Ticket Vending Machines & Validators

It’s fast and easy to purchase Caltrain tickets with ticket vending machines. They have a menu screen similar to an automatic teller machine. that leads you through a series of choices.

Download the "HOW TO" flier HERE (PDF 95KB).

1. Select Ticket Type
   All Caltrain tickets are available - Monthly, 8-ride, Day Pass, One-way and Zone Upgrade for adults and Daily or Monthly Parking permits. Two four-side halves are dispensed for each 8-ride Ticket. To purchase a youth, senior, disabled or Medicare cardholder ticket or pass, press the Eligible Discount button.
   [See Parking Section below for instructions on how to buy a parking permit.]
2. Select Destination
   After choosing your ticket type, select your destination zone. You also may change your starting zone. A zone map is located directly above the visual screen.
3. Select Number of Tickets
   To purchase one or more tickets, select the ticket type, then push the appropriate buttons to make your selections. The amount of your purchase will appear on the screen. appear on the screen.
4. Purchase Tickets
   At this time, you have the option to purchase different types of tickets by pushing the Additional Transactions button located on the bottom left of the screen. Up to four different ticket types can be purchased in a single transaction. The amount of your purchase is totaled after each selection. When you are ready to complete your transaction, push the Press to Purchase button.
5. Insert Cash, ATM or Credit Card
• CASH: Insert cash in the slots indicated. The machine accepts all bills up to $100 and all coins, except pennies and 50-cent pieces. All change, including dollars, is given in coins. The machine can give up to $19.50 in change.
• CREDIT/DEBIT or ATM CARD: Insert credit, debit or ATM bank card in the slot and follow the instructions on the menu screen. The machine will issue a receipt for credit card transactions. Your tickets, change and receipt will fall into the Ticket/Change slot at the bottom of the machine.
• Cancel your transaction at any time by pushing the red cancel button under the menu screen.
• The TVMs feature an audio system and are marked in braille. Raised dots lead to the slots to insert cash and credit cards or retrieve tickets, change and receipt. TVMs are easily accessible and are available at all stations from San Francisco to Gilroy, except for the Stanford station where service is football game day only.

• If you purchased an 8-ride Ticket or have a complimentary ticket, you must validate your ticket before boarding the train. Most validators are located next to a TVM.
• To validate a ticket, insert the ticket as far as it will go and wait for it to be stamped. It will be time stamped four hours from when you validate it.
• 8-ride tickets work best if they are kept in good condition.
• Call Caltrain at 1.800.660.4287 for information or to report a problem.

Caltrain is a Proof-of-Payment system and tickets are not sold onboard trains. Passengers must have a valid ticket prior to boarding. Caltrain conductors and fare inspectors perform random fare checks onboard trains. Passengers without valid tickets are subject to a fine of up to $250 plus court fees.

Parking Options
A Monthly Parking Permit can be purchased at all Ticket Vending Machines, in conjunction with buying a Monthly Pass or two 8-ride tickets.

A Daily Parking Permit may be purchased by itself by making the appropriate selection on the TVM select ticket menu screen.

After parking, take note of your parking stall number and then follow these procedures:

1. Go to the Ticket Vending Machine.
2. Select Daily Parking. When prompted, type in your parking stall number. Insert cash, ATM or credit card.
3. Take your receipt from the bottom tray of the TVM.

11.02.2009 - msk