for purchase as well as the ability to load cash value or other transit agency products to all Clipper card types.
Caltrain Mobile
The Caltrain Mobile app lets you purchase and use fares instantly on your phone. Tickets must be purchased and activated at time of travel. American Express, MasterCard, Discover and Visa credit/debit cards, and PayPal are accepted payment methods.
Parking Permit
Caltrain customers who have a Monthly Pass or GoPass loaded on their Clipper card may purchase one Monthly Parking Permit from the Caltrain station ticket machine or Caltrain headquarters. Parking permits may be purchased from the 21st of the previous month that the permit is valid until the 15th of the month the permit is valid. Parking permits are not sold at retail outlets.
One Day Parking permits are also available at the ticket machine and through the Caltrain mobile app.
Visit Parking for more information. Monthly parking permits are NOT available on the Caltrain Mobile app.
Caltrain Headquarters
Customers may purchase Adult Clipper cards, obtain Youth or Senior Clipper cards, add cash value or transit agency products to the Clipper card and purchase Monthly Parking permits (with eligible transit products) at Caltrain's administrative ticket office in San Carlos (1250 San Carlos Ave.). For ticket booth sales hours, visit Contact Us.
American Express, MasterCard, Discover and Visa credit cards, ATM debit cards, prepaid transit benefit cards and paper transit benefit checks, such as Commuter Checks, may be used to purchase the items. Prepaid transit benefit cards or checks may only be used for the designated product indicated on the card or check: transit or parking. For instance, a transit card/check cannot be used to purchase parking. Check with your employer's transit benefit coordinator for details.