- Must visit
The Tech Interactive
Hands-on science and technology museum in Downtown San Jose with interactive exhibits, design challenges, and an IMAX Dome Theater. A strong family-friendly stop and one of the city’s signature museum
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA
Showing times and prices for Jun 21
Cheapest price
$181
Average price
$199
Fastest journey
7 h 40 m
Average duration
9 h 15 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
550 km
Cheap tickets
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 $199 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $181.
Fast buses
Of the 3 buses that leave Irvine, CA for San Jose, CA on Sun, Jun 21, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 21 the direct buses cover the 550 km distance in an average of 9 h 15 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 7 h 40 m .
On Sun, Jun 21 the slowest buses will take 12 h 5 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
· 7:40 AM12h05Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station)7:45 PMSan José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station)$1811One-way1 transfer- 9:55 PM7h40Anaheim, Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC)5:35 AMSan José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station)$2081One-way0 transfers
- 9:35 PM8h00Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station)5:35 AMSan José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station)$2081One-way0 transfers
- 9:55 PM7h40Anaheim, Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC)5:35 AMSan José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station)$2081One-way0 transfers
- 9:35 PM8h00Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station)5:35 AMSan José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station)$2081One-way0 transfers
- · 7:40 AM12h05Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station)7:45 PMSan José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station)$1811One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $78. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 50m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.5kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $78, and a flight costs an average of $185.
Distance: 341 miles (550 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$91 Average price Cheapest | $124 Average price | $371 Average price | $77 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 3m Average total duration 10h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 28m Average total duration 10h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 50m Average total duration Fastest 5h 50m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.5 - 1.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.6 - 3.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The cheapest way to travel from Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA is a bus with an average price of $91 (€74).
This is compared to other travel options from Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA:
A bus is $33 (€27) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA costing on average $124 (€102).
A bus is $281 (€230) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA costing on average $371 (€304).
The fastest way to travel from Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 5h 50m.
Other travel options to San Jose, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 10h 33m.
Train takes on average 10h 58m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Irvine, CA and San Jose, CA including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
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.
Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:35AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 11h50 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $78 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:49AM | Arrival Time 05:32PM | Duration 11h43 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $163 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:55AM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 11h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $90 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:40AM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 12h05 | Departure days Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $117 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:55AM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 11h50 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $89 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 09:52AM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 12h13 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $101 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:52PM | Arrival Time 06:24AM | Duration 12h32 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $163 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:35PM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 8h00 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $91 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:55PM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 7h40 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $91 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:55PM | Arrival Time 02:57PM | Duration 15h02 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $92 |
Live departures
Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9:35 PM Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) | 8h00 | 5:35 AM San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 9:55 PM Anaheim, Regional Transportation Intermodal Center (ARTIC) | 7h40 | 5:35 AM San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, June 21 | |||||
| · | 7:40 AM Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) | 12h05 | 7:45 PM San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA
USAUSA
Buses 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 $78 (€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.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 341 miles (550 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 33m |
Cheapest ticket price $78 (€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 |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Bus providers: OCTA from Irvine, CA to San Jose, CAYou can travel by bus between Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA with OCTA for as low as $78 (€64). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
OCTA
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
8h 30m
Cheapest Price
$71 (€58)
OCTA frequency
2 a day
Complete guide to San Jose
Things to do in San Jose
Discover the best of San Jose — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Jose trip today.
- Must visit
Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
Distinctive museum with one of the largest collections of Egyptian artifacts on display in western North America. Its architecture and mummy exhibits make it especially popular with first-time visit
- Must visit
Winchester Mystery House Museum Exhibits
The estate includes museum-style historical exhibits about Sarah Winchester and the property, complementing the guided house tour. A popular heritage experience with strong visitor interest.
- Must visit
Santana Row
Stylish mixed-use district known for palm-lined streets, upscale storefronts, and lively atmosphere. One of the most photographed and socially popular areas in the city.
- Must visit
Downtown San Jose
Core urban district with museums, plazas, theaters, light rail access, and a growing event scene. The best base for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview of the city.
- Must visit
Municipal Rose Garden
Beautiful public garden famed for its seasonal rose displays and photogenic layout. Popular with locals for walks and social media-friendly snapshots.
- Gluten-free
Pho
Fragrant Vietnamese noodle soup that is especially popular in East San Jose, reflecting the city’s large Vietnamese community and local food culture.
Banh Mi
A Vietnamese sandwich on a crisp baguette with pickled vegetables, herbs, and savory fillings; a signature everyday bite in San Jose.
Orange Sauce Burrito
A San Jose taqueria favorite: a burrito paired with the city’s cult orange taco sauce, a local staple with a creamy, spicy kick.
Adega
An upscale Portuguese restaurant recognized for refined cooking, polished service, and a destination-worthy fine dining experience.
Original Joe's San Jose
A long-running downtown institution known for Italian American comfort food, steaks, and a classic old-school atmosphere.
Falafel's Drive-In
A famous casual San Jose landmark celebrated for falafel, gyros, and its well-known banana shake in a retro drive-in setting.
United States Dollar
Prices are high by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining. Budget options exist, but Silicon Valley costs make daily travel relatively expensive.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 12-20 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- USD 25-45 per person at a standard restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 75+ per person before drinks and tip.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for a regular coffee or latte.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or tip 10-15% for taxis, and USD 2-5 per night for hotel housekeeping.
FAQs: Bus from Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA
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.
Cheap bus tickets from Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA can start from as little as $78 (€64) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA is $91 (€74) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA is 10h 50m to travel the 341 miles (550 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA leaves at 12:15 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA leaves at 11:55 PM.
There are 8 buses a day from Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA which require at least one change with OCTA. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA, you can count on OCTA for the best way to get you to San Jose, CA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Irvine, CA and San Jose, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to San Jose, CA from Irvine, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 10h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA is January.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Irvine, CA and San Jose, CA including taking a train, bus, and flight.
No, the bus from Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in San Jose, CA are:
- Winchester Mystery House, an architectural curiosity with a maze-like design and historical significance
- The Tech Interactive, an engaging science and technology center with hands-on exhibits
- San Jose Museum of Art, a contemporary art museum featuring works from the 20th and 21st centuries
- Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, a museum dedicated to ancient Egyptian artifacts and culture
- Municipal Rose Garden, a beautiful and serene garden featuring over 3,500 rose bushes.
The best things to do in San Jose, CA include:
- Explore the Japanese Friendship Garden, a tranquil space inspired by Japanese landscape design
- Visit the Children's Discovery Museum, offering interactive exhibits for families and children
- Enjoy a performance at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, hosting a variety of shows and events
- Discover the history of Silicon Valley at the Computer History Museum
- Take a scenic hike in Alum Rock Park, offering trails and natural beauty.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the bus from Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA.
No, luggage for the bus from Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA.
Since neither Irvine, CA nor San Jose, CA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In San Jose, CA, travelers should be aware of pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins, especially in crowded areas and parking lots. Common scams include fake charity requests and overcharging by unauthorized taxi or ride-share drivers. Staying alert in busy districts and using official transportation services helps ensure safety.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from Irvine, CA to San Jose, CA
Irvine
San Jose
San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station)
information
Most popular bus connections from Irvine, CA
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Most popular buses to and from San Jose, CA and Irvine, CA
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