- Must visit
The Tech Interactive
Hands-on science and technology museum in Downtown San Jose with family-friendly exhibits, design challenges, and an IMAX Dome theater. One of the city's best-known cultural attractions.
Cheapest price
$105
Average price
$164
Fastest journey
9 h 40 m
Average duration
10 h 40 m
Buses per day
14
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 $164 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $105.
Of the 14 buses that leave San Diego, CA for San Jose, CA on Mon, Jun 01, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 01 the direct buses cover the 671 km distance in an average of 10 h 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 40 m .
On Mon, Jun 01 the slowest buses will take 12 h 15 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.
5811 AMTRAK · 711 Gold Runner · 3911 AMTRAK
0
0
5811 AMTRAK · 6238 AMTRAK · 538 Capitol Corridor
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4769 AMTRAK
0
0
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4769 AMTRAKOmio 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 $61. 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 $61, and a flight costs an average of $75.
Distance: 416 miles (671 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train |
|---|---|---|
$107 Average price Cheapest | $283 Average price | $120 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 $13 (€10) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Diego, CA to San Jose, CA costing on average $120 (€96).
A bus is $177 (€142) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Diego, CA to San Jose, CA costing on average $283 (€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 Greyhound | Departure Time 02:35AM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $97 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:35AM | Arrival Time 01:25PM | Duration 9h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $117 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:01AM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 12h24 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $169 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:10AM | Arrival Time 04:25PM | Duration 12h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $169 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:10AM | Arrival Time 06:45PM | Duration 13h35 | Departure days Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $106 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 13h35 | Departure days Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $102 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 06:20AM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 13h25 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $103 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:05AM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 12h40 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $107 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:01AM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 12h24 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $169 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:10AM | Arrival Time 08:25PM | Duration 12h15 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $169 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 10:45AM | Arrival Time 09:25PM | Duration 10h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $124 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:01PM | Arrival Time 06:24AM | Duration 14h23 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $169 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:10PM | Arrival Time 04:30AM | Duration 12h20 | Departure days Mon, Wed | Cheapest price $169 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:10PM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 10h25 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $137 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 07:55PM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 9h40 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $137 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:10PM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 13h35 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $105 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 11:15PM | Arrival Time 12:25PM | Duration 13h10 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $61 |
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to San Jose, CA buses for today, Sunday, May 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 AMTRAK · 746 Capitol Corridor | 4:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 13h56 | 5:57 PM Santa Clara Station, Santa Clara, CA | 2 transfers | |
761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 AMTRAK | 4:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 12h24 | 4:25 PM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA | 1 transfer | |
761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 AMTRAK | 4:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 12h15 | 4:25 PM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA | 1 transfer | |
· | 6:20 AM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 13h25 | 7:45 PM San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) | 1 transfer | |
· | 7:05 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 12h40 | 7:45 PM San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) | 1 transfer | |
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 | 10h20 | 9:05 PM San Jose, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:10 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 10h25 | 5:35 AM San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:55 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 9h40 | 5:35 AM San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) | 0 transfersDirect | |
5811 AMTRAK · 711 Gold Runner · 3911 AMTRAK | 10:10 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 13h35 | 11:45 AM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA | 2 transfers | |
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 $61 (€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 $61 (€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.
Hands-on science and technology museum in Downtown San Jose with family-friendly exhibits, design challenges, and an IMAX Dome theater. One of the city's best-known cultural attractions.
Leading contemporary art museum focused on West Coast and international artists, located beside Plaza de César Chávez. Strong permanent collection and rotating exhibitions.
Distinctive museum with one of the largest collections of Egyptian artifacts on display in western North America, plus atmospheric architecture and gardens.
Upscale mixed-use district known for stylish storefronts, lively public spaces, and strong social media appeal. Popular for strolling, people-watching, and evening atmosphere.
Beloved public garden with seasonal rose displays, broad lawns, and one of the city's prettiest picnic and walking spots.
The city's main urban core with museums, theaters, plazas, murals, and transit access. Best area for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview.
Vietnamese noodle soup with aromatic broth, rice noodles, herbs, and meat or tofu. San Jose is known for its large Vietnamese community and excellent pho shops.
Vietnamese sandwich on a crisp baguette with pickled vegetables, cilantro, and savory fillings. It is one of the most iconic everyday foods in San Jose.
Vietnamese beef stew, often served with bread or noodles. Rich, fragrant, and popular in San Jose's Little Saigon dining scene.
Popular modern Mexican seafood restaurant known for tacos, ceviche, and aguachile in a lively, contemporary setting.
Classic downtown Italian-American restaurant known for hearty steaks, pastas, and old-school atmosphere. A long-established San Jose institution.
Historic casual spot serving falafel, gyros, burgers, and its famous banana shake. A long-running South Bay favorite with retro character.
Prices are high by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining. Casual food is manageable, but overall costs add up fast.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants. Bars: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15% or round up. Hotel staff: USD 2-5. Little or no tip needed for counter service.
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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