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We need to make a quick trip to get taxes done next month up in Sunnyvale and I'm thinking that would be a good way to use a credit I have on Amtrak that will expire soon. Anybody know about the availability of rental cars at the Amtrak station in SJC when the Starlight comes in?
We'd probably return by Southwest to BUR and take the Surfliner from there home.
Frank in still cold (for us) SBA
Hoop Member # 4607
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Unfortuantely, you're kinda SOL...
The only options I can think of is check with some of the RAC's to see if they'll reimburse you for a cab ride to the airport and their rental car offices there. If not, you can ride the Caltrain line to the the next stop in Santa Clara, and then ride the free shuttle bus from there into the airport to the rental car offices.
yukon11 Member # 2997
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The Enterprise car rental outfit does a pick up for its customers. It will also drop you off when you turn in your car.
I am not sure they will pick you up at the station..you might want to call their main 800 number.
1-800-736-8222
Richard
feveredwthesunset Member # 4713
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I wouldn't count on taking CalTrain to Santa Clara because the last train of the day may have left before your Coast Starlight arrives. If you don't need a rental car for other errands, I would stay in downtown San Jose. The next day, take Caltrain to Sunnyvale (and a bus if necessary to get to your CPA). You can take light rail from the San Jose train station to downtown, and light rail or Caltrain plus a shuttle to get to the San Jose airport for your return home.
There is a trip planner at this link that will give door-to-door directions for transit trips throughout the Bay Area:
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Thanks for all the info. Fevered, I'll save that link for future trips. This time we really do need a car. The plan now is to stay at the Crowne Plaza which appears to be about four blocks from the train station, take the crew bus (one of us is a Continental employee) to the airport to get the car, do our taxes and some sightseeing/visiting, pay for parking at the hotel and then return the car to the airport location before flying to BUR to get the Surfliner home.
BTW, our overnight trip to San Juan Capistrano was flawless. On time or early both directions. We had lunch at the restaurant at SNC before taking the NB Surfliner yesterday and it was very good. Lots of Amtrak and Metrolink trains to watch.
Chris G. pointed out to me and it was confirmed at the station that there will be no rail service south of Anaheim this weekend (1/27-28) due to track work.
Frank in Sunny SBA
Hoop Member # 4607
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Hate ta tell ya, but The Crown Plaza is a little more than 4 blocks away. It's walkable, but it's about a 20-25 minute walk. And you'll be arriving around 8:30pm and it'll be dark, so keep that in mind. Might want to spring $5 for a cab, which are plentyful there at SJC.
sbalax Member # 2801
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Thanks, Hoop--
I'm just going by what the hotel and Mapquest say. Mapquest shows it as 1.08 miles and 3 minutes driving time. And that's not by what appears to be the most direct route.
Depending on our arrival time and how much we've enjoyed the Parlour Car (thinking positively) we'll consider a cab. We'll have minimal luggage and routinely walk 15 minute miles.
Best,
Frank in sunny SBA
sbalax Member # 2801
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Small change in plans. We are now staying at the Wyndham by the airport (Norman Y. Mineta International) where rooms at the "crew rate" just became available So, Hoop, we'll be looking for one of those plentiful cabs.
Think good thoughts for a Parlour Car and a timely arrival.
Frank in still dry SBA
Hoop Member # 4607
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What day are you taking #14 up? Sunday looks to have a PPC.
Edit: Just saw you are riding up on Monday 02/12. Sorry to say, doesn't look like there will be a PPC on that trainset.
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