- 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
$118
Average price
$175
Fastest journey
9 h 50 m
Average duration
10 h 15 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
671 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA to San Jose, CA will cost around $175 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $118.
Of the 3 buses that leave San Diego, CA for San Jose, CA on Thu, Jul 16, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 16 the direct buses cover the 671 km distance in an average of 10 h 15 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 50 m .
On Thu, Jul 16 the slowest buses will take 10 h 30 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.
0



0Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to San Jose, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $60. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 32m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $60, and a flight costs an average of $74.
Distance: 416 miles (671 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train |
|---|---|---|
$105 Average price Cheapest | $278 Average price | $117 Average price |
11h 18m Average total duration 10h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 32m Average total duration Fastest 1h 32m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 13h 23m Average total duration 12h 53m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.7 - 1.7kg CO2 emissions | 2.0 - 4.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from San Diego, CA to San Jose, CA:
A bus is $12 (€10) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Diego, CA to San Jose, CA costing on average $117 (€96).
A bus is $173 (€142) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Diego, CA to San Jose, CA costing on average $278 (€228).
Other travel options to San Jose, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 10h 48m.
Train takes on average 12h 53m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:01AM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 12h24 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $169 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:10AM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 12h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $169 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:55AM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 14h50 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $142 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:40AM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 14h05 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $143 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:01AM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 12h24 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $169 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:10AM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 12h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $169 |
Operator Tufesa Internacional | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 10h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $116 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:01PM | Arrival Time 04:30AM | Duration 12h29 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $169 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 04:30AM | Duration 12h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $169 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:10PM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 10h25 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $158 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:45PM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $184 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 02:57PM | Duration 16h47 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $106 |
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to San Jose, CA buses for today, Wednesday, July 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4769 AMTRAK | 8:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 12h24 | 8:25 PM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA | 1 transfer | |
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4769 AMTRAK | 8:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 12h15 | 8:25 PM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA | 1 transfer | |
0 | 10:45 AM San Diego, CA | 10h30 | 9:15 PM San Jose, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK · 524 Capitol Corridor | 4:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 14h23 | 6:24 AM Santa Clara Station, Santa Clara, CA | 2 transfers | |
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK | 4:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 12h29 | 4:30 AM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA | 1 transfer | |
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK | 4:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 12h20 | 4:30 AM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 7:10 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 10h25 | 5:35 AM San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:45 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 9h50 | 5:35 AM San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) | 0 transfersDirect | |
5811 AMTRAK · 6238 AMTRAK · 538 Capitol Corridor | 10:10 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 16h47 | 2:57 PM Santa Clara Station, Santa Clara, CA | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus, train, 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.
Buses from San Diego, CA to San Jose, CA run on average 15 times per day, taking around 10h 48m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $60 (€49) if you book in advance.
There are 3 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:40, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 416 miles (671 km) distance in 9h 50m.
Distance 416 miles (671 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $60 (€49) |
Buses per day 15 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 9h 50m |
First bus 12:40 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 3 days |
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 San Diego, 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.

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