Get on Board!

Tips for Taking Capitol Corridor Back to School

August 29, 2025

Classes are back in session – choose Capitol Corridor to head back to campus! Whether you’re headed to UC Davis, UC Berkeley, Sacramento State, San Jose State, Santa Clara University, or any other school along our route, welcome aboard.

We’re here to help make your trip as smooth and stress-free as possible with a few key tips — especially for those traveling with bikes or making transfers. 

Know the Busy Trains

Girl boarding train on platform

Back-to-school season gets crowded—especially near major campus stops like Davis and Berkeley. These peak trains tend to fill up fast: Westbound trains 527 and 529, and Eastbound trains 538 and 542. If you can, ride earlier or later to find more space for you, your bag, and your bike (if you’ve got one).

Hint, hint: Capitol Corridor is unreserved so if you have last-minute schedule changes, we’re flexible! Your train ticket can be used on another day within one year of the original travel date without penalty or fees. 

Check out our schedule here. 

Bringing a Bike? Plan Ahead

Bikes are first-come, first-served in designated bike cars. Look for the bike decal on the train door and please don’t block aisles or doors. Folding bikes may be stowed like luggage if collapsed. Learn how to bring your bike onboard here.

Need to store your bike? Use a secure BikeLink locker at stations like Davis, Berkeley, Oakland, or Sacramento. Learn how to use these lockers here.  

See our Bike Policy to learn more. 

Plan Transfers in Advance

Connecting to campus? Capitol Corridor works with BART, AC Transit, VTA, SacRT, Unitrans (UC Davis), and many others. Be sure to check partner transit schedules, especially during rush hours.

Learn about our Transit Transfer Program here.

One Ticket = One Seat

Student storing backpack on train

We get it—after a long day of classes you just want to relax. But when you’re riding the train, be kind to your fellow passengers: store your bags in the overhead bin or under the seat. Leaving your stuff on the seat next to you makes it harder for others to find a place to sit, especially on busy trains. Oh, and keep your feet off the seats too, to keep seats clean for everyone. 

One ticket = one seat. Thank you!

Be On Time, Be Courteous

Outlet Onboard

Arrive a bit early for better seating and storage space. We have free Wi-Fi and power outlets – remember to pack your chargers and cords! Also, keep noise low and use headphones.

Small actions can make everyone’s trip smoother. 

Save When You Ride

Last but not least, take advantage of our 15% student discount when you book your next trip! Making multiple trips? Receive 25% off a 6-ride ticket that can be used for an entire year from the purchase date! Make sure to have a valid student ID with you when you ride. Learn more about our student discounts

Visit capitolcorridor.org to book your ticket, find maps, bike info, and updates.  

Welcome onboard, students! 

New Ten-Ride for 90-Days Ticket

August 8, 2022

Ten-rides just got more flexible! On August 1, 2022, we extended the life of our ten-ride tickets from 60 days to 90 days! Now, passengers will have 90 days from the ticket start date to complete up to 10 one-way trips between the origin and destination stations indicated on their ticket.

Why We Made This Change
Our 10-ride ticket is ideal for people who use the service regularly, but not necessarily every day. If you use all the rides within the travel window, you’ll save about 30% compared to purchasing a single one-way or round-trip ticket.

With many customers shifting to hybrid work schedules over the past two years, we realized that putting this kind of flexibility in place might be helpful. Fares for the 10-ride ticket will remain the same, and any tickets previously purchased with a 60-day period will be valid for the length of time purchased.

As Gas Prices Soar, the Capitol Corridor Expands 30% Off Train Fare Discount 

March 25, 2022

With gas prices continuing to rise in California, Golden State travelers are feeling the pinch at the pump. Public transportation is a convenient and economical alternative, and the Capitol Corridor is making it even more affordable by extending its 30% off fare promotion through the summer.   More As Gas Prices Soar, the Capitol Corridor Expands 30% Off Train Fare Discount