Irvine, CA, USA to San Jose, CA, USA from $634: 10 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from Irvine to San Jose: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$634 - Night busBest price
620 kmDistance
2h 53m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Irvine to San Jose with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.
Irvine - San Jose operators
Explore transport companies operating between Irvine and San Jose, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
southwest.com
Plane from Santa Ana (SNA) to San Jose (SJC)
Average Duration
1h 22mEstimated price
$63-356Plane from Santa Ana (SNA) to Oakland (OAK)
Average Duration
1h 30mEstimated price
$59-332Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to San Jose (SJC)
Average Duration
1h 14mEstimated price
$261-262Plane from Long Beach (LGB) to San Jose (SJC)
Average Duration
1h 15mEstimated price
$263-264Contact phone
(800) 371-LINK (5465)Website
metrolinktrains.com
Train from Tustin station to L. A. Union Station station
Average Duration
1h 8mEstimated price
$1841-1842Train from Tustin station to Los Angeles
Average Duration
1h 8mEstimated price
$1841-1842Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from Los Angeles to San Jose
Average Duration
9h 55mEstimated price
$268-637Train from Los Angeles to San Jose
Average Duration
9h 55mEstimated price
$1847-18450Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
greyhound.com
Bus from Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center to San Jose Diridon Station
Average Duration
7h 45mEstimated price
$3563-3566Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
flixbus.com
all-pages.transport_night bus from Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center to San Jose Downtown
Average Duration
7h 40mEstimated price
$638-639Irvine to San Jose: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Irvine and San Jose offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, you’re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
🚗 Start your road trip adventure from Irvine and prepare for a scenic drive of 386 miles to reach vibrant San Jose.
💰 Plan your budget wisely as the prices for the journey by car can range from $70 to $110, ensuring you have enough for gas, snacks, and any unexpected expenses along the way.
🌉 Enjoy the approximately 6 hours and 25 minutes drive through diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to picturesque countryside, before arriving in San Jose, ready to explore all it has to offer.
Average price
$70 - $110
🚈 Traveling from Irvine to San Jose by train is a scenic journey that involves a transfer in Los Angeles. The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 12 hours and 7 minutes.
🚈 While the trip may take longer than driving, it offers a relaxing way to enjoy the landscapes of California. Travelers can choose from a range of ticket prices, between $26 to $184, depending on their preferences and budget.
Departure Point
Tustin station
Arrival Point
San Jose station
Useful tips for train travellers
• For your trip from Irvine to San Jose, consider traveling with Amtrak as they provide onboard catering services. They have a cafe car where you can purchase snacks, beverages, and light meals. You can also pre-order meals for First Class passengers, ensuring a more convenient dining experience during your journey.
• Amtrak offers different seating options on this route: First Class provides spacious seating and premium services, Business Class offers comfortable seating with additional amenities, and Economy is certainly budget-friendly with standard seating. If you're looking for a quiet environment and better service, Business Class is a great option.
• Along your train journey from Irvine to San Jose, the primary operator is Amtrak. More information, including schedules and ticket booking, can be found at their official website: Amtrak. Upon arrival in San Jose, you can also check the local transit information to connect to your next destination.
• When you arrive at San Jose Diridon Station, you'll find facilities such as restrooms available for passengers. However, keep in mind that there is no luggage storage available at this station, so plan accordingly for your baggage. For a quick journey to the city center, you can take Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) Light Rail Line 901; simply board the train, and it will take you directly downtown in approximately 10-15 minutes.
🛫 Flying from Irvine to San Jose is convenient with a quick 1 hour and 20-minute direct flight from Santa Ana Airport to San Jose Airport.
🎫 Southwest Airlines provides flights from Santa Ana to San Jose, allowing travelers to reach their destination in just under 3 hours.
💸 Flight prices between San Jose and Irvine can range from $63 to $356, offering travelers options to suit their budget and schedule.
Departure Point
Santa Ana Airport
Arrival Point
San Jose Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Book your flight with Southwest Airlines, as they often have the most direct options and the best on-time performance for this route, making your journey from Santa Ana to San Jose smooth and efficient.
• Upon arriving at San Jose International Airport (SJC), follow the clear signage to the Terminal A or Terminal B pickup areas for rideshares and taxis; expect a taxi fare of approximately $25-$35 to downtown San Jose, which takes about 15-20 minutes depending on traffic.
• If you're looking to grab a quick bite while at the airport, check out the local dining options like The Farmers Union located in Terminal B for a taste of California cuisine; furthermore, for local transport schedules from the airport, you can visit VTA for up-to-date bus information.
🚌 Starting from Main-Harvard in Irvine travelers can board a Greyhound USA bus bound for San Jose. 🛣️ Although there are no direct routes, passengers will transfer at the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center during the 9-hour and 41-minute journey.
🎫 Greyhound USA operates the services from Irvine to San Jose, with the final destination being the San Jose Diridon Station. 💰 The price of a bus ticket between these two cities ranges from $42 to $97, offering budget-friendly travel options for passengers.
Departure Point
Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center station
Arrival Point
San Jose Diridon Station
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Irvine to San Jose.
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The distance between Irvine and San Jose is approximately 554 km by air and 620 km by road. Travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. Taking a direct flight from Irvine to San Jose typically takes around 2 hours and 50 minutes. Alternatively, taking a train from Irvine to San Jose takes around 12 hours and 7 minutes, while driving by car takes approximately 6 hours and 25 minutes. Buses from Irvine to San Jose usually have a travel time of about 9 hours and 41 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Irvine to San Jose is to take the night bus, which typically costs between $30 and $120 and takes approximately 9 hours and 39 minutes. However, for time efficiency, the quickest option is to fly, which typically takes around 2 hours and 50 minutes and costs between $55 and $310.
When traveling from Irvine to San Jose the price for a train ticket can range from $26 to $184. Alternatively, taking a bus between San Jose and Irvine can cost anywhere from $42 to $97.
To get from Irvine to San Jose without using public transportation, you can drive. The distance between the two cities is 621 km and it takes approximately 6 hours and 25 minutes by car. The cost of fuel for the journey can range from $70 to $110 depending on the market and the type of vehicle you have.
The best way to travel from Irvine to San Jose without a car would be by bus, which takes approximately 9 hours and 41 minutes and costs between $40 and $100. Another option is to fly, with a travel time of around 2 hours and 50 minutes and a cost range of $55 to $310. Alternatively, you can take a train, which has a longer travel time of 12 hours and 7 minutes but costs between $26 and $190.
No, there is no direct link between Irvine and San Jose. The train services from Irvine to San Jose require transfers and the journey takes approximately 12 hours and 7 minutes. Similarly, the bus services from Irvine to San Jose also involve transfers and the journey takes approximately 9 hours and 41 minutes.
The flight between Irvine and San Jose typically takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary between $57 and $304. Once you arrive in San Jose, the easiest way to get to the city is by taking a taxi or rideshare service, which should take around 10-15 minutes depending on traffic.
There are many accommodation options available in San Jose with over 684 hotels to choose from. Prices for hotels in San Jose start at $49 per night, offering a range of budget-friendly and luxury options. Some popular hotel chains in the area include Marriott, Hilton, and Hyatt, allowing travelers to find a suitable stay based on their preferences and budget.