- Must visit
California State Railroad Museum
One of the premier railroad museums in North America, with restored locomotives, railcars, and exhibits on California and transcontinental rail history in Old Sacramento.
Cheapest price
$36
Average price
$36
Fastest journey
2 h 45 m
Average duration
2 h 45 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
143 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Jose, CA to Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, CA will cost around $36 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $36.
It's difficult to get from San Jose, CA to Sacramento, CA without transferring at least once.
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· Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Jose, CA to Sacramento, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $33. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 50m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $33, and a bus costs an average of $26.
Distance: 88 miles (143 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$46 Average price | $42 Average price Cheapest | $31 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 20m Average total duration Fastest 2h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 41m Average total duration 3h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 52m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | Your own car or car rental |
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 Jose, CA to Sacramento, CA:
A train is $4 (€3) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from San Jose, CA to Sacramento, CA costing on average $46 (€37).
Other travel options to Sacramento, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 11m.
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.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:45AM | Arrival Time 08:30AM | Duration 2h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:35PM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:35PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $46 |
The table below shows live departures for San Jose, CA to Sacramento, CA buses for today, Monday, June 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
· | 5:45 AM San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) | 2h45 | 8:30 AM Sacramento, Bus Terminal | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and bus 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 Jose, CA to Sacramento, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 2h 50m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $26 (€21) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 04:30, the last at 21:03. The fastest bus covers the 88 miles (143 km) distance in 2h 55m.
Distance 88 miles (143 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 50m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 (€21) |
Buses per day 4 |
Fastest bus 2h 55m |
First bus 4:30 AM |
Last bus 9:03 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 91 days |
Discover the best of Sacramento — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sacramento trip today.
One of the premier railroad museums in North America, with restored locomotives, railcars, and exhibits on California and transcontinental rail history in Old Sacramento.
The oldest public art museum west of the Mississippi, known for California art, European paintings, ceramics, and a respected rotating exhibition program.
Museum rooms inside the historic state capitol interpret California political history, architecture, and restored government spaces.
A central park surrounding the State Capitol with memorials, gardens, mature trees, and one of the best easy walks in downtown Sacramento.
The city’s most famous walking area, blending boardwalk-style streets, river views, historic storefronts, and easy access to major attractions.
A lively central district known for murals, tree-lined streets, independent shops, nightlife, and a strong local creative atmosphere.
A seasonal dish built around produce, cheese, and meats from the Sacramento Valley. It reflects Sacramento’s identity as California’s Farm-To-Fork Capital.
Tender asparagus grown in the nearby Delta, often grilled, roasted, or served in salads. It is one of the region’s most iconic spring ingredients.
California-style beef tri-tip, usually smoked or grilled and sliced. It is a popular regional barbecue dish often served with beans, salad, and bread.
A respected Midtown restaurant celebrated for seasonal Farm-To-Fork cooking, local sourcing, and a warm but polished atmosphere.
A long-established fine dining restaurant in Old Sacramento known for elegant service, historic atmosphere, and an extensive wine program.
A well-known casual Sacramento favorite with eclectic global dishes, generous brunches, and a lively garden setting next to the Tower Theatre.
Moderate by U.S. standards. Dining and coffee are fairly priced, while hotels can rise during events and peak periods.
Tip 18-20% at sit-down restaurants before tax; 20%+ for great service. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5 as appropriate.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Jose, CA to Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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