- 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 Oct 29
$115
Average ticket price on Oct 29
$155
Fastest journey on Oct 29
10 h 30 m
Average journey duration on Oct 29
11 h 7 m
Buses on Oct 29
15
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 $155 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $115.
On Thu, Oct 29, we found 15 buses from San Jose, CA to San Diego, CA, including 4 direct services.
On Thu, Oct 29 the direct buses cover the 671 km distance in an average of 11 h 7 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 10 h 30 m .
On Thu, Oct 29 the slowest buses will take 11 h 35 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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6297 Connecting Bus · 782 Pacific Surfliner
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Buses from San Jose, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 12h 27m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $43 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 50m.
Distance 416 miles (671 km) |
Average bus duration 12h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $43 |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 3 |
Fastest bus 9h 50m |
First bus 12:40 AM |
Last bus 11:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 42 days |
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from San Jose, CA to San Diego, CA.
| 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 $93 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:35AM | Arrival Time 06:52PM | Duration 13h17 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $169 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 05:45AM | Arrival Time 11:50PM | Duration 18h05 | Departure days Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $108 |
Operator Tufesa Internacional | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 05:35PM | Duration 11h35 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $116 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:50AM | Arrival Time 07:07PM | Duration 11h17 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $216 |
Operator FlixBus | Departure Time 08:15AM | Arrival Time 10:15PM | Duration 14h00 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu | Cheapest price $52 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:45AM | Arrival Time 10:51PM | Duration 14h06 | Departure days Mon, Sun | Cheapest price $169 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 09:15AM | Arrival Time 10:51PM | Duration 13h36 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $169 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 09:30AM | Arrival Time 08:52PM | Duration 11h22 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $216 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:22AM | Arrival Time 01:04AM | Duration 14h42 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $168 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:39AM | Arrival Time 01:04AM | Duration 14h25 | Departure days Wed, Fri | Cheapest price $168 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:25AM | Arrival Time 12:50AM | Duration 13h25 | Departure days Wed, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $163 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 04:55PM | Arrival Time 11:45AM | Duration 18h50 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Sun | Cheapest price $53 |
Operator Tufesa Internacional | Departure Time 05:00PM | Arrival Time 03:30AM | Duration 11h30 | Departure days Mon, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $116 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:35PM | Arrival Time 01:07PM | Duration 13h32 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $169 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:45PM | Arrival Time 12:52PM | Duration 14h07 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $169 |
The table below shows live departures for San Jose, CA to San Diego, CA buses for today, Wednesday, October 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4782 Connecting Bus · 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 | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:15 AM San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) | 14h00 | 10:15 PM San Diego, West Harbor Drive (The Headquarters at Seaport District), CA | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus+![]() | 8:15 AM San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) | 15h35 | 11:50 PM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), CA | 1 transfer | |
FlixBus · FlixBus | 8:15 AM San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) | 14h30 | 10:45 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 1 transfer | |
4790 Connecting Bus · 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 | |
529 Capitol Corridor · 4794 Connecting Bus · 3984 Connecting Bus · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 10:39 AM Santa Clara Station, Santa Clara, CA | 14h25 | 1:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 3 transfers | |
4794 Connecting Bus · 3984 Connecting Bus · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 11:25 AM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA | 13h25 | 12:50 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 2 transfers | |
0 | 5:00 PM San Jose, CA | 10h30 | 3:30 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
FlixBus+ · + FlixBus | 4:55 PM San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) | 18h55 | 11:50 AM San Diego, Congress Street (Old Town Park), 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 | |
FlixBus+ · + FlixBus | 4:55 PM San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) | 19h25 | 12:20 PM San Diego, San Ysidro Transit Center | 3 transfers | |
4770 Connecting Bus · 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 | |
| Thursday, October 29 | |||||
![]() | 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 | |
0 | 6:00 AM San Jose, CA | 11h35 | 5:35 PM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.
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.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in San Diego, CA.
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.
Check bus stations information for San Jose, CA and San Diego, CA, including where buses depart and arrive on this route.
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