- Must visit
California State Railroad Museum
One of North America’s premier rail museums, with restored locomotives, immersive exhibits, and strong California history context.
Cheapest price
$26
Average price
$26
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 $26 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $26.
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 | $30 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, Sat | Cheapest price $22 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:35PM | Arrival Time 03:30PM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $54 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:35PM | Arrival Time 04:30PM | Duration 2h55 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $55 |
The table below shows live departures for San Jose, CA to Sacramento, CA buses for today, Thursday, July 30. 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, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Sacramento, CA trip today.
One of North America’s premier rail museums, with restored locomotives, immersive exhibits, and strong California history context.
Excellent art museum known for California art, ceramics, photography, and engaging modern exhibitions in Midtown Sacramento.
State history museum inside the capitol, featuring restored offices, political artifacts, and architecture that defines California government.
Tree-lined central district known for restaurants, shops, murals, nightlife, and easy walking between major Sacramento attractions.
Large riverside park with trails, gardens, ponds, and open lawns, ideal for strolling, picnics, and seeing local wildlife.
Long riverfront path popular for walking and cycling, linking parks and neighborhoods with broad Sacramento River views.
Farm-to-fork seasonal plates built from Sacramento Valley produce. They reflect the city's agricultural identity and restaurant culture more than a single fixed recipe.
A local spin on California cuisine using grilled salmon, asparagus, citrus, and herbs. It highlights nearby river fish and regional produce.
Fresh Delta asparagus, often grilled, roasted, or served in salads. It is a celebrated spring ingredient from the nearby Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta.
Contemporary fine dining destination focused on seasonal Sacramento ingredients, tasting menus, and polished service.
Beloved local bakery and cafe for breakfast, sandwiches, pastries, and coffee with a lively neighborhood feel.
Historic upscale restaurant in Old Sacramento known for steaks, seafood, and classic dining room service in a refined setting.
Moderate for California. Hotels are often pricier than smaller US cities, while casual dining and local transit stay fairly manageable for visitors.
Tip 15-20% at restaurants, 18-22% for excellent service. Taxis usually 10-15%. Cafes often have tip jars or screen prompts; small tips are appreciated.
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.

Most San Jose, CA to Sacramento, CA buses use the San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) to Sacramento, Bus Terminal station pair. Use this guide to compare San Jose, CA and Sacramento, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need