- Must visit
The Getty Center
Hilltop art museum with European paintings, sculpture, gardens, and striking architecture plus sweeping city views.
Cheapest price on Sep 03
$76
Average ticket price on Sep 03
$92
Fastest journey on Sep 03
9 h
Average journey duration on Sep 03
9 h 22 m
Buses on Sep 03
3
Distance
497 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Clara, CA to Los Angeles, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Santa Clara, CA to Los Angeles, CA will cost around $92 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $76.
On Thu, Sep 03, we found 3 buses from Santa Clara, CA to Los Angeles, CA, including 3 direct services.
On Thu, Sep 03 the direct buses cover the 497 km distance in an average of 9 h 22 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 9 h .
On Thu, Sep 03 the slowest buses will take 9 h 33 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 Santa Clara, CA to Los Angeles, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $96 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 3h 22m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.4kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $96, while a flight costs an average of $275.
Distance: 308 miles (497 km)
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$119 Average price | $96 Average price Cheapest | $275 Average price | $71 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 40m Average total duration 7h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 2m Average total duration 10h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 22m Average total duration Fastest 1h 22m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 5h 39m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.5 - 1.2kg CO2 emissions | 0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 1.5 - 3.0kg 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 Santa Clara, CA to Los Angeles, CA:
A train is $24 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Santa Clara, CA to Los Angeles, CA costing on average $119.
A train is $180 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Clara, CA to Los Angeles, CA costing on average $275.
Other travel options to Los Angeles, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 7h 10m.
Train takes on average 10h 32m.
Tickets start at around $119 compared to roughly $71 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-47.90. The journey takes 7h 10m versus 5h 39m 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 Tufesa Internacional | Departure Time 06:00AM | Arrival Time 01:30PM | Duration 7h30 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $94 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:08AM | Arrival Time 07:43PM | Duration 11h35 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $160 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:17AM | Arrival Time 07:43PM | Duration 11h26 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $160 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:49AM | Arrival Time 07:43PM | Duration 10h54 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $160 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:57AM | Arrival Time 05:25PM | Duration 8h28 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $160 |
Operator Tufesa Internacional | Departure Time 12:30PM | Arrival Time 10:00PM | Duration 9h30 | Departure days Wed, Sat | Cheapest price $91 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 12:39PM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 11h16 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $142 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 12:47PM | Arrival Time 11:55PM | Duration 11h08 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $142 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 01:20PM | Arrival Time 10:20PM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $77 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:20PM | Arrival Time 11:20PM | Duration 9h00 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $76 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:38PM | Arrival Time 12:20AM | Duration 9h42 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $142 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:47PM | Arrival Time 12:20AM | Duration 9h33 | Departure days Wed | Cheapest price $142 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:51PM | Arrival Time 07:55AM | Duration 11h04 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $100 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 09:47PM | Arrival Time 07:20AM | Duration 9h33 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $101 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:38PM | Arrival Time 08:20AM | Duration 9h42 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $100 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:47PM | Arrival Time 08:20AM | Duration 9h33 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $100 |
The table below shows live departures for Santa Clara, CA to Los Angeles, CA buses for today, Wednesday, September 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
539 Capitol Corridor · 6241 AMTRAK | 2:38 PM Great America Station, Santa Clara, CA | 9h42 | 12:20 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1 transfer | |
539 Capitol Corridor · 6241 AMTRAK | 2:47 PM Santa Clara Station, Santa Clara, CA | 9h33 | 12:20 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1 transfer | |
| Thursday, September 3 | |||||
![]() | 2:20 PM Santa Clara, CA | 9h00 | 11:20 PM Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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 Clara, CA to Los Angeles, CA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 7h 10m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $98 but you can travel from only $65 by train.
There are 1 buses per day. The earliest bus runs at 00:05, the last at 23:55. The fastest bus covers the 308 miles (497 km) distance in 9h 30m.
Distance 308 miles (497 km) |
Average bus duration 7h 10m |
Cheapest ticket price $98 |
Buses per day 6 |
Direct buses 1 |
Fastest bus 9h 30m |
First bus 12:05 AM |
Last bus 11:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Los Angeles, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Los Angeles, CA trip today.
Hilltop art museum with European paintings, sculpture, gardens, and striking architecture plus sweeping city views.
Major contemporary art museum in Downtown LA, known for broad collections, special shows, and bold architecture.
World-class encyclopedic museum on Wilshire Boulevard, famous for diverse collections and the Urban Light installation.
Legendary boulevard known for the Walk of Fame, theaters, neon, and classic Hollywood atmosphere mixed with tourist energy.
Lively beachside promenade with street performers, Muscle Beach, and easy access to the Venice Boardwalk scene.
Major urban park with trails, the observatory, picnic areas, and some of the best public views in Los Angeles.
A bacon-wrapped hot dog grilled on a street cart and topped with peppers, onions, mustard, ketchup, and mayo. A late-night Los Angeles street food classic.
A French dip sandwich of thin-sliced roast beef on a roll, often dipped in meat jus. Los Angeles claims the original and locals still debate the best version.
Double corn tortillas filled with stewed beef, birria broth, onions, and cilantro. A beloved Los Angeles Mexican staple, especially popular from trucks and taquerias.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant serving a seasonal California tasting menu. Refined, intimate, and one of Los Angeles's most respected special-occasion venues.
Legendary taqueria known for charcoal-grilled carne asada tacos. Casual, fast-paced, and widely considered one of Los Angeles's essential taco stops.
Historic downtown deli linked to the French dip. Old-school counter service and classic sandwiches in a landmark Los Angeles setting.
Los Angeles is pricier than many U.S. cities for hotels, dining, parking, and rides. Budget options exist, but tourist areas and transport costs raise daily spend.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 at cafes for counter service or coffee.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Clara, CA to Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Santa Clara, CA to Los Angeles, CA buses use the San José, Cahill Street (Diridon Station) to Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) station pair, with some services arriving at Hantington Park. Use this guide to compare Santa Clara, CA and Los Angeles, CA bus stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like bus station facilities and services.
Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) is 1 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food court and various dining options available.
Wi-Fi available in main waiting areas. ATMs are aTMs available near main concourse.
Ticket office support is available at Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station).
Available at Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Los Angeles, Patsaouras Transit Plaza (Union Station): Station fully accessible with elevators and ramps.
Los Angeles, Gayley / Strathmore is 19 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Los Angeles, Gayley / Strathmore has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Wi-Fi is available at Los Angeles, Gayley / Strathmore. ATMs are available at Los Angeles, Gayley / Strathmore.
Ticket office support is available at Los Angeles, Gayley / Strathmore.
Available at Los Angeles, Gayley / Strathmore: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Los Angeles, Gayley / Strathmore: Basic accessibility features available for buses.
Los Angeles, Los Angeles Union STA (E) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Several food outlets within the station.
Wi-Fi is available at Los Angeles, Los Angeles Union STA (E). ATMs are aTMs located near the ticket office.
Ticket office support is available at Los Angeles, Los Angeles Union STA (E).
Available at Los Angeles, Los Angeles Union STA (E): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Los Angeles, Los Angeles Union STA (E): Wheelchair accessible with elevators.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need