- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA
Showing times and prices for Jul 16
Cheapest price
$12
Average price
$12
Fastest journey
55 m
Average duration
1 h 27 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
67 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Francisco, 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 Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA will cost around $12 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $12.
Fast buses
Of the 3 buses that leave San Francisco, 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 67 km distance in an average of 1 h 27 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 55 m .
On Thu, Jul 16 the slowest buses will take 1 h 45 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.
10:30 PM1h40San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 2912:10 AMSan José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station)$121One-way0 transfers
FlixBus7:10 AM0h55San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA8:05 AMSan José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station)$121One-way0 transfers- 12:40 PM1h45San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 292:25 PMSan José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station)$131One-way0 transfers
- FlixBus7:10 AM0h55San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA8:05 AMSan José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station)$121One-way0 transfers
- 10:30 PM1h40San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 2912:10 AMSan José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station)$121One-way0 transfers
- 12:40 PM1h45San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 292:25 PMSan José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station)$131One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $10. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 1h 24m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $10, and a train costs an average of $19.
Distance: 41 miles (67 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$17 Average price Cheapest | $28 Average price | $10 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 54m Average total duration Fastest 1h 24m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 0m Average total duration 1h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 51m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular bus company |  Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA is a bus with an average price of $17 (€14).
This is compared to other travel options from San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA:
A bus is $11 (€9) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA costing on average $28 (€23).
The fastest way to travel from San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA is by bus with an average journey time of 1h 24m.
Other travel options to San Jose, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 1h 30m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between San Francisco, CA and San Jose, CA including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from San Francisco, 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 -1h -33m sooner (1h 24m by bus vs 51m by car) and save roughly $-6.74 (€-5.53) compared to fuel and tolls ($17 (€14) vs $10 (€8)). 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 FlixBus, Greyhound.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:10AM | Arrival Time 08:05AM | Duration 0h55 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $12 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 07:30AM | Arrival Time 08:30AM | Duration 1h00 | Departure days Tue | Cheapest price $10 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:40PM | Arrival Time 02:25PM | Duration 1h45 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $13 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 10:30PM | Arrival Time 12:10AM | Duration 1h40 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $12 |
Live departures
San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA buses for today, Wednesday, July 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus | 7:10 AM San Francisco, Townsend Street / 5th Street, CA | 0h55 | 8:05 AM San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 10:30 PM San Francisco, Transit Center Bay 29 | 1h40 | 12:10 AM San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA by bus or train
Compare bus and train 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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Why should you book San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA buses with Omio?
FlixBus as well as Greyhound offer buses services from San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA.
Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA.
Why book with Omio vs FlixBus?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for FlixBus, but also compare tickets for the likes of Greyhound to find the best option for your trip from San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA.
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare FlixBus with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA.
Why book with Omio over Wanderu or Trainline?
- Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can also compare tickets for the likes of Greyhound to find the best option for your trip from San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA.
Journey information
Overview: Bus from San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA
USAUSA
Buses from San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 1h 24m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $10 (€8) if you book in advance.
There are 4 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 04:35, the last at 23:50. The fastest bus covers the 41 miles (67 km) distance in 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 41 miles (67 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 24m |
Cheapest ticket price $10 (€8) |
Buses per day 4 |
Direct buses 4 |
Fastest bus 50m |
First bus 4:35 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
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: FlixBus, Greyhound from San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CAYou can travel by bus between San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA with FlixBus, Greyhound for as low as $10 (€8). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
FlixBus
About
FlixBus is one of Europe’s leading low-cost bus companies, founded in Germany and now offering long-distance services across Europe and the United States. In addition to its extensive daytime network, FlixBus also operates overnight buses on select European routes. Standard amenities include free Wi-Fi, power outlets to charge devices, extra legroom, luggage space, and onboard toilets, with snacks and drinks available for purchase. FlixBus offers a single Standard ticket type for all routes, which includes one carry-on bag and one checked bag per passenger. Additional fees apply for extra luggage and for reserving specific seats, such as Extra Seats, Table Seats, or Panorama Seats. This combination of affordability, comfort, and wide coverage makes FlixBus a popular choice for budget-conscious travelers.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
50m
Cheapest Price
$10 (€8)
FlixBus frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Additional luggage
Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority boarding; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed for a fee; must be booked.
Pets
Small pets in carriers allowed; guide dogs travel for free.
Greyhound
About
Greyhound Lines, Inc. is a prominent American intercity bus transportation provider, established in 1914. It operates the largest intercity bus network in the United States, also extending services to Canada and Mexico. Greyhound is known for offering affordable and reliable long-distance travel, connecting major cities and rural communities across North America. The company's buses are equipped with amenities such as free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and extra legroom to enhance passenger comfort. Greyhound is a subsidiary of Flix SE, which also owns FlixBus, and together they offer an extensive network of over 1,600 destinations.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
1h 50m
Cheapest Price
$12 (€10)
Greyhound frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
Additional luggage
$15 per additional bag.
Cancellation Policy
You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
Amenities on board the bus
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Seat reservation
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Assistance; Priority seating; Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Bikes
Bikes are allowed.
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
San Jose Museum of Art
Large art museum known for modern and contemporary works, strong West Coast focus, and thoughtful rotating exhibitions.
- Must visit
Computer History Museum
A vast collection of restored computer history, from early machines to supercomputers, popular with tech enthusiasts.
- Must visit
Plaza de César Chávez
Signature downtown plaza for festivals, concerts, and civic life, surrounded by museums, hotels, and historic buildings.
- Must visit
Japantown
A vibrant historic district with Japanese shops, temples, murals, and a strong sense of local community and heritage.
- Must visit
SoFA District
Lively arts district centered on galleries, murals, and monthly South First Fridays, ideal for an evening walk downtown.
Pho
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.
Banh Mi
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.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Dosa
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.
Le Papillon
Refined fine dining destination offering modern French cuisine, polished service, and an elegant special-occasion atmosphere.
Henry's Hi-Life
Beloved San Jose institution serving smoked meats, ribs, and classic sides in a casual, old-school barbecue setting.
Pupuseria Los Dubon
Casual neighborhood favorite for handcrafted pupusas and Salvadoran comfort food with a warm, family-run feel.
US Dollar ($)
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.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $12-18 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- $25-45 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- $80+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- $4-6 for a coffee drink.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 at cafes for good service. Tax is usually added separately.
FAQs: Bus from San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA can start from as little as $10 (€8) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA is $17 (€14) ; 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 San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA is 50m to travel the 41 miles (67 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 San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA leaves at 4:35 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA leaves at 11:50 PM.
Yes, there are 4 direct buses a day from San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA with FlixBus, Greyhound. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct buses.
When taking a bus from San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA, you can count on FlixBus, Greyhound for the best way to get you to San Jose, CA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between San Francisco, CA and San Jose, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A day trip to San Jose, CA from San Francisco, CA is worth doing with a journey time of 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between San Francisco, CA and San Jose, CA including taking a bus and train.
Yes, the following accessibility options are available when taking the bus from San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA:
- Greyhound
- Assistance
- Priority seating
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
- FlixBus
- Assistance
- Priority boarding
- Wheelchair-accessible buses.
Yes, there are bathrooms on board the bus from San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA for bus company FlixBus, Greyhound.
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.
Whether you can cancel your bus ticket from San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA depends on the bus companies:
- Greyhound
- You can cancel your ticket for a refund or exchange up to 24 hours before departure, for a cancellation fee applied.
- FlixBus
- You can cancel your ticket up to 15 minutes before departure and receive a voucher for future travel. Refund requests for delays over 120 minutes are possible.
Yes, bikes are allowed on board the bus with bus company FlixBus, Greyhound.
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.
Yes, there is food available to purchase on board the bus from San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA.
Yes, the following luggage options are included when booking a bus ticket from San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA:
- Greyhound
- One carry-on bag up to 25 lbs (11 kg) and one checked bag up to 50 lbs (23 kg).
- FlixBus
- One carry-on bag up to 7kg (42x30x18 cm) and one checked bag up to 20kg (80x50x30 cm).
Yes, the following additional luggage options are available when booking a bus ticket from San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA:
- Greyhound
- $15 per additional bag.
- FlixBus
- Additional luggage can be purchased for a fee.
Yes, you can bring your pet on the bus from San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA. The following conditions apply:
- FlixBus
- Small pets in carriers allowed
- guide dogs travel for free.
You can reserve your seat on the bus from San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus, Greyhound
Yes, there are USB plugs on board the bus from San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus, Greyhound.
Yes, there is Wifi on board the bus from San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA with the following bus company: FlixBus, Greyhound.
Since neither San Francisco, 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 bus as it is the most popular way to get from San Francisco, 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.
Most popular bus connections from San Francisco, CA
More options for your journey from San Francisco, CA to San Jose, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from San Jose, CA and San Francisco, CA
Most popular bus connections to San Jose, CA
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