- 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.
Cheapest price
$92
Average price
$146
Fastest journey
10 h 33 m
Average duration
11 h 4 m
Buses per day
8
Distance
550 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA will cost around $146 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $92.
It's difficult to get from Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA without transferring at least once.
5811 AMTRAK · 711 Gold Runner · 3911 AMTRAK
769 Pacific Surfliner · 5719 AMTRAK · 719 Gold Runner · 4119 AMTRAK
5811 AMTRAK · 6238 AMTRAK · 538 Capitol Corridor
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK
761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 AMTRAK
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4769 AMTRAK
761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 AMTRAK
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK
761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 AMTRAK · 544 Capitol Corridor
5811 AMTRAK · 711 Gold Runner · 3911 AMTRAKBuses from Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA run on average 8 times per day, taking around 10h 33m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $79 (€64) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 341 miles (550 km) distance in 10h 50m.
Distance 341 miles (550 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $79 (€64) |
Buses per day 8 |
Fastest bus 10h 50m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 28 days |
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:35AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 11h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue | Cheapest price $79 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:49AM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 10h36 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $158 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:55AM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 11h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:55AM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 11h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Sun | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 09:52AM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 12h13 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $101 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:52PM | Arrival Time 05:05AM | Duration 12h13 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $115 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:52PM | Arrival Time 04:30AM | Duration 10h38 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $163 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 02:57PM | Duration 15h02 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $92 |
The table below shows live departures for Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA buses for today, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:55 AM Irvine, CA | 11h50 | 6:45 PM San Jose, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:55 AM Irvine, CA | 11h50 | 7:45 PM San Jose, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of San Jose, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Jose, CA 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 Irvine, 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 Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA buses use the Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) to San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) station pair. Use this guide to compare Irvine, CA and San Jose, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) is 1 km from San Jose city centre. Public transport options include:
San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Various food options available inside the station.
Wi-Fi is available at San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station). ATMs are aTMs located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station).
Available at San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station): Wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need