- Must visit
USS Midway Museum
A historic aircraft carrier museum on the waterfront with restored aircraft, flight deck exhibits, and naval history displays. One of San Diego’s signature attractions.
Cheapest price
$123
Average price
$160
Fastest journey
10 h 30 m
Average duration
11 h 37 m
Buses per day
14
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 $160 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $123.
Of the 14 buses that leave San Jose, CA for San Diego, CA on Mon, Jun 15, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 15 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, Jun 15 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.
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FlixBus · FlixBus
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4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific SurflinerOmio recommends booking the flight 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 prices starting from $42. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 28m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.2 - 0.6kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $42, and a flight costs an average of $76.
Distance: 416 miles (671 km)
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$116 Average price Cheapest | $288 Average price | $132 Average price | $94 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
11h 19m Average total duration 10h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 28m Average total duration Fastest 1h 28m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 13h 44m Average total duration 13h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 2m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.7 - 1.7kg CO2 emissions | 2.0 - 4.0kg CO2 emissions | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions Lowest | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular airline | ![]() Most popular train company | 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 $16 (€13) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Jose, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $132 (€107).
A bus is $172 (€140) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Jose, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $288 (€234).
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 10h 49m.
Train takes on average 13h 14m.
You'll arrive about -4h -47m sooner (10h 49m by bus vs 7h 2m by car) and save roughly $-22.57 (€-18.32) compared to fuel and tolls ($116 (€94) vs $94 (€76)). 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 Greyhound, FlixBus, Infobus.
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 12:35AM | Arrival Time 12:20PM | Duration 11h45 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $121 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:35AM | Arrival Time 07:07PM | Duration 13h32 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $168 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:45AM | Arrival Time 12:25AM | Duration 18h40 | Departure days Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $103 |
Operator infobus_tufesa_internacional | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 11h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $123 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 11h35 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $125 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:17AM | Arrival Time 11:07PM | Duration 14h50 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $174 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:40AM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 13h35 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $87 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 11:07PM | Duration 13h52 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $168 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 04:35PM | Arrival Time 02:10PM | Duration 21h35 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $128 |
Operator infobus_tufesa_internacional | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 03:30AM | Duration 10h30 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $123 |
Operator Infobus | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 03:30AM | Duration 10h30 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $125 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 12:52PM | Duration 13h07 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $168 |
The table below shows live departures for San Jose, CA to San Diego, CA buses for today, Sunday, June 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
0 | 5:00 PM San Jose, CA | 10h30 | 3:30 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific Surfliner | 11:45 PM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA | 13h07 | 12:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific Surfliner | 11:45 PM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA | 13h22 | 1:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
| Monday, June 15 | |||||
![]() | 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 | |
4782 AMTRAK · 782 Pacific Surfliner | 5:35 AM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA | 13h17 | 6:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
4782 AMTRAK · 782 Pacific Surfliner | 5:35 AM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA | 13h32 | 7:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
0 | 6:00 AM San Jose, CA | 11h35 | 5:35 PM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
523 Capitol Corridor · 4790 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner | 8:17 AM Santa Clara Station, Santa Clara, CA | 14h50 | 11:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 2 transfers | |
FlixBus+![]() | 8:40 AM San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) | 15h10 | 11:50 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:40 AM San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) | 13h35 | 10:15 PM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:40 AM San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) | 14h05 | 10:45 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 1 transfer | |
4790 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner | 9:15 AM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA | 13h52 | 11:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
4790 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner | 9:15 AM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA | 13h36 | 10:51 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
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 17 times per day, taking around 10h 49m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $42 (€34) 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 10h 50m.
Distance 416 miles (671 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $42 (€34) |
Buses per day 17 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 10h 50m |
First bus 12:40 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of San Diego — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Diego trip today.
A historic aircraft carrier museum on the waterfront with restored aircraft, flight deck exhibits, and naval history displays. One of San Diego’s signature attractions.
Balboa Park’s major fine arts museum, known for Spanish old masters, European paintings, and rotating international exhibitions.
A leading contemporary art museum with major installations, ocean views at La Jolla, and a strong program of modern and experimental art.
San Diego’s flagship cultural park, home to major museums, gardens, historic architecture, and wide promenades. Essential for first-time visitors.
A picturesque coastal area known for sea lions, cliffs, turquoise water, and some of the city’s most photographed ocean views.
A walkable historic district celebrating early California history, with preserved buildings, museums, and lively public spaces.
Beer-battered or grilled local fish in corn tortillas, usually topped with cabbage, crema, and salsa. A defining San Diego staple shaped by Baja California influence.
A San Diego original burrito filled with carne asada, fries, cheese, and salsa. It is one of the city’s most famous late-night and taqueria foods.
French fries topped with carne asada, cheese, guacamole, sour cream, and salsa. This indulgent border-style dish is strongly associated with San Diego taco shops.
Well-known waterfront seafood restaurant in Point Loma serving fresh local catch, fish sandwiches, and harbor views.
Historic Barrio Logan favorite known for handmade tortillas, tacos, rice, beans, and a classic old-school atmosphere.
Popular casual spot celebrated for Baja-style fish tacos, ceviche, and fresh seafood in a relaxed beach-city setting.
Prices are high by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining near the coast. Budget options exist inland and via casual eateries.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Bars: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15%. Hotel staff: USD 2-5. Little or no tip for counter service.
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.

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