- Must visit
The Tech Interactive
Interactive science center with hands-on exhibits, an IMAX dome theater, and family-friendly displays in the heart of downtown.
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$77
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$86
Fastest journey on Sep 20
8 h 10 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
10 h 8 m
Buses on Sep 20
2
Distance
541 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Ana, CA to San Jose, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Santa Ana, CA to San Jose, CA will cost around $86 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $77.
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 2 buses from Santa Ana, CA to San Jose, CA, including 1 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct buses cover the 541 km distance in an average of 10 h 8 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 10 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest buses will take 12 h 5 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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· Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Ana, CA to San Jose, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the bus, with an average ticket price of $121 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 7h 50m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $121, while a flight costs an average of $919.
Distance: 336 miles (541 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$121 Average price Cheapest | $181 Average price | $919 Average price | $77 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
8h 44m Average total duration 8h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 28m Average total duration 10h 58m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 50m Average total duration Fastest 5h 50m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 6h 0m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() 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 |
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Ana, CA to San Jose, CA:
A bus is $61 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santa Ana, CA to San Jose, CA costing on average $181.
A bus is $798 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Ana, CA to San Jose, CA costing on average $919.
Other travel options to San Jose, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 14m.
Train takes on average 10h 58m.
Tickets start at around $121 compared to roughly $77 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-44.05. The journey takes 8h 14m versus 6h 0m 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 07:40AM | Arrival Time 07:45PM | Duration 12h05 | Departure days Wed, Thu, Fri, Sun | Cheapest price $51 |
Operator Greyhound | Departure Time 09:25PM | Arrival Time 05:35AM | Duration 8h10 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $91 |
Compare train, bus, 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 Santa Ana, CA to San Jose, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 8h 14m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $48 if you book in advance.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:15, the last at 23:45. The fastest bus covers the 336 miles (541 km) distance in 8h 0m.
Distance 336 miles (541 km) |
Average bus duration 8h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price $48 |
Buses per day 1 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 8h 0m |
First bus 12:15 AM |
Last bus 11:45 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of San Jose, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Jose, CA trip today.
Interactive science center with hands-on exhibits, an IMAX dome theater, and family-friendly displays in the heart of downtown.
Large art museum known for modern and contemporary works, strong West Coast focus, and thoughtful rotating exhibitions.
A vast collection of restored computer history, from early machines to supercomputers, popular with tech enthusiasts.
Signature downtown plaza for festivals, concerts, and civic life, surrounded by museums, hotels, and historic buildings.
A vibrant historic district with Japanese shops, temples, murals, and a strong sense of local community and heritage.
Lively arts district centered on galleries, murals, and monthly South First Fridays, ideal for an evening walk downtown.
A Vietnamese noodle soup with beef or chicken in a fragrant broth. San Jose's large Vietnamese community makes it a defining local comfort food.
A Vietnamese sandwich on a crisp baguette, often filled with grilled pork, pickled vegetables, herbs, and pate. A staple tied to San Jose's Little Saigon.
A South Indian rice and lentil crepe served with chutney and sambar. It is a local favorite thanks to San Jose's strong South Asian community.
Refined fine dining destination offering modern French cuisine, polished service, and an elegant special-occasion atmosphere.
Beloved San Jose institution serving smoked meats, ribs, and classic sides in a casual, old-school barbecue setting.
Casual neighborhood favorite for handcrafted pupusas and Salvadoran comfort food with a warm, family-run feel.
San Jose is pricier than many US cities. Hotels, dining, and parking add up fast, though public transit and casual food can help control daily costs.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 at cafes for good service. Tax is usually added separately.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Ana, CA to San Jose, 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 Jose, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Santa Ana, CA to San Jose, CA buses use the Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) to San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) station pair. Use this guide to compare Santa Ana, CA and San Jose, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) is 1 km from Santa Ana city centre. Public transport options include:
Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station). ATMs are available at Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station).
Ticket office support is available at Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station).
Available at Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station): Bus access is available.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need