- Must visit
San Diego Museum of Art
Major Balboa Park museum with works from Spanish old masters to modern art, plus strong regional and international exhibitions.
Cheapest price on Sep 14
CHF80
Average ticket price on Sep 14
CHF110
Fastest journey on Sep 14
10 h 30 m
Average journey duration on Sep 14
11 h 37 m
Buses on Sep 14
18
Distance
671 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Jose, CA to San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA will cost around CHF110 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only CHF80.
On Mon, Sep 14, we found 18 buses from San Jose, CA to San Diego, CA, including 4 direct services.
On Mon, Sep 14 the direct buses cover the 671 km distance in an average of 11 h 37 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 10 h 30 m .
On Mon, Sep 14 the slowest buses will take 13 h 7 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.
FlixBus · FlixBus
FlixBus+
FlixBus+
· ·
FlixBus+
· +
FlixBus
FlixBus+
· +
FlixBus
0
0
4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific SurflinerOmio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from San Jose, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of CHF95 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 7h 18m. 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 CHF95, while a flight costs an average of CHF582.
Distance: 416 miles (671 km)
Most popular Bus | Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
CHF95 Average price Cheapest | CHF154 Average price | CHF582 Average price | CHF78 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
12h 21m Average total duration 11h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 2m Average total duration 13h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 18m Average total duration Fastest 5h 18m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 7h 2m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.7 - 1.7kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 2.0 - 4.0kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular airline | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | 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 San Diego, CA:
A bus is CHF59 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Jose, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average CHF154.
A bus is CHF486 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Jose, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average CHF582.
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 11h 51m.
Train takes on average 13h 32m.
Tickets start at around CHF95 compared to roughly CHF78 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about CHF-17.54. The journey takes 11h 51m versus 7h 2m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can use the time productively rather than spending it behind the wheel. No parking to sort, no fuel stops, and most coaches have Wi-Fi and power outlets.
Driving is worth considering if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group (where fuel costs split several ways), or want the flexibility to stop along the way.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:35AM | Arrival Time 12:20PM | Duration 11h45 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price CHF80 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:35AM | Arrival Time 06:52PM | Duration 13h17 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price CHF138 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:45AM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 18h05 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price CHF79 |
Operator Tufesa Internacional | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 11h35 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price CHF95 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 07:07PM | Duration 11h17 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price CHF176 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 15h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price CHF52 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:17AM | Arrival Time 11:07PM | Duration 14h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price CHF143 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 10:51PM | Duration 13h36 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price CHF138 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 09:07PM | Duration 11h37 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price CHF176 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:55PM | Arrival Time 12:20PM | Duration 19h25 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price CHF62 |
Operator Tufesa Internacional | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 03:30AM | Duration 10h30 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price CHF95 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 12:52PM | Duration 13h07 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price CHF138 |
The table below shows live departures for San Jose, CA to San Diego, CA buses for today, Sunday, September 13. 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) | 18h40 | 12:25 AM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 2 transfers | |
· · | 5:45 AM San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) | 18h05 | 11:50 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 2 transfers | |
0 | 5:00 PM San Jose, CA | 10h30 | 3:30 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus+ · · | 4:55 PM San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) | 19h25 | 12:20 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · + FlixBus | 4:55 PM San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) | 18h40 | 11:35 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · + FlixBus | 4:55 PM San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) | 19h00 | 11:55 AM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 3 transfers | |
FlixBus+ · · | 4:55 PM San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) | 18h50 | 11:45 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 3 transfers | |
| Monday, September 14 | |||||
0 | 6:00 AM San Jose, CA | 11h35 | 5:35 PM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:35 AM San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) | 11h45 | 12:20 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:35 AM San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) | 11h10 | 11:45 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Jose, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 11h 51m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at CHF36 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 35m.
Distance 416 miles (671 km) |
Average bus duration 11h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price CHF36 |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 9h 35m |
First bus 12:40 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 42 days |
Discover the best of San Diego, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Diego, CA trip today.
Major Balboa Park museum with works from Spanish old masters to modern art, plus strong regional and international exhibitions.
Acclaimed contemporary art museum in La Jolla featuring oceanfront settings, modern works, and rotating global exhibitions.
Museum aboard a historic aircraft carrier with restored aircraft, naval exhibits, and immersive views of life at sea.
Balboa Park is San Diego's grand cultural park, packed with gardens, architecture, museums, and walkable plazas worth lingering in.
Historic Gaslamp Quarter offers Victorian-era streets, nightlife energy, and preserved downtown architecture for an atmospheric walk.
Dramatic seaside cliffs and walking paths in La Jolla, famous for waves, sea lions, and sweeping Pacific views.
A San Diego staple: grilled fish in a soft tortilla with cabbage, crema, and salsa. Popularized by Baja influence and coastal seafood culture.
French fries, carne asada, cheese, guacamole, and crema wrapped in a flour tortilla. A late-night local favorite born in San Diego taquerias.
Fresh local sea urchin served raw, prized for its rich, buttery taste. It reflects San Diego's access to Pacific seafood and sushi culture.
Celebrated sushi restaurant specializing in omakase and pristine seafood, including uni. Intimate, polished, and highly respected by locals.
Iconic casual seafood counter known for fish tacos, smoked fish, and harbor views. A classic stop for San Diego's Baja-inspired seafood style.
Refined fine-dining restaurant showcasing local seafood and seasonal California ingredients. Elegant room with one of the city's strongest reputations.
San Diego is pricey for US travel, with higher hotel rates, dining, and parking than many cities, though casual food and buses stay manageable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 for coffee drinks or small cafe orders.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Jose, CA to San Diego, 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 Diego, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most San Jose, CA to San Diego, CA buses use the San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) to San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park) station pair, with some services arriving at San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center. Use this guide to compare San Jose, CA and San Diego, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
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.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need