VTA Light Rail – Almaden Station

This station is home to the VTA’s Almaden branch (or spur) line; the Almaden Train basically has three stops: this station, Oakridge Mall, and the Ohlone-​Chynoweth station, where you will have to transfer to a different train if you wish to continue your journey. Like most VTA stations, there aren’t many amenities; just a Ticket Vending Machine (TVM), bike parking, pay phone and a platform. Here’s what you’ll need to know:
Location– The station is tucked away behind a rather large apartment complex, and not visible from the street. There is a small sign at the driveway entrance, but it can be easy to miss. Your best bet is when traveling westbound on Coleman Ave –as soon as you cross Winfield Blvd– get into the dedicated right turn lane and you’ll be all set.
Parking– This is an official VTA Park & Ride station; the parking lot is located adjacent to the station, and has approximately 189 parking spots. You can also access it via the Upper Guadalupe River Trail (
), which can also take you Almaden Lake (ALP) – if you desire. Parking in all VTA lots is free – for now.
Payment– The TVMs accepts Credit Cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover & Debit), Clipper Cards, cash and even coins!
Adult Fares (as of Nov ’14):
Single Ride — $ 2
Express Single Ride — $ 4
Community Bus — $ 1.25
8-​Hour Light Rail Pass — $ 4
Day Pass — $ 6
Express Day Pass — $ 12
Monthly Pass — $ 70
Youth Fares (5 – 17):
Single Ride — $ 1.75
Community Bus — 75¢
8-​Hour Light Rail Pass — $ 3.50
Day Pass — $ 5.00
Monthly Pass — $ 45.00
Buses– The number 13 (
) and number 64 (
) buses also stop here. Please see the websites I’ve provided for more info on those.
As a departure point, this station is only good if you live close-​by in one of the surrounding apartments; you’re really only saving yourself a slightly over one mile drive, by not just going to the Ohlone-​Chynoweth station – which is the main hub. I would reckon this is more of a destination station to get to ALP, but what do I know? The one added bonus to this station is since parking is free, and –if you don’t mind the schlep– you can save $ 10 by parking here and hoofing it to ALP. Obviously, you’re probably not supposed to, and I would advise against it since the lot is just meant for VTA usage, but I’m just saying…