The Coast Starlight is known as the Coast Starlate it can arrive late into Oakland or LAX(3 AM) OAK it's usually on time but when it's late it's really really late like 11 PM.

Go to www.trainweb.com and ask on that forum for rail info as I use that website and that's all they talk about. I love Amtrak coach seats are comfortable. They are like business class seats on the plane. The recline is almost flat with a legrest that comes up and a foot rest in the seat in front of you. There is lots of legroom and there is a traytable.

There is also a sightseer lounge which shows moives with snacks down below. There is also a diner car aboard too. In my opinion it's better than driving and besides they have connections with Hertz. You may go to SJC or OAK accross from SF .There is a bus connection between OAK-SFO.

As for driving take Highway 5 to 205-580-80 or 5-152-101. 101 is nice but takes longer than 5.

Forget Greyhound drivers can be rude and it's the same cost if not more than Amtrak.

Another option is Amtrak Pacific Surfliner LAX-SBA with Bus connections to SJC. For $12 more than the coach fare you can go in Business class which includes a TV,snack with cheese,crackers,fruit and cookie and a free dring(includes 1 small bottle of wine if you want) and larger seats. Go for this as this route has better ontime performance. Amtrak Busses are nicer than Greyhound.

Pricing usually around $40-$45 one way. Cheaper than driving with gas costs. Figure $7-15 for meals snacks are around $2-6 if not more. Free movies are shown in the loungecar on the CS.

I would rather go by train then renting a car. If he has AAA or student advantage he can get discounts.

go to www.amtrak.com or call 1800-872-7245 and maek sure he signs up with Amtrak Guest Rewards.