Cheap bus tickets from Riverside to San Jose

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Bus from Riverside to San Jose: Journey Information

There is one daily bus from Riverside to San Jose. Traveling by bus from Riverside to San Jose usually takes around 19 hours and 34 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 10 hours,

Distance
344 mi (553 km)
Shortest duration
10h
Cheapest price
$56.96
Trips per day
0
Most frequent service
FlixBus US
Bus lines
1

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Riverside to San Jose Bus Schedule

Is it better to travel by bus or train from Riverside to San Jose?

There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Riverside to San Jose.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price$124.27Avg. Price$109.86Cheaper
Daily Trips1Daily Trips5
Duration19h 34mDuration11h 59mFaster
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How much is a bus ticket from Riverside to San Jose?

Bus tickets for a trip from Riverside to San Jose cost $79.96 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.

Average bus ticket prices from Riverside to San Jose by travel date

$180$120$60OctOct

If you're planning to travel by bus from Riverside to San Jose in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from $58 to $168. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on October 21, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to San Jose this week, bus tickets are available starting at $86.

Average bus ticket prices from Riverside to San Jose by month

$175$140$105$70$35JFMAMJJASOND

Taking the bus from Riverside to San Jose is usually cheapest in August, when the average ticket price is only $98. If you're planning to take the bus from Riverside to San Jose during February, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $169. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.

Prices as travel date approaches

$150$120$90$60$3001020

Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices closer to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. To find the cheapest bus tickets, book your trip at least 14 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $65.01 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from Riverside to San Jose?

There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Riverside to San Jose. FlixBus US is the only company that has bus schedules available to search and book at the moment. It only makes the trip once a day on most days.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US119h 34m$124.27
  • 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 Riverside to San Jose, and the average ticket for this route costs only $124.27.

    USFLX-0USFLX-1USFLX-2USFLX-3USFLX-4USFLX-5

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from Riverside to San Jose

There is usually only one bus per day from Riverside 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 Riverside to San Jose; ticket prices start at $80.

Trips per day

1

Direct trips

0

The bus takes an average of 19 hours and 34 minutes to cover the 344 miles from Riverside to San Jose. However, the fastest bus only takes 10 hours. 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.

Distance (mi)

344

Distance (km)

553

There is usually only one bus per day from Riverside to San Jose. It leaves the station in Riverside at 7:35pm each day. The time might vary for specific dates, so be sure to search on Wanderu for the most up-to-date information.

Earliest bus

3:30pm

Latest bus

7:35pm

Thursday is usually the day of the week when buses are busiest. If you are planning to travel on a Thursday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out. On the other hand, Monday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. For a less crowded trip, try to book your bus travel for the beginning of the week.

Most crowded

Thursday

Least crowded

Monday

City Information

Riverside

Riverside, CA - RIV-0Riverside, CA - RIV-1Riverside, CA - RIV-2

Riverside is the most populous city in the Inland Empire and the birthplace of the local citrus industry. One of the most popular buildings in the city is the Mission Inn, a historic landmark that is also the largest Mission Revival Style building in the country. The building is now a popular local hotel and spa, offering top-notch hospitality services. While nearby, don't forget to check out the Mission Inn Museum as well. If you are looking to enjoy a great panoramic view of the entire city, take a short hike to the top of Mount Rubidoux, and you will not be disappointed!

Riverside boasts a generally vibrant food scene with plenty of establishments to choose from. The Mission Inn itself offers incredible traditional Spanish dishes and a fabulous open-air patio dining spot. For seasonal produce and local dishes, check out Salted Pig!

Riverside is served by Amtrak trains and several bus companies that operate routes throughout Southern California and beyond. In addition, there are three major airports in Riverside's general area: Ontario International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, and John Wayne Orange County Airport.

San Jose

San Jose, CA - SJC-0San Jose, CA - SJC-1San Jose, CA - SJC-2

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 Riverside?

Main departure station: UC Parking Lot 30 - 900 Martin Luther King BLVD

Most buses depart from the main station in Riverside.

All bus stations in Riverside:

  • UC Parking Lot 30 - 900 Martin Luther King BLVD

Where does the bus arrive in San Jose?

Main arrival station: Diridon Station

These are the two stations where buses may stop when they arrive in San Jose.

All bus stations in San Jose:

  • Diridon Station
  • Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St

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With just a quick search on Wanderu, you can compare bus and train schedules and prices from hundreds of travel companies in one convenient place to find the trip that works best for you. Wanderu’s simple checkout process makes it easy to book cheap bus and train tickets hassle-free. Most importantly, as Wanderu is an official partner of all leading bus and train companies, we always have the best bus and train deals out there.