- Must visit
Palm Springs Art Museum
The city’s main art museum, known for modern and contemporary art, architecture, and rotating exhibitions. A leading cultural stop in downtown Palm Springs.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from San Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CA
Showing times and prices for Jun 21
Cheapest price
$164
Average price
$164
Fastest journey
13 h 5 m
Average duration
13 h 15 m
Buses per day
2
Distance
621 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from San Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CA will cost around $164 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $164.
Fast buses
It's difficult to get from San Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CA without transferring at least 2 times.
4782 AMTRAK · 782 Pacific Surfliner · 4982 AMTRAK5:35 AM13h25San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA7:00 PMPalm Springs, CA$1641One-way2 transfers- 4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific Surfliner · 4970 AMTRAK11:45 PM13h05San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA12:50 PMPalm Springs, CA$1641One-way2 transfers
- 4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific Surfliner · 4970 AMTRAK11:45 PM13h05San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA12:50 PMPalm Springs, CA$1641One-way2 transfers
- 4782 AMTRAK · 782 Pacific Surfliner · 4982 AMTRAK5:35 AM13h25San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA7:00 PMPalm Springs, CA$1641One-way2 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for San Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CA
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from San Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $109. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 6h 44m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $109, and a flight costs an average of $288.
Distance: 385 miles (621 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$148 Average price | $478 Average price | $113 Average price Cheapest | $90 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
13h 1m Average total duration 12h 31m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 44m Average total duration Fastest 6h 44m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 18h 41m Average total duration 18h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 35m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from San Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CA is a train with an average price of $113 (€93).
This is compared to other travel options from San Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CA:
A train is $35 (€28) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from San Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CA costing on average $148 (€121).
A train is $365 (€299) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CA costing on average $478 (€391).
The fastest way to travel from San Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 6h 44m.
Other travel options to Palm Springs, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 12h 31m.
Train takes on average 18h 11m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between San Jose, CA and Palm Springs, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). 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 {directProviders}.
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 Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:35AM | Arrival Time 11:40AM | Duration 11h05 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:35AM | Arrival Time 07:00PM | Duration 13h25 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $164 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 08:40PM | Duration 12h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 03:05PM | Arrival Time 01:35AM | Duration 10h30 | Departure days Mon, Sat | Cheapest price $121 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:35PM | Arrival Time 11:55AM | Duration 19h20 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $85 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 12:50PM | Duration 13h05 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $164 |
Live departures
San Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for San Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CA buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 · | 3:05 PM San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) | 10h30 | 1:35 AM Indio, Indio Blvd (Greyhound Bus Station), CA | 1 transfer | |
| Sunday, June 21 | |||||
| 4782 AMTRAK · 782 Pacific Surfliner · 4982 AMTRAK | 5:35 AM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA | 13h25 | 7:00 PM Palm Springs, CA | 2 transfers | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets San Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CA by bus, train, or flight
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.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from San Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CA
USAUSA
Buses from San Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 12h 31m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $121 (€99) but you can travel from only $109 (€89) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 00:55, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 385 miles (621 km) distance in 10h 30m.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $109 (€89)
Distance 385 miles (621 km) |
Average bus duration 12h 31m |
Cheapest ticket price $121 (€99) |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 10h 30m |
First bus 12:55 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Train from $109 (€89)
Bus providers: Santa Clara VTA from San Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CAYou can travel by bus between San Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CA with Santa Clara VTA for as low as $109 (€89). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Santa Clara VTA
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
29h 6m
Cheapest Price
$122 (€100)
Santa Clara VTA frequency
1 a day
Complete guide to Palm Springs
Things to do in Palm Springs
Discover the best of Palm Springs — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Palm Springs trip today.
- Must visit
Agua Caliente Cultural Museum
A modern museum presenting the history, culture, and living traditions of the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians. One of the city’s most important recent cultural additions.
- Must visit
Palm Springs Air Museum
A highly regarded aviation museum with flyable historic aircraft, large hangars, and strong exhibits on World War II and later conflicts.
- Must visit
Palm Canyon Drive
The main downtown street lined with shops, design spots, hotels, and public art. It is the core strolling area for first-time visitors.
- Must visit
Downtown Palm Springs
The city’s central district for walking, shopping, events, and nightlife, with strong Mid-Century Modern character and frequent visitor activity.
- Recommended
VillageFest
A popular weekly street fair in downtown Palm Springs featuring local vendors, entertainment, and a lively evening atmosphere.
- Vegetarian
- Gluten-free
Date Shake
A classic Coachella Valley drink made with locally grown dates blended into a rich milkshake. It is one of the region’s most iconic treats because date farming helped define the desert area.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Medjool Dates
Fresh or dried Medjool dates are a signature local product of the Palm Springs area. They are prized for their soft texture and deep caramel-like sweetness.
- Vegetarian
Date Nut Bread
A traditional desert-area baked loaf made with local dates and nuts. It is a longstanding regional specialty often served as a snack or breakfast item.
Spencer's Restaurant
A long-running Palm Springs favorite serving classic American and continental dishes in an elegant setting beneath the mountains.
Sherman's Deli & Bakery
An established casual favorite known for generous deli classics, bakery items, and dependable comfort food in a busy, welcoming setting.
Workshop Kitchen + Bar
A stylish, established downtown restaurant known for seasonal California cooking, craft cocktails, and a dramatic industrial dining room.
United States Dollar
Palm Springs is pricier than many U.S. cities, especially for hotels and dining in peak season.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 12-20 for fast casual or diner meals.
- Mid-range
- USD 25-45 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 70+ per person before drinks and tax.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for a coffee drink.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% in restaurants. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5.
FAQs: Bus from San Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Jose, CA to Palm Springs, 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 Palm Springs, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from San Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CA can start from as little as $121 (€99) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for San Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CA is $148 (€121) ; 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 Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CA is 10h 30m to travel the 385 miles (621 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 Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CA leaves at 12:55 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from San Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CA leaves at 11:45 PM.
There are 3 buses a day from San Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CA which require at least one change with Santa Clara VTA. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from San Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CA, you can count on Santa Clara VTA for the best way to get you to Palm Springs, CA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between San Jose, CA and Palm Springs, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Palm Springs, CA from San Jose, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 10h 30m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from San Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CA is August.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between San Jose, CA and Palm Springs, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
No, the bus from San Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CA has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from San Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CA.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Palm Springs, CA are:
- Palm Springs Aerial Tramway, a rotating tram offering panoramic views of the Coachella Valley and access to hiking trails
- Joshua Tree National Park, a vast desert park known for its unique Joshua trees and rock formations
- Palm Springs Art Museum, featuring contemporary and Native American art exhibits
- Indian Canyons, a scenic area with hiking trails and palm oases
- Moorten Botanical Garden, a historic garden showcasing desert plants and cacti.
The best things to do in Palm Springs, CA include:
- Explore the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens, a family-friendly attraction with desert animals and botanical gardens
- Visit the Palm Springs Air Museum, home to vintage aircraft and aviation exhibits
- Enjoy a round of golf at one of the many world-class golf courses in the area
- Stroll through the vibrant Palm Springs VillageFest, a weekly street fair with food, crafts, and entertainment
- Relax at a luxurious spa, offering rejuvenating treatments and stunning desert views.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from San Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CA.
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.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the bus from San Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CA.
No, luggage for the bus from San Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CA needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from San Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CA.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from San Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CA.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from San Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CA.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from San Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CA.
Since neither San Jose, CA nor Palm Springs, 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.
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 Palm Springs, CA, travelers should be cautious of petty theft, especially in crowded areas and parking lots. Common scams include overcharging by taxi drivers or ride-share services and unauthorized street vendors. It's advisable to use official transportation options and stay aware of surroundings, particularly at night. Additionally, travelers should be mindful of heat-related risks during summer months.
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.
popular bus stations
Popular bus stations from San Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CA
Most San Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CA buses use the San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) to Indio, Indio Blvd (Greyhound Bus Station) station pair. Use this guide to compare San Jose, CA and Palm Springs, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Departure bus stations in San Jose
Arrival bus stations in Palm Springs
San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station)
City-centre transport
Getting to San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) from San Jose city centre
BusRapid 500, Rapid 568, 64A, 64B, 68, 202 · 7m · $6 · every ~26 min
TramGreen Line · 17m · $4 · every ~7 min
Most popular bus connections from San Jose, CA
More options for your journey from San Jose, CA to Palm Springs, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Palm Springs, CA and San Jose, CA
Most popular bus connections to Palm Springs, CA
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