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Journey Information
You can pick from 6 daily bus trips between San Francisco and San Jose. The average bus journey from San Francisco to San Jose takes one hour and 27 minutes, but some FlixBus US bus trips are as short as 55 minutes.
| Distance | 42 mi (68 km) |
| Shortest duration | 0h 55m |
| Cheapest price | $12.20 |
| Trips per day | 6 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 2 |
How much is a bus ticket from San Francisco to San Jose?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from San Francisco to San Jose was $12.20. This is a fantastic deal for train travel. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to San Jose if you book your train tickets at least 26 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $1.57.
Average prices by travel date
Over the next four weeks, the average daily price of bus tickets to San Jose from San Francisco is expected to remain pretty much the same. As a result, a one-way bus trip will cost about C$12 regardless of the day you pick to travel.
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
Since the average price of bus trips from San Francisco to San Jose remains pretty consistent throughout the year, there’s no need to book your tickets too far in advance. However, we still recommend you purchase your bus tickets at least 48 hours ahead of departure time to avoid surprise last-minute surges and the risk of the bus selling out.
What bus companies travel from San Francisco to San Jose?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from San Francisco to San Jose that you can compare and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, FlixBus US usually offers more choice, with 4 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 4 | 1h 2m | $12.49 |
| Greyhound | 2 | 1h 48m | $13.09 |
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 4 trips per day from San Francisco to San Jose, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
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 2 bus trips from San Francisco to San Jose every day, with the average journey taking around 1 hours and 48 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to San Jose usually start from $12.
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the bus or in stations.
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.
The bus takes an average of one hour and 27 minutes to cover the 68 kilometers from San Francisco to San Jose. However, the fastest bus only takes 55 minutes. You'll have just enough time for a small nap on this relatively short bus 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by buses from San Francisco to San Jose on Sunday. Tickets for Sunday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Thursday. Thursday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The first bus leaves at 6:00am and the last bus leaves at 11:00pm. To see the times for all buses from San Francisco to San Jose, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 6 scheduled buses that travel from San Francisco to San Jose every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. Furthermore, all of these are direct buses which you can take the entire route from San Francisco to San Jose without transferring.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from San Francisco to San Jose; ticket prices start at $28.51.
City Information
San Francisco
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Located in the heart of Northern California's Bay Area, San Francisco is a geographically small but culturally huge city known for its historic cable cars, active waterfront, and the eclectic mix of hippies and techies who call it home. While it might be one of the most expensive U.S. cities to live in, San Fran can actually be very cheap to visit, and there is no shortage of unique sights to see.
If the city's omnipresent fog (nicknamed "Karl the Fog" by locals) takes a break, the best views and Instagram photo ops of the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge are found in Golden Gate Park. Stroll through the oldest Chinatown in North America to find the perfect dim sum, or if you and your boo prefer a little Full House moment, try a romantic picnic at Alamo Square Park in front of the Victorian "Painted Ladies." After all, San Francisco is one of the best vacation destinations for couples.
Since the city is condensed onto a small peninsula, exploring by bike is an efficient and scenic way to get around. When you’re ready to travel beyond city limits, San Francisco is a convenient hub for trips throughout Northern California. It's actually the first stop on Wanderu's West Coast Wine Tour, with the next stop, obviously, in Napa Valley. Whether traveling by bus, train, or through either of the two nearby airports, San Francisco is a can't-miss destination.
San Jose
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
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 San Francisco?
Main departure station: Caltrain Station - 5th & Townsend St
San Francisco has two bus stations with service to San Jose.
All bus stations in San Francisco:
Caltrain Station - 5th & Townsend St
Salesforce Transit Center
Where does the bus arrive in San Jose?
Main arrival station: Downtown San Jose - 129 W San Carlos St
These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in San Jose.
Bus stations in San Jose:
Downtown San Jose - 129 W San Carlos St
Diridon Station
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from San Jose to San Francisco?
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