On behalf of the Silicon Valley Transit Users, let us thank our Armed Forces on this long weekend – the traditional start of summer.
Caltrain and buses and light rail from the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) can be taken to and from many of these events. Especially on Caltrain, expect standing room only (SRO) conditions on the commuter rail service this long weekend.
There are many things going on in San Jose and Silicon Valley this weekend. From Giants baseball in San Francisco and San Jose, to FanimeCon in San Jose to Earthquakes Soccer, and even a taco festival, transit options to these and other events will be featured here. These buses and trains to and from these events help you beat traffic gridlock and parking nightmares expected at these events. These transit tips also help you avoid getting arrested for dangerous driving by local police this weekend. Details are after the More… jump
San Francisco Giants
Take Caltrain to and from AT&T Park in San Francisco for their series against the Minnesota Twins on Saturday at 7pm, Sunday at 1:05pm, and Monday (Memorial Day) at 1:05pm.
San Jose Giants
Two VTA bus lines stop near San Jose Municipal Stadium for San Jose Giants baseball. One VTA bus line (the 73) connects downtown San Jose to the stadium, right near main entrance by home plate. This Memorial Day weekend, the San Jose Giants host the Visalia Rawhide on Saturday at 5pm, Sunday at 1pm, and Monday at 2pm.
FanimeCon
The convention for fans of Japanese animation, FanimeCon, runs thru May 26 at the San Jose McEnery Convention Center. Several VTA bus lines and light rail at Convention Center station all serve FanimeCon and related events in downtown San Jose.
San Jose Earthquakes
The San Jose Earthquakes host the Houston Dynamo in Major League Soccer action on Sunday at 7:30pm. Caltrain and several VTA bus lines serve Buck Shaw Stadium in Santa Clara where the match will be played.
As the last northbound Caltrain to the Peninsula and San Francisco leaves Santa Clara at 9:05pm, there is an alternate for Earthquakes fans after the game: VTA’s 22 bus line (Eastbound Sunday schedule) parallels Caltrain from Santa Clara to Palo Alto along El Camino Real. From Palo Alto, SamTrans’ ECR bus line parallels Caltrain from Palo Alto to Millbrae and Daly City. From Millbrae or Daly City, take BART to San Francisco.
Caltrain riders with a monthly pass on their Clipper Card of two or more zones can board local VTA and SamTrans buses like the 22 and ECR respectively for free. Otherwise, here are local bus fare charts for VTA and SamTrans respectively.
San Jose Taco Festival of Innovation
On Saturday from noon-8pm, the San Jose Taco Festival of Innovation takes place at History Park. The festival site is at 1650 Senter Road in San Jose. Two VTA bus lines – the 25 and 73 – stop within a short walk of History Park and the Festival. It’s about a five minute walk to San Jose Municipal Stadium for San Jose Giants baseball later that day.
Sonu Nigam Concert at SAP Center
On Sunday at 7:30pm, Sonu Nigam, an entertainment legend from India, will have a concert with a 50-member orchestra at the SAP Center in San Jose. Caltrain, several VTA bus lines, and light rail serve this rare concert event. These transit options are featured in our comprehensive transit guide to the SAP Center.
As the last northbound Caltrain to the Peninsula and San Francisco leaves nearby San Jose Diridon Station at 9pm, there is an alternate for Sonu Nigam fans after the concert: VTA’s 22 bus line (Eastbound Sunday schedule) parallels Caltrain from Santa Clara to Palo Alto along El Camino Real. From Palo Alto, SamTrans’ ECR bus line parallels Caltrain from Palo Alto to Millbrae and Daly City. From Millbrae or Daly City, take BART to San Francisco.
Caltrain riders with a monthly pass on their Clipper Card of two or more zones can board local VTA and SamTrans buses like the 22 and ECR respectively for free. Otherwise, here are local bus fare charts for VTA and SamTrans respectively.
Also note our Sunday Night SAP Center Concert transit guide for taking VTA buses and/or light rail to Sonu Nigam’s concert Sunday night.
For More Information…
Follow @svtransitupdts on Twitter for the latest and additional public transit information in Silicon Valley this long weekend.
Please stay safe and sane on this Memorial Day weekend.
Eugene Bradley
Founder, Silicon Valley Transit Users