Relocating To San Martin: Commute, Caltrain & VTA Options

Considering a move to San Martin and wondering how the commute works? You are not alone. Your daily route can shape where you live, how you schedule your days, and even which homes make sense for you. This guide gives you a clear look at driving, Caltrain, and VTA options from San Martin, plus practical tips to make your decision easier. Let’s dive in.

San Martin on the map

San Martin sits between Morgan Hill and Gilroy along US 101 and Monterey Highway, about 30 miles south of central San Jose. Many residents commute north to San Jose, Santa Clara, Mountain View, and the Peninsula, while others stay within South County. You have flexible driving routes and transit that follows this north-south corridor. For quick context, see the overview of San Martin’s location and setting on the San Martin page on Wikipedia.

Driving: what to expect

US 101 is the main highway for San Martin commuters. Expect heavier traffic northbound in the morning and southbound in the evening through Santa Clara County. For live traffic, incident alerts, carpool matching, and express lane rules, check 511.org’s overview of services.

Quick driving tips:

• US 101 is fastest off-peak, while Monterey Highway offers a parallel arterial alternative.
• HOV and express lane rules vary by segment. Review eligibility and FasTrak details on 511.org before using them.
• Consider carpooling to access HOV benefits and reduce toll costs.

Caltrain from San Martin

San Martin has a Caltrain station at 13400 Monterey Highway with roughly 167 parking spaces. Service is part of Caltrain’s South County Connector, which runs only weekday peak-direction trains. You will usually transfer at San Jose Diridon to reach destinations farther north. Review current patterns and any alerts on the Caltrain service status page.

Key takeaway: Caltrain here is limited to a few morning northbound and evening southbound trains on weekdays. If your schedule aligns with a typical 9 to 5, it can work well. If you need mid-day trains, expect to use bus or car. The next-nearest option, Morgan Hill, has a larger station lot if you want a different train time or more parking.

Caltrain practical notes:

• Plan for first and last mile. Drive and park, bike to the station, arrange a dropoff, or use rideshare.
• Caltrain uses Clipper and a zone-based fare system. Confirm the latest fare and parking details on the Caltrain service status page.
• Bikes are welcome, but space can be limited during peaks.

Learn more about the station layout and parking from the San Martin station page on Wikipedia.

VTA bus options

Two core VTA routes connect South County to San Jose along Monterey Highway. Route 68 is the all-day local service with many stops. Rapid 568 is a faster, limited-stop weekday option that runs about every 30 minutes and serves San Martin and Morgan Hill on the way to San Jose Diridon.

• See Route 68’s corridor, stops, and schedule on VTA’s Route 68 page.
• For a faster ride with fewer stops, review VTA’s Rapid 568 page.

When to choose each:

• Route 68 if you want frequent all-day local service and closer stop spacing.
• Rapid 568 if you want a quicker ride to or from San Jose during weekdays.

Express routes to North Valley

If your job is in North San Jose or near Sunnyvale, look at VTA’s Express 121. It offers peak trips connecting Gilroy and Morgan Hill to the Lockheed Martin area and nearby employment centers. Check the latest trip times on the Express 121 schedule page.

Fares and passes made simple

VTA accepts Clipper for single rides, day passes, and monthly passes. If your employer or school provides a VTA SmartPass, it typically covers local and Rapid services. Express routes often require a small surcharge that you can pay with Clipper cash. See current fare details and SmartPass notes on VTA’s fares page.

First and last mile help

• Vanpools and carpools: VTA and regional partners offer vanpool programs and subsidies that can significantly lower per-rider costs. Explore options on VTA’s vanpool blog page.
• Guaranteed Ride Home: If you commute by transit, carpool, bike, or walking, VTA’s Guaranteed Ride Home program can reimburse an emergency ride home. Review eligibility on VTA’s GRH page.
• Bikes and micromobility: Many stations have bike parking and lockers. E-bikes can make first and last mile trips quick and reliable.
• Rideshare and shuttles: Rideshare for station dropoffs is common. Some employers also offer shuttles or transit benefits, so check your HR portal.

New mover commute checklist

• Verify your work schedule against Caltrain’s South County Connector timetable on the Caltrain service status page.
• Compare VTA Route 68 and Rapid 568 for time versus stop spacing, then save your preferred schedules.
• If you drive, bookmark 511.org for traffic, park-and-ride, and express lane updates.
• Set up a Clipper card and confirm whether you have a VTA SmartPass and if express surcharges apply.
• Test a mock commute before move-in to validate timing and parking.
• Explore vanpool options and enroll in Guaranteed Ride Home if you plan to use sustainable modes.

Thinking about San Martin for its space and small-town feel, but want confidence in your commute? With the right plan, you can match your schedule to the best mode and keep your days predictable. If you want help aligning neighborhoods and homes with your commute, reach out to the Todd Brown Team for local guidance and a smart move strategy.

FAQs

How reliable is Caltrain service from San Martin for a 9 to 5 job?

• Caltrain’s South County Connector runs a few weekday morning northbound and evening southbound trains, which can fit a traditional schedule, but there is no all-day service, so always confirm exact times on the Caltrain service status page.

Does VTA Rapid 568 stop in San Martin and how often does it run?

• Rapid 568 is a limited-stop weekday service with roughly 30-minute frequency that serves San Martin and Morgan Hill on the way to San Jose Diridon, according to the Rapid 568 route page.

What if I need transit to North San Jose or Sunnyvale from San Martin?

• VTA Express 121 offers peak-period trips linking South County to the Lockheed Martin area and nearby employment centers, so check the latest trip times on the Express 121 schedule page.

How do I pay for VTA and Caltrain, and will my SmartPass cover everything?

• Use Clipper for both systems; a VTA SmartPass typically covers local and Rapid services, while Express routes may require a small surcharge paid with Clipper cash, as outlined on VTA’s fares page.

Where can I find live traffic and express lane rules for US 101?

• 511.org provides real-time traffic, park-and-ride listings, and express lane information for the corridor, which helps with daily planning and carpool decisions.