San Jose to San Francisco bus
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Journey Information
There are 4 intercity buses per day from San Jose to San Francisco. Traveling by bus from San Jose to San Francisco usually takes around one hour and 4 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 | $8.99 |
| Trips per day | 4 |
| Most frequent service | FlixBus US |
| Bus lines | 1 |
How much is a bus ticket from San Jose to San Francisco?
Bus tickets for a trip from San Jose to San Francisco cost $8.99 on average. This is an excellent value for the trip. If you book your trip ahead of time using Wanderu, you can easily find bus tickets at or below this price.
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
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 10 days in advance. This way, you can save up to $0.49 on your bus ticket compared to booking last-minute.
What bus companies travel from San Jose to San Francisco?
There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from San Jose to San Francisco. FlixBus US connects the two cities by bus, it offers multiple scheduled buses per day for you to choose from.
| Bus | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| FlixBus US | 4 | 1h 4m | $9.20 |
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 Jose to San Francisco, and the average ticket for this route costs only .
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 one hour and 4 minutes to cover the 42 miles from San Jose to San Francisco. 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.
Sunday tends to be the busiest day for buses, as many passengers take the bus to San Francisco 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, Wednesday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you're looking for some extra space on the bus, traveling mid-week is your best bet.
The first bus leaves at 6:00am and the last bus leaves at 7:00am. To see the times for all buses from San Jose to San Francisco, enter your specific travel dates in the search bar.
There are 4 scheduled buses that travel from San Jose to San Francisco 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 Jose to San Francisco without transferring.
Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from San Jose to San Francisco; ticket prices start at $25.50.
City Information
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.
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.
Station Information
Where does the bus leave from in San Jose?
Main departure station: Downtown San Jose - 129 W San Carlos St
Most buses depart from the main station in San Jose.
All bus stations in San Jose:
Downtown San Jose - 129 W San Carlos St
Where does the bus arrive in San Francisco?
Main arrival station: Caltrain Station - 5th & Townsend St
All buses from San Jose arrive at one main station in San Francisco.
All bus stations in San Francisco:
Caltrain Station - 5th & Townsend St
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