Cheap bus tickets from San Jose to San Diego

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Bus from San Jose to San Diego: Journey Information

There are 14 intercity buses per day from San Jose to San Diego. Traveling by bus from San Jose to San Diego usually takes around 13 hours and 43 minutes, but the fastest Tufesa Internacional bus can make the trip in 10 hours.

Distance
416 mi (670 km)
Shortest duration
10h
Cheapest price
SEK 525.08
Trips per day
6
Most frequent service
FlixBus US
Bus lines
4

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San Jose to San Diego Bus Schedule

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Bus Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for buses from San Jose to San Diego (Based on 3 ratings and reviews)

4.3

5.0

Jessimar

January 10, 2020 - Solo travel

Tufesa Internacional
Pros: On time. Cons: Nothing yet Tips: Put WiFi

3.0

Emily

May 31, 2019 - Visiting friends

Greyhound
Cons: Plug was broken for charging We were an hour late coming into LA so nearly missed connection and driver didn’t seem to care... Should be able to communicate with depo somehow to say we are close etc

How much is a bus ticket from San Jose to San Diego?

Bus tickets for a trip from San Jose to San Diego cost SEK 806 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 San Jose to San Diego by travel date

SEK 1,500SEK 1,000SEK 500OctNov

If you're planning to travel by bus from San Jose to San Diego in the next month, the average ticket price is expected to range from SEK 707 to SEK 1,493. The cheapest bus tickets available in the next few weeks are for trips departing on November 18, 2026. If you’re looking to travel to San Diego this week, bus tickets are available starting at SEK 786.

Average bus ticket prices from San Jose to San Diego by month

SEK 1,150SEK 920SEK 690SEK 460SEK 230JFMAMJJASOND

Taking the bus from San Jose to San Diego is usually cheapest in September, when the average ticket price is only SEK 943. If you're planning to take the bus from San Jose to San Diego during December, keep in mind that bus ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of SEK 1,130. However, booking your trip in advance can help you score a ticket at a better price.

Prices as travel date approaches

SEK 1,325SEK 1,060SEK 795SEK 530SEK 26501020

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 15 days in advance. This way, you can save up to SEK 497.67 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.

What bus companies travel from San Jose to San Diego?

There are 4 bus lines from San Jose to San Diego available for you to search and compare on Wanderu. With 8 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:

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak Thruway114h 21mSEK 1,355.67
FlixBus US816h 40mSEK 1,021.02
Greyhound413h 35mSEK 1,285.95
Tufesa Internacional410h 51mSEK 884.14
  • 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 San Jose to San Diego start at SEK 1,355.67. On average, there is 1 Amtrak Thruway bus trip 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 8 trips per day from San Jose to San Diego, and the average ticket for this route costs only SEK 1,021.02.

    USFLX-0USFLX-1USFLX-2USFLX-3USFLX-4USFLX-5
  • 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 4 bus trips from San Jose to San Diego every day, with the average journey taking around 13 hours and 35 minutes to complete. Bus tickets for Greyhound trips to San Diego usually start from SEK 756.23.

    Passengers boarding a Greyhound with their cheap bus tickets, ready for a comfortable and budget-friendly trip - WanderuA Greyhound bus parked, waiting for passengers with cheap bus tickets ready to travel - WanderuComfortable seating inside a Greyhound, perfect for those traveling with cheap bus tickets who want to make the most of their journey - WanderuA passenger using the power outlets available on Greyhound to access their affordable bus ticket digitally - WanderuA passenger uses Greyhound's onboard wifi to enjoy their intercity bus trip - WanderuA bus awaits passengers who have bought cheap Greyhound tickets - Wanderu
  • 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 4 trips from San Jose to San Diego, with prices starting from SEK 884.14. 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 about traveling by bus from San Jose to San Diego

Yes, there is a train from San Jose to San Diego, but you’ll have to make a transfer and it will take at least 12 hours 30 minutes to make the trip. A train ticket also costs around $70 on average. You’re better off just taking a direct bus, which takes as little as 9 hours and 35 minutes. Bus tickets start at just $30.

The best way to get from San Jose to San Diego depends on your budget. Even accounting for extra time at the airport, flying is definitely the fastest travel option, but a one-way, nonstop ticket usually costs between $45 and $115. The best budget option is taking a bus. Bus tickets from San Jose to San Diego start at just $30.

The drive from San Jose to San Diego covers 459.5 miles (about 740 kilometers), which takes about 7 hours 20 minutes with little to no traffic in your own vehicle (not counting rest stops). A bus can take you from San Jose to San Diego in as little as 9 hours 35 minutes.

There are 14 scheduled buses that travel from San Jose to San Diego 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 Jose to San Diego; ticket prices start at SEK 953.

Trips per day

14

Direct trips

6

The bus takes an average of 13 hours and 43 minutes to cover the 416 miles from San Jose to San Diego. 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)

416

Distance (km)

670

The first bus leaves at 12:35 AM and the last bus leaves at 5:30 PM. To see the times for all buses from San Jose to San Diego, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.

Earliest bus

12:35am

Latest bus

5:30pm

With many people traveling in the middle of the week, Wednesday is the busiest day of the week for bus travel. If you are planning to travel on a Wednesday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out. On the other hand, Saturday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Saturday ticket is the way to go.

Most crowded

Wednesday

Least crowded

Saturday

City Information

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.

San Diego

SAN-0SAN-1SAN-2

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.

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in San Jose?

Main departure station: Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St

Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St - SJCDCS-0

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
  • San Jose Tufesa
  • San Jose Fronteras

Where does the bus arrive in San Diego?

Main arrival station: San Ysidro Bus Terminal

Buses arrive in San Diego at 7 stations, depending on which bus line you are traveling with.

All bus stations in San Diego:

  • San Ysidro Bus Terminal
  • San Ysidro Transit Center
  • 2728 Congress St (Old Town SD)
  • La Jolla - UC San Diego
  • Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd
  • 789 W Harbor Dr - Seaport Village

Need a return trip from San Diego to San Jose?

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