Cheap bus tickets from Irvine to San Jose
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Is it better to travel by bus or train from Irvine to San Jose?
There are usually 6 daily train trips available from Irvine to San Jose.
Bus | Train | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price€73.16 | Avg. Price€97.21 |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips1 | Daily Trips6 |
Duration | Duration13h 6m | Duration11h 21m |
Bus from Irvine to San Jose: Journey Information
There is one daily bus from Irvine to San Jose. Traveling by bus from Irvine to San Jose usually takes around 14 hours and 12 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 10 hours and 25 minutes.
| Distance | 342 mi (550 km) |
| Shortest duration | 10h 25m |
| Cheapest price | €41.08 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Thruway |
| Bus lines | 2 |
How much is a bus ticket from Irvine to San Jose?
Bus tickets for a trip from Irvine to San Jose cost €74.60 on average. While it’s a bit pricey for a bus ticket, it’s still significantly more cost-effective than flying. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Prices as travel date approaches
The easiest way to save money on bus tickets is by booking in advance! Many carriers increase prices as the travel date approaches, so it's always a good idea to buy your tickets as early as possible. Book at least 27 days in advance to save €12.94 or more on your ticket, compared to booking at the last minute.
What bus companies travel from Irvine to San Jose?
There are two bus lines that have daily service from Irvine to San Jose that you can compare and book on Wanderu. However, each company only runs one bus per day.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Thruway | 1 | 15h 15m | €81.44 |
| FlixBus US | 1 | 10h 25m | €72.18 |
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 Irvine to San Jose start at €81. On average, there are 1 Amtrak Thruway bus trips on this route every day.
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 1 trips per day from Irvine to San Jose, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Irvine to San Jose
The bus takes an average of 14 hours and 12 minutes to cover the 342 miles from Irvine to San Jose. However, the fastest bus only takes 10 hours and 25 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.
Tuesday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Tuesday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Sunday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you are looking for less crowded buses to San Jose, book your ticket for the last day of the week.
There is usually only one bus per day from Irvine to San Jose. It leaves the station in Irvine at 7:00pm each day. The time might vary for specific dates, so be sure to search on Wanderu for the most up-to-date information.
There is usually only one bus per day from Irvine to San Jose. However, it is not a direct bus, so you will have to get off your original vehicle to change buses during the trip.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Irvine to San Jose; ticket prices start at €67.91.
City Information
Irvine
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Though Irvine is probably most famous for its corporations and university campuses, the city is well worth the trip for its variety of attractions and activities. Start with a date night at the Irvine Barclay Theatre, which boasts an intimate atmosphere and superb acoustics. You could also check out the UCI Arboretum, where you can learn more about the unique flora of the coastal California region. The Beall Center for Art + Technology features interesting exhibitions that fuse modern art with futuristic technologies.
When you've worked up an appetite, you can find a wide variety of dining options available in the city. For some of the best Japanese dishes in town, check out Fukuda, which serves udon and soba dishes. If you are craving a good chicken parm, North Italia has just what you need!
It's easy to get to Irvine from anywhere in Southern California via intercity buses or Amtrak trains. Flights operate through the nearby John Wayne Airport-Orange County Airport, just 4.3 miles away from downtown.
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 Irvine?
Image credit: Adam Moss
Link to image attributionMain departure station: Irvine Transp Ctr - 15215 Barranca Pkwy
Irvine Station – also known as Irvine Transportation Center – is the busiest station in South Orange County, serving over a million passengers annually. It first opened in 1990 on the south side of the decommissioned Marine Corps Air Station El Toro in the Spectrum district. The station serves Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner, Metrolink (Southern California's commuter rail system), and various local transit bus lines part of the Orange County Transportation Authority's network. In the vicinity of the station, there are hotels, offices, and shops. Irvine Station is also close to the Irvine Spectrum Center, one of SoCal's most popular entertainment and shopping destinations.
All bus stations in Irvine:
Irvine Transp Ctr - 15215 Barranca Pkwy
University of CA - Crawford Hall
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.
All bus stations in San Jose:
Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
Diridon Station
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from San Jose to Irvine?
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