- Must visit
The Tech Interactive
Interactive science center with hands-on exhibits, an IMAX dome theater, and family-friendly displays in the heart of downtown.
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from East Los Angeles, CA to San Jose, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $76. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 7h 27m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $76, and a flight costs an average of $262.
Distance: 310 miles (499 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$77 Average price Cheapest | $313 Average price | $99 Average price | $69 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 40m Average total duration 9h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 27m Average total duration Fastest 7h 27m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 12h 54m Average total duration 12h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 24m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from East Los Angeles, CA to San Jose, CA:
A bus is $22 (€18) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from East Los Angeles, CA to San Jose, CA costing on average $99 (€81).
A bus is $236 (€194) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from East Los Angeles, CA to San Jose, CA costing on average $313 (€257).
Other travel options to San Jose, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 9h 10m.
Train takes on average 12h 24m.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 05:05AM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Thu | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:55PM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $78 |
Compare bus, flight, and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Buses from East Los Angeles, CA to San Jose, CA run on average 16 times per day, taking around 9h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $76 (€63) if you book in advance.
There are 5 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 05:35, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 310 miles (499 km) distance in 9h 10m.
Distance 310 miles (499 km) |
Average bus duration 9h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $76 (€63) |
Buses per day 16 |
Direct buses 5 |
Fastest bus 9h 10m |
First bus 5:35 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of San Jose — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Jose trip today.
Interactive science center with hands-on exhibits, an IMAX dome theater, and family-friendly displays in the heart of downtown.
Large art museum known for modern and contemporary works, strong West Coast focus, and thoughtful rotating exhibitions.
A vast collection of restored computer history, from early machines to supercomputers, popular with tech enthusiasts.
Signature downtown plaza for festivals, concerts, and civic life, surrounded by museums, hotels, and historic buildings.
A vibrant historic district with Japanese shops, temples, murals, and a strong sense of local community and heritage.
Lively arts district centered on galleries, murals, and monthly South First Fridays, ideal for an evening walk downtown.
A Vietnamese noodle soup with beef or chicken in a fragrant broth. San Jose's large Vietnamese community makes it a defining local comfort food.
A Vietnamese sandwich on a crisp baguette, often filled with grilled pork, pickled vegetables, herbs, and pate. A staple tied to San Jose's Little Saigon.
A South Indian rice and lentil crepe served with chutney and sambar. It is a local favorite thanks to San Jose's strong South Asian community.
Refined fine dining destination offering modern French cuisine, polished service, and an elegant special-occasion atmosphere.
Beloved San Jose institution serving smoked meats, ribs, and classic sides in a casual, old-school barbecue setting.
Casual neighborhood favorite for handcrafted pupusas and Salvadoran comfort food with a warm, family-run feel.
San Jose is pricier than many US cities. Hotels, dining, and parking add up fast, though public transit and casual food can help control daily costs.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 at cafes for good service. Tax is usually added separately.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from East Los Angeles, CA to San Jose, CA by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at San Jose, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most East Los Angeles, CA to San Jose, CA buses use the Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) to San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) station pair, with some services arriving at San Jose. Use this guide to compare East Los Angeles, CA and San Jose, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need