For many people, the holiday season brings joy, celebration, and connection. But for others, this time of year can feel heavy, lonely, or overwhelming. This season can bring a mix of emotions, and added pressure from the holidays or disruptions to routines may contribute to what’s often referred to as the holiday blues, a feeling of sadness, stress, or fatigue that some people experience during this time of year.
At Capitol Corridor, we know that this season can be complicated. Whether you’re traveling to visit family, returning home from school, or commuting through your daily routine, we want to acknowledge that not everyone experiences the holidays the same way and it’s okay if this time of year is hard.
You’re Not Alone
Feeling down, anxious, or disconnected during the holidays is more common than many people think. Reaching out to friends, family, coworkers, or a mental health professional can make a meaningful difference. Small acts of connection, like a phone call or text message, can create moments of support and remind you that you’re not navigating this season in isolation.
Taking Care of Yourself
If you find yourself struggling, consider these reminders:
Give yourself permission to feel what you feel. Your emotions are valid, and your experience matters.
Set boundaries when you need them. It’s okay to say no, take breaks, or create space for yourself.
Prioritize rest and routine. Sleep, food, movement, and downtime can help steady the mind and body.
Reach out to someone you trust. Connection is one of the most powerful tools we have.
If You or Someone You Know Needs Help
If you or someone you love is in crisis (or simply needs someone to talk to) confidential help is available 24/7 by calling the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline,call or text 988. These trained counselors are there to listen, support, and help you or your loved one stay safe.
Oakland, CA, November 18, 2025 – The Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA) is proud to celebrate the second anniversary of its pets onboard program, a popular service that continues to make train travel more enjoyable for passengers and their pets.
Since launching in November 2023, the program has welcomed more than 2,200 pets onboard Capitol Corridor trains, generating $64,000 in revenue across its first two years. In FY25 alone, approximately 1,200 pets traveled with their humans, contributing more than $34,000 in revenue—a 20 percent increase in pet ridership and a 13 percent increase in revenue for this program compared to the previous year.
“Our pet-friendly policy just turned two, and it’s been a huge success,” said Rob Padgette, Managing Director of the Capitol Corridor. “We continue to see steady growth in pet travel, which shows how much our riders value the ability to bring their companions along for the journey, especially during the holiday season.”
The program has been well received by passengers, providing a convenient and affordable way to bring their small pets (cats and dogs) with them. For many riders, it has become an essential part of their travel routine, offering comfort, flexibility, and a shared sense of connection while riding Capitol Corridor.
Pet Travel Policy Highlights
$29 per pet (one-way)
Pets under 20 pounds (dogs and cats only)
One pet per reservation
Advance online booking required
Carrier size limit: 19″L x 14″W x 10″H
Pets must remain in carrier under the seat for the duration of the trip
Pets permitted in all train cars except the Quiet Car and Café Car
About CCJPA and the Capitol Corridor® Managed by the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority (CCJPA), the Capitol Corridor is an intercity rail service that connects Northern California’s most economically vibrant urban centers, from Sacramento to Silicon Valley, including San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley. With free Wi-Fi onboard, Capitol Corridor trains offer a convenient, reliable, and comfortable alternative to the region’s congested freeways. The service now transports more than 1.14 million passengers annually. For more information, visit www.capitolcorridor.org.
In anticipation of the busiest travel week of the year, the Capitol Corridor is prepared to accommodate Thanksgiving travelers. We encourage you to plan–ahead and book early. Here are the following service adjustments:
Train Schedule
49ers Game Special Service: Train 550 will depart from the Santa Clara/Great America station at 9:20PM on Monday, November 24. See schedule here.
Capitol Corridor service will run according to the Weekend/Holiday Schedule on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27, and the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 28. See holiday schedule here.
Bus Connections
Bus connection to Santa Barbara (#4790 and #4794) will operate sixty minutes earlier for all stops (except endpoint, SLO) on Wednesday, November 26, and Sunday, November 30. See schedule here.
Connecting bus service will run according to the Weekend/Holiday Schedule on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, November 27, and the day after Thanksgiving, Friday, November 28. See schedule here.
Sign up for Capitol Corridor service alerts! Subscribers can sign up individually for Weekday Service Alerts and Weekend Service Alerts through email or SMS here. More Thanksgiving Service 2025
Take Capitol Corridor to your favorite holiday destinations and activities! From hitting the slopes to tree lightings, there’s plenty of festive things to do along the route.
As you get in the holiday spirit, give back to the community! From November 24 to December 17, drop off non-perishable food items at Oakland Jack London or Emeryville stations to help those in need. Review the listed food banks and volunteering opportunities here.
Holiday Destinations a Connection Away
Photo Courtesy of Visit Truckee-Tahoe
South Lake Tahoe – Heavenly Village (from Sacramento Station) Experience a true winter wonderland in South Lake Tahoe. Heavenly Village offers ski-in/ski-out access, a range of hotels, and convenient ski rentals- all in one place! Families can enjoy snowtubing and snowmobiling right near the California–Nevada border. With the snow-covered mountains as a backdrop, it’s a picturesque spot for both adventure and relaxation during ski season. Take advantage of Lake Link, a FREE and on-demand shuttle which takes you to South Shore area, trails, entertainment, and nightlife.
*Connecting bus service between Sacramento and South Lake Tahoe runs once a day. See schedule here.
Truckee (From Sacramento Station) Truckee is another a charming and festive destination for the holidays. Stroll through Truckee’s historic downtown, where twinkling lights, boutique shops, and festive events create a magical winter atmosphere. Take the Tahoe Truckee Area Regional Transit (TART) HWY 267 bus to the Northstar Resort, where you can hit the slopes, ice skate, shop, and enjoy making s’mores around the fire pits.
*Connecting bus service between Sacramento and Truckee runs twice a day. See schedule here.
Napa (From Martinez Station)
Hop on the Napa Valley Holiday Wine Train through the vineyards, where passengers can savor a gourmet meal while surrounded by breathtaking views of the valley. The Merry Meritage celebration adds fun for all ages, featuring a skating rink, cozy igloos, and fire pits perfect for a winter night out.
*Connecting bus service between Martinez and Napa runs twice a day. See schedule here.
San Francisco (From Emeryville/Richmond Station) San Francisco is the place to be during the holidays in Northern California! Union Square sparkles with its giant Christmas tree and ice rink, along with new and exciting stores like Nintendo, Dandelion Chocolate, and Pop Mart! Hop on a cable car to take in the city’s decorations and enjoy a quintessential San Francisco holiday experience. Along the route, stop by the Westin St. Francis Hotel for the 12 feet tall Sugar Castle, the Fairmont Hotel for its life-sized gingerbread house, and end the day at Fishermen’s Wharf. Stop by Ghirardelli Square for a warm cup of hot chocolate.
*Every train connects to a bus service to/from San Francisco. Or take Capitol Corridor to Richmond station, and transfer to BART (Red Line) towards San Francisco.
Along the Route
Photo Courtesy of California State Railroad Museum; Photo by Kelly Huston
Sacramento California’s capital city transforms for the holidays with plenty to explore. Families can ride the Polar Express train (sells out fast!), glide across the downtown ice rink, and start holiday shopping at Downtown Commons or Midtown. Take a short rideshare to Imaginarium’s Holiday Lights display at the Cal Expo/California State Fair- California’s largest holiday light festival featuring interactive experiences, carnival rides, an ice rink, and more!
Martinez This historic downtown transforms into a festive wonderland, with decorated storefront and cheerful community events like the annual Holiday Frolic and tree lighting ceremony. Stroll along Main Street to enjoy cozy cafés, unique local shops, and classic small-town charm. History buffs will enjoy a visit to the Martinez Museum, an 1890 Victorian cottage that feature exhibits on local history, including artifacts, documents, and photographs.
Berkeley Fourth Street Berkeley becomes a holiday shopping destination with boutique shopping, festive decorations, and a lively tree lighting celebration. It’s a great place to enjoy local dining and artisan goods while soaking in a community-focused atmosphere. Take a short bus ride (AC Transit 51B) to the Telegraph Avenue Holiday Street Fair every weekend in December.
Oakland Jack London
Celebrate the season in the heart of the East Bay with ice skating and other downtown holiday festivities. Oakland’s vibrant arts scene and cultural diversity make it a unique stop for winter fun and celebrations. Enjoy Oakland’s Joy to the Town during the first weekend of December, featuring a holiday market at Jack London Square, tree lighting, and bar hopping in Downtown.
Emeryville Emeryville’s Bay Street offers convenient shopping, dining, and a festive atmosphere for holiday gift hunting. On Saturdays and Sundays, November 29 – December 24, Bay Street will also host a festive outdoor market featuring handmade crafts, unique gifts, specialty food items from local businesses. Enjoy live music, community performances, kids’ activities, and photo opportunities!
San Jose Walk through an enchanted forest of decorated trees, 40 animated displays including the famous Lima Train, and step inside a 50-foot Christmas tree at the Downtown Park Experience. Enjoy free photos with Santa, nightly entertainment, and holiday refreshments. Take a short rideshare to start your holiday shopping to Santana Row and Westfield Valley Fair.
Capitol Corridor will implement a fare increase effective on December 1st, 2025, on connecting bus service from Emeryville station to San Francisco. To learn more visit capitolcorridor.org/tickets
