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Journey Information
There are 18 intercity buses per day from San Diego to San Jose. Traveling by bus from San Diego to San Jose usually takes around 11 hours and 59 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 9 hours and 20 minutes.
| Distance | 416 mi (670 km) |
| Shortest duration | 9h 20m |
| Cheapest price | $40.17 |
| Trips per day | 6 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 3 |
Buses from San Diego to San Jose
- FlixBus US: 10 daily buses from $40
- Greyhound: 7 daily buses from $40
- Tufesa Internacional: 2 daily buses from $84
How much is a bus ticket from San Diego to San Jose?
Bus tickets for a trip from San Diego to San Jose cost $72.61 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 prices by travel date
Over the next four weeks, the average price of bus tickets from San Diego to San Jose is expected to be between $63 and $94. The cheapest day to travel in the next month is December 8, 2023, when tickets are available for December 8, 2023. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next week start at just $63.
Monthly average prices
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 24 days in advance to save $65.78 or more on your ticket, compared to booking at the last minute.
What bus companies travel from San Diego to San Jose?
There are 3 bus lines from San Diego to San Jose available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 10 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:
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 10 | 11h 35m | $111.55 |
| Greyhound | 7 | 12h 37m | $93.04 |
| Tufesa Internacional | 2 | 11h 6m | $84.32 |
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 10 trips per day from San Diego 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 7 bus trips from San Diego to San Jose every day, with the average journey taking around 12 hours and 37 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to San Jose usually start from $40.
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 2 from San Diego to San Jose, with prices starting from $84. 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
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 11 hours and 59 minutes to cover the 416 miles from San Diego to San Jose. However, the fastest bus only takes 9 hours and 20 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.
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to San Jose at the end of the week. If you are planning to travel on a Sunday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.
On the other hand, Thursday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Thursday ticket is the way to go.
The first bus leaves at 5:00am and the last bus leaves at 8:00pm. To see the times for all buses from San Diego to San Jose, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 18 scheduled buses that travel from San Diego to San Jose every day, so you have a decent number of options to choose from. This includes 6 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 San Diego to San Jose; ticket prices start at $62.00.
City Information
San Diego
San Diego is known as "America's Finest City" for its sunny weather, white-sand beaches, and dazzling attractions from Belmont Park to SeaWorld. San Diego's 70 miles of pristine beaches include such gems as Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, La Jolla Cove, and Coronado Beach. The city's strong surfing culture may even inspire you to rent a surfboard and catch the epic waves, bro.
Visitors can spend days getting lost in Balboa Park, a 1,200-acre cultural hub which features 16 museums, immaculate gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. The historic heart of the city, Old Town, showcases San Diego's heritage and ties to Mexican culture, while other sights like the USS Midway pay tribute to the city's military and maritime history. Leave time for some evening exploring, too! San Diego is rated the #1 best city for craft beer in America, so don't miss out on the bars in the Gaslamp Quarter: 16 walkable blocks packed with nightlife and young crowds.
Two airports, as well as many bus and train options, mean it is easy to get to San Diego from afar or from nearby cities like Tijuana, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.
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 Diego?
Main departure station: San Ysidro Transit Center
Buses to San Jose leave from 8 stations in San Diego.
All bus stations in San Diego:
San Ysidro Transit Center
San Diego Greyhound Bus Stop
2728 Congress St (Old Town SD)
La Jolla - UC San Diego
San Ysidro CA
789 W Harbor Dr - Seaport Village
SDSU - 5716 Hardy Ave
Balboa Park - Presidents Way
Where does the bus arrive in San Jose?
Main arrival station: Downtown San Jose - 129 W San Carlos St
Buses arrive in San Jose at 4 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.
All bus stations in San Jose:
Downtown San Jose - 129 W San Carlos St
Diridon Station
440 S King Rd
1118 E William St
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from San Jose to San Diego?
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