Buses from San Francisco to San Jose
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Journey Information
There are 9 intercity buses per day from San Francisco to San Jose. Traveling by bus from San Francisco to San Jose usually takes around one hour and 19 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 55 minutes.
| Distance | 42 mi (68 km) |
| Shortest duration | 0h 55m |
| Cheapest price | $10.32 |
| Trips per day | 9 |
| Most frequent service | Greyhound |
| Bus lines | 2 |
How much is a bus ticket from San Francisco to San Jose?
$12.28 is the average price of a bus ticket from San Francisco to San Jose. This is currently one of the best deals in bus travel. 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
Over the next four weeks, the average ticket price of a bus from San Francisco to San Jose is expected to range from C$13 to C$19. If you are looking to travel to San Jose within the next week, you can find bus tickets starting from C$13. The cheapest bus tickets in the next month are C$13 and can be found on June 27, 2022.
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
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 29 days in advance. By doing so, you can expect to save C$3.64 on your bus ticket compared to booking at the last minute.
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 search and book on Wanderu. Of these two carriers, Greyhound usually offers more choice, with 5 scheduled trips per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 4 | 1h 4m | $12.74 |
| Greyhound | 5 | 1h 38m | $16.47 |
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 4 trips per day from San Francisco to San Jose, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
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 5 bus trips from San Francisco to San Jose every day, with the average journey taking around 1 hours and 38 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to San Jose usually start from $13.
Frequently Asked Questions
How close is San Jose to San Francisco?
What is the best way to travel to San Jose from San Francisco?
Is San Francisco to San Jose a good day-trip?
Is it safe to travel by bus from San Francisco 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 from San Francisco to San Jose?
The bus takes an average of one hour and 19 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.
What is the busiest day of the week to travel by bus?
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.
When do the earliest and latest buses leave San Francisco?
The first bus leaves at 8:00am and the last bus leaves at 10:00pm. To see the times for all buses from San Francisco to San Jose, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
How many buses are there each day?
There are 9 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 $65.85.
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?
Image credit: [email protected]
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Salesforce Plaza
Behind a modern curved façade lies San Francisco’s commuter hub, the Salesforce Transit Center. This gateway to downtown San Francisco and the entire Bay Area welcomes tens of thousands of passengers every day. Finding your way around is easy thanks to more than 270 digital displays with transit information. The Salesforce Transit Center serves as a bus station for Greyhound and Amtrak Thruway buses, as well as several public transit options for convenient connections. A standout feature of the Salesforce Transit Center is a public five-acre rooftop park which gives travelers an open space to relax. Rotating food trucks, cafés, carts, and pop-up retail make this a dynamic and vibrant destination in itself.
All bus stations in San Francisco:
Salesforce Plaza
Caltrain Station - 5th & Townsend St
Where does the bus arrive in San Jose?
Image credit: SPUR
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
Diridon Station opened in 1935 with architecture inspired by the Italian Renaissance, and today is a vital part of Silicon Valley’s transportation system. Diridon Station connects Amtrak train service to local commuter service like the Caltrain and VTA Light Rail. The station is also a major hub for bus transit on Amtrak Thruway and Greyhound buses. With paid parking onsite, bicycle racks, and accessible entrances, travelers can easily reach the station from nearby downtown San Jose. As a bonus, food trucks frequently set up outside the station to provide delicious cheap eats for passengers.
Bus stations in San Jose:
Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
Downtown San Jose - 129 W San Carlos St
Need a return trip from San Jose to San Francisco?
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