- Must visit
The Tech Interactive
Hands-on science and technology museum in Downtown San Jose with interactive exhibits, design challenges, and an IMAX Dome Theater. A strong family-friendly stop and one of the city’s signature museum
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The cheapest and fastest buses from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Jose, CA
Showing times and prices for Jun 22
Cheapest price
$83
Average price
$84
Fastest journey
8 h 50 m
Average duration
8 h 57 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
244 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from South Lake Tahoe, 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 South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Jose, CA will cost around $84 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $83.
Fast buses
Of the 3 buses that leave South Lake Tahoe, CA for San Jose, CA on Mon, Jun 22, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 22 the direct buses cover the 244 km distance in an average of 8 h 57 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 8 h 50 m .
On Mon, Jun 22 the slowest buses will take 9 h 10 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.
10:50 PM8h50South Lake Tahoe, CA7:40 AMSan Jose, CA$831One-way0 transfers- 9:30 PM9h10South Lake Tahoe, CA6:40 AMSan Jose, CA$841One-way0 transfers
- 9:50 PM8h50South Lake Tahoe, CA6:40 AMSan Jose, CA$851One-way0 transfers
- 10:50 PM8h50South Lake Tahoe, CA7:40 AMSan Jose, CA$831One-way0 transfers
- 9:50 PM8h50South Lake Tahoe, CA6:40 AMSan Jose, CA$851One-way0 transfers
- 9:30 PM9h10South Lake Tahoe, CA6:40 AMSan Jose, CA$841One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Jose, CA
Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Jose, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $80. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 5h 54m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $80, and a flight costs an average of $310.
Distance: 151 miles (244 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$83 Average price Cheapest | $771 Average price | $40 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 24m Average total duration Fastest 5h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 14m Average total duration 7h 14m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 50m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Jose, CA is a bus with an average price of $83 (€68).
This is compared to other travel options from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Jose, CA:
A bus is $688 (€563) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Jose, CA costing on average $771 (€631).
The fastest way to travel from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Jose, CA is by bus with an average journey time of 5h 54m.
Other travel options to San Jose, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 16m.
Flight takes on average 7h 14m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between South Lake Tahoe, CA and San Jose, CA including taking a bus and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Jose, CA among Omio's users.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). 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 {directProviders}.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Jose, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 09:30PM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 9h10 | Departure days Mon | Cheapest price $84 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 09:50PM | Arrival Time 06:40AM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $81 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 10:50PM | Arrival Time 07:40AM | Duration 8h50 | Departure days Everyday | Cheapest price $80 |
Live departures
South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Jose, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Jose, CA buses for today, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10:50 PM South Lake Tahoe, CA | 8h50 | 7:40 AM San Jose, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Jose, CA by bus or flight
Compare 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.
Mon
Jun 22
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Jose, CA
USAUSA
Buses from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Jose, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 5h 54m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $80 (€66) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 04:30, the last at 14:55. The fastest bus covers the 151 miles (244 km) distance in 8h 50m.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance 151 miles (244 km) |
Average bus duration 5h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price $80 (€66) |
Buses per day 1 |
Fastest bus 8h 50m |
First bus 4:30 AM |
Last bus 2:55 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 1 day |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Complete guide to San Jose
Things to do in San Jose
Discover the best of San Jose — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Jose trip today.
- Must visit
Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
Distinctive museum with one of the largest collections of Egyptian artifacts on display in western North America. Its architecture and mummy exhibits make it especially popular with first-time visit
- Must visit
Winchester Mystery House Museum Exhibits
The estate includes museum-style historical exhibits about Sarah Winchester and the property, complementing the guided house tour. A popular heritage experience with strong visitor interest.
- Must visit
Santana Row
Stylish mixed-use district known for palm-lined streets, upscale storefronts, and lively atmosphere. One of the most photographed and socially popular areas in the city.
- Must visit
Downtown San Jose
Core urban district with museums, plazas, theaters, light rail access, and a growing event scene. The best base for first-time visitors wanting a broad overview of the city.
- Must visit
Municipal Rose Garden
Beautiful public garden famed for its seasonal rose displays and photogenic layout. Popular with locals for walks and social media-friendly snapshots.
- Gluten-free
Pho
Fragrant Vietnamese noodle soup that is especially popular in East San Jose, reflecting the city’s large Vietnamese community and local food culture.
Banh Mi
A Vietnamese sandwich on a crisp baguette with pickled vegetables, herbs, and savory fillings; a signature everyday bite in San Jose.
Orange Sauce Burrito
A San Jose taqueria favorite: a burrito paired with the city’s cult orange taco sauce, a local staple with a creamy, spicy kick.
Adega
An upscale Portuguese restaurant recognized for refined cooking, polished service, and a destination-worthy fine dining experience.
Original Joe's San Jose
A long-running downtown institution known for Italian American comfort food, steaks, and a classic old-school atmosphere.
Falafel's Drive-In
A famous casual San Jose landmark celebrated for falafel, gyros, and its well-known banana shake in a retro drive-in setting.
United States Dollar
Prices are high by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining. Budget options exist, but Silicon Valley costs make daily travel relatively expensive.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 12-20 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- USD 25-45 per person at a standard restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 75+ per person before drinks and tip.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for a regular coffee or latte.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or tip 10-15% for taxis, and USD 2-5 per night for hotel housekeeping.
FAQs: Bus from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Jose, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from South Lake Tahoe, 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.
Cheap bus tickets from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Jose, CA can start from as little as $80 (€66) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Jose, CA is $83 (€68) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Jose, CA is 8h 50m to travel the 151 miles (244 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest bus from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Jose, CA leaves at 4:30 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Jose, CA leaves at 2:55 PM.
A trip to San Jose, CA from South Lake Tahoe, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 8h 50m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Jose, CA is April.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between South Lake Tahoe, CA and San Jose, CA including taking a bus and flight.
No, the bus from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Jose, CA has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Jose, CA.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in San Jose, CA are:
- Winchester Mystery House, an architectural curiosity with a maze-like design and historical significance
- The Tech Interactive, an engaging science and technology center with hands-on exhibits
- San Jose Museum of Art, a contemporary art museum featuring works from the 20th and 21st centuries
- Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, a museum dedicated to ancient Egyptian artifacts and culture
- Municipal Rose Garden, a beautiful and serene garden featuring over 3,500 rose bushes.
The best things to do in San Jose, CA include:
- Explore the Japanese Friendship Garden, a tranquil space inspired by Japanese landscape design
- Visit the Children's Discovery Museum, offering interactive exhibits for families and children
- Enjoy a performance at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, hosting a variety of shows and events
- Discover the history of Silicon Valley at the Computer History Museum
- Take a scenic hike in Alum Rock Park, offering trails and natural beauty.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Jose, CA.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the bus from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Jose, CA.
No, luggage for the bus from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Jose, CA needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Jose, CA.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Jose, CA.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Jose, CA.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Jose, CA.
Since neither South Lake Tahoe, CA nor San Jose, CA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Jose, CA among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In San Jose, CA, travelers should be aware of pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins, especially in crowded areas and parking lots. Common scams include fake charity requests and overcharging by unauthorized taxi or ride-share drivers. Staying alert in busy districts and using official transportation services helps ensure safety.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
Most popular bus connections from South Lake Tahoe, CA
More options for your journey from South Lake Tahoe, CA to San Jose, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from San Jose, CA and South Lake Tahoe, CA
Most popular bus connections to San Jose, CA
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