- 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 Aug 30
$91
Average ticket price on Aug 30
$155
Fastest journey on Aug 30
9 h 50 m
Average journey duration on Aug 30
11 h 3 m
Buses on Aug 30
17
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 $155 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $91.
On Sun, Aug 30, we found 17 buses from San Diego, CA to San Jose, CA, including 3 direct services.
On Sun, Aug 30 the direct buses cover the 671 km distance in an average of 11 h 3 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h 50 m .
On Sun, Aug 30 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.
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5811 AMTRAK · 711 Gold Runner · 3911 AMTRAK
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0


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761 Pacific Surfliner · 4761 AMTRAK
761 Pacific Surfliner · 6298 AMTRAKOmio recommends booking the bus 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 an average ticket price of $145 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 6h 50m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.2 - 0.6kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $145, while a flight costs an average of $669.
Distance: 416 miles (671 km)
Most popular Bus | Flight | Train |
|---|---|---|
$145 Average price Cheapest | $669 Average price | $218 Average price |
10h 51m Average total duration 10h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 50m Average total duration Fastest 4h 50m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 13h 26m Average total duration 12h 56m 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 $74 (€60) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Diego, CA to San Jose, CA costing on average $218 (€177).
A bus is $524 (€425) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Diego, CA to San Jose, CA costing on average $669 (€542).
Other travel options to San Jose, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 10h 21m.
Train takes on average 12h 56m.
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to San Jose, CA buses for today, Saturday, August 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 · 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 | |
0 | 10:45 AM San Diego, CA | 10h30 | 9:15 PM San Jose, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 · 6298 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 | |
761 Pacific Surfliner · 6298 AMTRAK | 4:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 12h15 | 4:25 PM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA | 1 transfer | |
· | 4:55 AM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 14h50 | 7:45 PM San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) | 1 transfer | |
· | 5:40 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 14h05 | 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 | |
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 4 times per day, taking around 10h 21m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $54 (€44) 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 40m.
Distance 416 miles (671 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price $54 (€44) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 9h 40m |
First bus 12:40 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 28 days |
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 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.

Most San Diego, CA to San Jose, CA buses use the San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) to San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) station pair, with some services arriving at San Jose. Use this guide to compare San Diego, CA and San Jose, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) is 5 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several dining options nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park). ATMs are available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park).
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park).
Available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park): Wheelchair accessible routes available.
San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center is 22 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several fast food eateries located nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center. ATMs are available near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center.
Available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center: Wheelchair accessible with ramps.
San Diego has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: There are fast food outlets nearby.
Wi-Fi is available at San Diego. ATMs are available at San Diego.
Ticket office support is available at San Diego.
Available at San Diego: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Diego: Station is accessible for individuals with disabilities.
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