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Buses from Los Angeles to San Jose

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Los Angeles - San Jose Bus Schedule

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Journey Information

There are 23 intercity buses per day from Los Angeles to San Jose. Traveling by bus from Los Angeles to San Jose usually takes around 8 hours and 7 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 5 hours and 45 minutes.

Distance305 mi (492 km)
Shortest duration5h 45m
Cheapest price$44.87
Trips per day22
Most frequent serviceFlixBus US
Bus lines4

Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Overall score for buses from Los Angeles to San Jose

(Based on 11 ratings and reviews)

4.5

5.0

Nataly

December 30, 2019- Visiting family

Megabus

on the second floor behind the driver were very dirty windows

on the second floor behind the driver were very dirty windows

4.0

Neha

December 16, 2019- Visiting family

Megabus

Pros: It was well-paced and the driver was really nice! Cons: The bus should have USB ports for chargers. In addition, it would be nice to have more spacious seats.

Pros: It was well-paced and the driver was really nice! Cons: The bus should have USB ports for chargers. In addition, it would be nice to have more spacious seats.

4.0

Ellen

December 2, 2019- Solo travel

Greyhound

Restroom should have hand sanitizer

Restroom should have hand sanitizer

4.0

Gabriel

December 1, 2019- Visiting family

Greyhound

Pros: I like that there were movies to watch on the trip, the bus was clean, that it had charging plug ins & that the bus driver was very communicative. I also liked that there's cup holders (although on this trip they were ripped on my seat). Cons: It would be nice i...

Pros: I like that there were movies to watch on the trip, the bus was clean, that it had charging plug ins & that the bus driver was very communicative. I also liked that there's cup holders (although on this trip they were ripped on my seat). Cons: It would be nice if the seats had food trays so when we bring food onboard we can put it on there instead of balancing it on our laps. The wifi was working for a little, but then it stopped so it would be nice to have more reliable wifi.

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5.0

Avital

November 4, 2019- Business

Greyhound

Pros: Everything was great. Cons: May be time of arrival. Tips: Make sure your bag is not more than 50 pounds they weight the bag.

Pros: Everything was great. Cons: May be time of arrival. Tips: Make sure your bag is not more than 50 pounds they weight the bag.

Buses from Los Angeles to San Jose

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How much is a bus ticket from Los Angeles to San Jose?

Typically $60.59 is the average price you should expect to pay for a bus ticket to San Jose. Any tickets cheaper than $60.59 can be considered a great deal. It’s easy to find a bus ticket at this price or lower when you use Wanderu to book your trip online in advance of your travel date.

Average prices by travel date

$77$51$26MayJun

Over the next four weeks, the average ticket price of a bus from Los Angeles to San Jose is expected to range from C$55 to C$76. If you are looking to travel to San Jose within the next week, you can find bus tickets starting from C$59. The cheapest bus tickets in the next month are C$55 and can be found on June 12, 2022.

Monthly average prices

$64$51$38$26$13JJASONDJFMAM

The lowest bus ticket prices on this route can usually be found in October. That’s when the average price of a bus ticket is expected to be just C$50 – the lowest of the year.

Alternatively, if you plan to travel from Los Angeles to San Jose in March, expect to spend more on your bus trip, as the average ticket price may surge to C$63 at that time of year. However, if you book your trip ahead of time, you can still score a ticket at a lower price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$96$77$58$38$193020100

Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices the closer you book to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. The best way to find cheap bus tickets is to book at least 25 days in advance. By doing so, you can expect to save C$17.39 on your bus ticket compared to booking at the last minute.

What bus companies travel from Los Angeles to San Jose?

There are 4 bus lines from Los Angeles to San Jose available for you to search and book on Wanderu. With 12 daily trips, FlixBus US usually has the most buses running on any given day. Here are some time and price comparisons for all the available options:

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Thruway213h 35m$74.41
FlixBus US126h 34m$59.14
Greyhound37h 37m$62.23
Tufesa Internacional57h 33m$77.40
  • Amtrak Thruway

    Amtrak Thruway

    Amtrak Thruway, also known as Amtrak Thruway Motorcoach, is a system of intercity passenger buses operated by Amtrak to connect train stations to areas that are not served by the carrier’s railroads. On the bus, passengers can enjoy comfortable reclining seats with leg rests and access to onboard restroom facilities. Amtrak Thruway bus tickets from Los Angeles to San Jose start at $64. On average, there are 2 Amtrak Thruway bus trips on this route every day.

  • FlixBus US

    FlixBus US

    FlixBus US is the American branch of German bus company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern bus travel. The company offers cheap bus tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US buses include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 12 trips per day from Los Angeles to San Jose, and the average ticket for this route costs only .

  • Greyhound

    Greyhound

    Greyhound is the largest nationwide bus carrier in the United States, offering cheap, safe and reliable service across the country. Greyhound has become a household name, serving over 16 million passengers per year with daily trips to over 2,400 destinations. Greyhound performs about 3 bus trips from Los Angeles to San Jose every day, with the average journey taking around 7 hours and 37 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to San Jose usually start from $50.

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  • Tufesa Internacional

    Tufesa Internacional

    Tufesa Internacional is the international brand of one of the largest ground transportation providers in Mexico, Tufesa. The carrier offers daily bus trips to and from several cities in the Southwestern United States, including cross-border trips between the U.S. and Mexico. On average, Tufesa Internacional runs 5 from Los Angeles to San Jose, with prices starting from $76. The carrier’s fleet features modern coaches equipped with state-of-the-art technology and amenities, such as onboard restrooms, reclining seats, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and a digital entertainment system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best way to travel from L.A to San Jose?

The best way to travel from LA to San Jose is by bus because it’s the cheapest option. Bus tickets for this route average about $38, whereas train tickets are around $60, and plane tickets average more than $100.

While flying is the fastest option, with nonstop trips taking about 1 hour and 20 minutes, you have to factor in the additional time getting to the airport and passing through security. Between bus and train, the average bus trip is actually quicker than the average train trip by about 2 hours.

Balancing price and travel time, traveling by bus is the best overall option.

Is there a direct bus from L.A to San Jose?

Out of the 36 daily buses that depart Los Angeles for San Jose, 29 of those are direct options that do not require a transfer. Greyhound offers the most direct trips of any bus company on this route.

Is L.A to San Jose a good family vacation?

Depending on what you have planned, San Jose can be a great destination for a family vacation. The travel time would be the hardest part, since the bus trip averages about 7 hours. But if you’re prepared with snacks and travel games, then the trip is well worth it.

The Children’s Discovery Museum of San Jose is an excellent spot to take the kids. The museum includes art activities, cooking classes, a theater and even a mini mammoth cave you can explore. If you’re looking for free activities, there are many parks you can visit as well, such as Alum Rock Park and the Hellyer County Park.

One thing worth noting is that San Jose is a pretty pricey town, so you may need to do more advanced planning if you want to travel on a budget.

Is it safe to travel by bus from Los Angeles to San Jose during the COVID-19 pandemic?

Our bus partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, bus carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.

In addition, federal law requires all bus passengers to wear a face covering for the entire duration of the trip. Please make sure you are wearing a face mask or you may not be allowed to board the bus.

Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.

How long is the bus ride?

The bus takes an average of 8 hours and 7 minutes to cover the 492 kilometers from Los Angeles to San Jose. However, the fastest bus only takes 5 hours and 45 minutes. It’s definitely on the longer side, so plan to get comfortable for a long road trip. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.

What is the busiest day of the week to travel by bus?

"Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Los Angeles to San Jose for the weekend. If you are planning to travel on a Friday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.

On the other hand, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the bus, traveling mid-week is your best bet."

When do the earliest and latest buses leave Los Angeles?

The first bus leaves at 12:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from Los Angeles to San Jose, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

How many bus schedules are there most days?

There are 23 scheduled buses that travel from Los Angeles to San Jose every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 22 direct buses, where you can stay on the same bus without having to transfer to a connecting bus at any point during your trip.

Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Los Angeles to San Jose; ticket prices start at $64.11.

City Information

Los Angeles

Los Angeles is the undisputed world capital of the entertainment business. Because of that, the City of Angels is where you will find some of the most iconic landmarks of the film and music industries, including the world-famous Walk of Fame and Dolby Theatre (home of the Academy Awards) on Hollywood Boulevard, the easily recognizable Capitol Records building at Hollywood & Vine, and the LA Live complex in Downtown Los Angeles.

The best part of LA is that it has something to offer for people of all interests: outdoor enthusiasts can hike up to the Hollywood sign, fashion aficionados can go shopping in Beverly Hills, art lovers can check out the prominent Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) in the Miracle Mile district, and those looking for a fun night out can go bar-hopping in West Hollywood. Are you a Pokémon GO addict? Well then this is the place for you because LA is the best city to catch the rarest Pokémon in the U.S.. And if you want to want to experience the famed golden coast of Southern California for yourself, head west to Santa Monica and Venice for a refreshing dip in the Pacific Ocean.

With one of the biggest airports on the West Coast and several bus and train stops across the county, Los Angeles makes it easy to travel elsewhere in California, visit the neighboring Nevada, Arizona and Mexico, or take a flight to pretty much any other part of the world.

San Jose

San Jose, CA - SJC-0

Image credit: Unsplash

San Jose, CA - SJC-1

Image credit: Unsplash

San Jose, CA - SJC-2

Image credit: Unsplash

San Jose is located in the heart of the world-famous Silicon Valley in California’s Bay Area. It is the largest city in Northern California and, as such, it is the area’s cultural, political and financial center.

While you’re in San Jose, make sure to check out the city’s various museums. Since you’re in the world’s foremost technology hub, the Tech Museum of Innovation is a must-visit. And since you’re on the West Coast, you should stop by the San Jose Museum of Art that features the largest permanent collection of works from West Coast artists.

Thanks to its mild California climate, San Jose is one of the best cities in the U.S. for outdoor activities, and due to its largely younger-leaning population, it offers quite the vibrant nightlife. In fact, San Jose is among the biggest party hubs in America.

San Jose is served by various bus carriers and has several Amtrak stops within its vicinity. In addition, the city’s airport is located right near the downtown area, which makes travel to and from San Jose a breeze.

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in Los Angeles?

Departure stations

Buses to San Jose leave from 15 stations in Los Angeles.

All bus stations in Los Angeles:

  • Downtown - Vignes Lot

  • Bus Terminal - 1716 E 7th St

  • 592 Gayley Ave

  • 1658 N Orange Drive

  • 10413 Laurel Canyon Blvd Pacoima

  • 611 Maple Ave

  • USC - 3492 S Hope St

  • North Hollywood Bus Station

  • 4555 E 3rd St & S McDonnell Ave E

  • E Olympic Blvd & S Augusta Ave Bus Stop

  • Union Station

  • 120 East Santa Fe Ave - Fullerton Transp Ctr

  • Oceanside Transit Center

  • Reg Transp Ctr - 1000 E Santa Ana Blvd

  • Anaheim Stadium Parking - 2626 E Katella Ave

Where does the bus arrive in San Jose?

Arrival stations

Buses arrive in San Jose at 3 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.

Bus stations in San Jose:

  • Downtown San Jose - 129 W San Carlos St

  • Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St

  • 1118 E William St

Related reading

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