Changes to Clipper coming soon. Info: caltrain.com/clipper. Riders can now pay for parking with the ParkMobile app. More Info.
![SAV-tagging-Caltrain[20]](/files/styles/golden_ratio/public/images/2023-02/SAV-tagging-Caltrain%5B20%5D.jpg?itok=BwCOPH_p)
Clipper® is a reloadable fare payment system used to store a Caltrain Monthly Pass and/or cash.
Passengers using Clipper on Caltrain will benefit from additional discounts compared to buying tickets from the station ticket machines.
The Clipper validators at Caltrain stations (see left) read either your virtual Clipper card in your digital wallet or your physical Clipper card to see if you have a current Monthly Pass, or deducts the cost of a trip or ride from your card.
Clipper cards can be purchased at www.clippercard.com or Clipper's retailers such as Walgreens or at the Caltrain office in San Carlos. Virtual/digital Clipper cards are available on& the Clipper mobile app.
Youth and senior cards are free.If you are purchasing a youth or senior card, you must complete the application.
Customers with disabilities applying for a Regional Transit Connection Discount Card need to complete an application and have their photo taken at a transit office, see link.
Clipper is accepted on most San Francisco Bay Area transit systems.
What’s New?
A faster, smarter Clipper will arrive soon this winter. Clipper Next Generation is rolling out across Bay Area transit systems, bringing upgraded technology and new ways to pay your Caltrain fare.
With the new system, riders can:
- Use any contactless payment card or mobile wallet (Apple Pay, Google Pay, etc.) directly at Caltrain station validators — no need for a separate Clipper card.
- Manage everything online or in the Clipper app, including balance, payment methods, and autoload settings.
- Enjoy faster taps and instant updates when you reload or add passes.
Clipper Next Generation will make riding Caltrain — and connecting to other Bay Area transit — even easier. Your existing Clipper card will continue to work, and you’ll get plenty of notice before any changes to your account or card are required. We will update this page as the launch date nears.
Pay Your Caltrain Fare the Easy Way — with Clipper®
Clipper® is the all-in-one reloadable transit card for the Bay Area — and the easiest way to pay your Caltrain fare. Whether you ride every day or just occasionally, Clipper lets you tap and go without the hassle of paper tickets.
Why Use Clipper on Caltrain?
- Go contactless. Tap your physical card or phone with digital Clipper card (available in Apple or Google Wallet) on the platform Clipper validator machines before boarding and again when you get off.
- Simplify your commute. Load a Monthly Pass or add cash value to pay-as-you-go.
How to Get a Clipper Card
- Online: clippercard.com
- In person: At major retailers like Walgreens or at the Caltrain office in San Carlos.
- On your phone: Download the Clipper mobile app and add your card to your digital wallet.
Discounts
- Youth and senior cards are free — simply complete a quick application online at clippercard.com.
- Customers with disabilities can apply for a Regional Transit Connection (RTC) Discount Card, available through participating transit offices. Call 877.878.8883 for more information on how to apply.
- Income-qualifying adults can apply to the Clipper START program to receive 50% off single-ride bus, BART, rail and ferry transit fares. Visit the Clipper Start site to apply today.
Clipper works on most Bay Area transit systems, so your card goes wherever you do.
Top Tips for Smooth-riding with Clipper® on Caltrain
- All Caltrain customers must have $1.25 cash on their Clipper cards (physical at all times. Cash value may be added immediately at transit agencies, retailers, BART ticket machines and Add-Value machines. If loading online or via the telephone, funds won't be available on the card for 3 to 5 days.
- Tap the card or your mobile device on the Clipper validator screen until you hear a beep. Be sure the validator is located on Caltrain’s platform. For troubleshooting, please see our FAQs page.
- Cash customers must tap on and off for each trip. Card validators are located on Caltrain platforms, except at San Francisco (on the concourse).
- Monthly Pass customers only tap on & off for first trip of the month. If you loaded your card at a retail vendor (such as Whole Foods or Walgreens) or a Clipper Add-value machine then you don't need to tap, (the pass was loaded when the card physically interacted with the Clipper terminal).
- Monthly passes must be tapped on and off by the 15th of the month, including for Autoload customers.
For more information on Clipper, visit www.clippercard.com