- Must visit
Emigrant Trail Museum
Nearby Donner Memorial museum interprets the emigrant story, Washoe culture, and Sierra travel history.
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$52
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$52
Fastest journey on Sep 20
6 h 40 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
6 h 40 m
Buses on Sep 20
1
Distance
267 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Jose, CA to Truckee, 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 Truckee, CA will cost around $52 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $52.
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 1 buses from San Jose, CA to Truckee, CA, including 1 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct buses cover the 267 km distance in an average of 6 h 40 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 6 h 40 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest buses will take 6 h 40 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.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Jose, CA to Truckee, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $73 For those with little time, consider booking a bus, which has an average total journey time of 6h 43m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $73, while a train costs an average of $250.
Distance: 165 miles (267 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
$73 Average price Cheapest | $250 Average price |
6h 43m Average total duration Fastest 6h 13m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 26m Average total duration 6h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() Most popular train company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from San Jose, CA to Truckee, CA:
A bus is $177 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Jose, CA to Truckee, CA costing on average $250.
A bus is $753 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Jose, CA to Truckee, CA costing on average $826.
Other travel options to Truckee, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 13m.
Train takes on average 6h 56m.
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:30AM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $64 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 09:15PM | Duration 8h45 | Departure days Tue, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $65 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 12:35PM | Arrival Time 07:15PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $49 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 01:35PM | Arrival Time 08:15PM | Duration 6h40 | Departure days Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $61 |
The table below shows live departures for San Jose, CA to Truckee, CA buses for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:30 PM San Jose, CA | 8h45 | 9:15 PM Truckee, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 12:35 PM San Jose, CA | 6h40 | 7:15 PM Truckee, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:35 PM San Jose, CA | 6h40 | 8:15 PM Truckee, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 Truckee, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 6h 13m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $35 if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 04:30, the last at 15:10. The fastest bus covers the 165 miles (267 km) distance in 6h 10m.
Distance 165 miles (267 km) |
Average bus duration 6h 13m |
Cheapest ticket price $35 |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 6h 10m |
First bus 4:30 AM |
Last bus 3:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Nov |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 3 days |
Discover the best of Truckee, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Truckee, CA trip today.
Nearby Donner Memorial museum interprets the emigrant story, Washoe culture, and Sierra travel history.
Local history museum in a former jail, featuring exhibits on logging, railroads, and early Truckee life.
Small museum in the historic depot with railroad artifacts, model displays, and stories of Truckee's rail past.
Walkable historic core with brick buildings, shops, and railroad-era character ideal for strolling.
Lakeside state park area with beach access, picnic spots, and sweeping Sierra scenery near Truckee.
Riverside trail and park system with bridges, wetlands, and mountain views close to central Truckee.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Jose, CA to Truckee, 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 Truckee, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most San Jose, CA to Truckee, CA buses use the San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) to Truckee, Depot (Donner Pass Rd.) station pair. Use this guide to compare San Jose, CA and Truckee, 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.
Truckee, Depot (Donner Pass Rd.) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Truckee, Depot (Donner Pass Rd.). ATMs are available at Truckee, Depot (Donner Pass Rd.).
Ticket office support is available at Truckee, Depot (Donner Pass Rd.).
Available at Truckee, Depot (Donner Pass Rd.): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Truckee, Depot (Donner Pass Rd.): The station has basic accessibility features.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need