- 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 on Sep 15
$91
Average ticket price on Sep 15
$145
Fastest journey on Sep 15
10 h 30 m
Average journey duration on Sep 15
13 h 50 m
Buses on Sep 15
2
Distance
554 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Riverside, 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 Riverside, CA to San Jose, CA will cost around $145 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $91.
On Tue, Sep 15, we found 2 buses from Riverside, CA to San Jose, CA, including 2 direct services.
On Tue, Sep 15 the direct buses cover the 554 km distance in an average of 13 h 50 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 10 h 30 m .
On Tue, Sep 15 the slowest buses will take 17 h 10 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.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Riverside, CA to San Jose, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $130 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 10h 22m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $130, while a bus costs an average of $130.
Distance: 344 miles (554 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$130 Average price Cheapest | $82 Average price (fuel + tolls) | |
10h 22m Average total duration Fastest 9h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 12m Average total duration (door-to-door) | |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Riverside, CA to San Jose, CA:
A bus is $764 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Riverside, CA to San Jose, CA costing on average $895.
Other travel options to San Jose, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 9h 52m.
Tickets start at around $130 compared to roughly $82 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-48.53. The journey takes 9h 52m versus 6h 12m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Tufesa Internacional | Departure Time 05:15AM | Arrival Time 04:15PM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $114 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:20AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 11h25 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $164 |
Operator Tufesa Internacional | Departure Time 09:00AM | Arrival Time 08:00PM | Duration 11h00 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $114 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:35AM | Arrival Time 10:05PM | Duration 10h30 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $91 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:35PM | Arrival Time 04:30AM | Duration 12h55 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $164 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 04:25AM | Duration 11h25 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $121 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:35PM | Arrival Time 05:05AM | Duration 10h30 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:35PM | Arrival Time 06:05AM | Duration 10h30 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 08:15PM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 17h10 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $199 |
The table below shows live departures for Riverside, CA to San Jose, CA buses for today, Monday, September 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5415 AMTRAK · 715 Gold Runner · 3915 AMTRAK | 6:20 AM Riverside Station, Riverside, CA | 11h15 | 5:35 PM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA | 2 transfers | |
4969 AMTRAK · 769 Pacific Surfliner · 4769 AMTRAK | 9:00 AM Riverside Station, Riverside, CA | 11h25 | 8:25 PM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA | 2 transfers | |
5419 AMTRAK · 719 Gold Runner · 4119 AMTRAK | 11:35 AM Riverside Station, Riverside, CA | 10h30 | 10:05 PM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA | 2 transfers | |
4985 AMTRAK · 785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK | 3:35 PM Riverside Station, Riverside, CA | 12h55 | 4:30 AM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Riverside, CA to San Jose, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 9h 52m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $51 if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:55, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 344 miles (554 km) distance in 7h 15m.
Distance 344 miles (554 km) |
Average bus duration 9h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price $51 |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 7h 15m |
First bus 12:55 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 Riverside, 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 Riverside, CA to San Jose, CA buses use the Riverside, Parking Lot 30 to San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) station pair, with some services arriving at San Jose. Use this guide to compare Riverside, CA and San Jose, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Riverside, Parking Lot 30 is 6 km from Riverside city centre. Public transport options include:
Riverside, Parking Lot 30 has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Riverside, Parking Lot 30. ATMs are available at Riverside, Parking Lot 30.
Ticket office support is available at Riverside, Parking Lot 30.
Available at Riverside, Parking Lot 30: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Riverside, Parking Lot 30: Accessible pathways for wheelchairs.
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.
San Jose has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at San Jose. ATMs are available at San Jose.
Ticket office support is available at San Jose.
Available at San Jose: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Jose: Basic accessibility features available.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need