Los Angeles, CA, USA to San Jose, CA, USA from $17: 12 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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How to Get from Los Angeles to San Jose: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$17 by trainBest price

496 kmDistance

3h 2m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Los Angeles 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.

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Los Angeles - San Jose operators

Explore transport companies operating between Los Angeles and San Jose, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Plane

Website

southwest.com

Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to San Jose (SJC)

Average Duration

3h 2m

Estimated price

66-283

Website

delta.com

Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to San Jose (SJC)

Average Duration

1h 13m

Estimated price

1600-1601

Train Show train routes

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

amtrak.com

Train from Los Angeles to San Jose

Average Duration

9h 55m

Estimated price

17-160

Train from L. A. Union Station to San Jose

Average Duration

9h 55m

Estimated price

17-160

Bus Show bus routes

Contact phone

+1 214-849-8100

Website

greyhound.com

Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to San Jose Diridon Station

Average Duration

6h 20m

Estimated price

10725-2834

Contact phone

+1 408-729-7885

Website

xedohoang.com

Bus from Chinatown Metro Station - Los Angeles, CA to San José, CA

Average Duration

6h 15m

Estimated price

669-2830

Contact phone

+1 (855) 626-8585

Website

flixbus.com

Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to San Jose Downtown

Average Duration

7h 55m

Estimated price

37219-173

Contact phone

+1 833 766 3553

Website

tufesainternacional.com

Bus from Downtown Los Angeles to Santa Clara / S 24th St - San Jose

Average Duration

7h 40m

Estimated price

668-1600

Drive

Drive from Los Angeles to San Jose

Average Duration

5h 43m

Estimated price

2833-2834

Los Angeles to San Jose: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Los Angeles 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.

Average price

$60 - $90

Traveling by train from Los Angeles to San Jose provides a convenient and scenic option for those looking to explore California. With services departing twice daily and operating every day, the journey takes approximately 9 hours and 55 minutes. Operated by Amtrak, the train departs from Los Angeles Union Station and arrives at San Jose Diridon Station. The prices for this trip vary from $17 to $160, offering budget-friendly and premium options for travelers. Route 1 offers a trip duration of 10 hours and 39 minutes, covering a distance of 682.4 km with a transfer. The first step involves taking the Pacific Surfliner train from Union Station to Simi Valley, followed by boarding the Coast Starlight train to San Jose. Route 2 takes approximately 12 hours and 39 minutes, spanning a distance of 680.8 km with a transfer. The first step involves a Metrolink Ventura County Line train from Union Station to Oxnard, followed by a Coast Starlight train to San Jose. Both routes provide unique opportunities to enjoy the picturesque landscapes of California while offering flexibility in terms of travel schedules and budget options.

Departure Point

Los Angeles station

Arrival Point

San Jose station

Departure Point

Los Angeles Airport

Arrival Point

San Jose Airport

Useful tips for plane travellers

• Opt for an early morning flight, as LA traffic can significantly delay your journey to LAX, which is especially important for this route with its shorter than average flight time of just 1h 10m.

• Upon arrival at San Jose International Airport (SJC), follow the signs to the baggage claim area, and note that the airport is compact; reaching the rental car area or ground transportation is a straightforward process, taking no more than 10 minutes.

• Expect to pay approximately $25 to $35 for a taxi from San Jose International Airport to downtown San Jose, and consider using rideshare services like Uber or Lyft for a potentially lower cost and more convenient option, especially during peak travel times.

Departure Point

Los Angeles Union Station

Arrival Point

San Jose Diridon Station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Los Angeles to San Jose.

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The distance between Los Angeles and San Jose is 495.7 km. The typical travel times by various modes of transportation are as follows: by train, it takes 9h 55m, by flying to San Francisco and then taking the Caltrain, it takes 4h 31m, by plane it takes 3h 10m, by car it takes 5h 43m, and by bus it takes 6h 20m.

The most cost-effective option for traveling from Los Angeles to San Jose is by bus, which takes approximately 6 hours and 20 minutes and costs between $30 and $65. If time is a priority, the quickest option is to fly, which takes around 3 hours and 4 minutes and costs between $80 and $360.

The prices for a train ticket between Los Angeles and San Jose vary between $17 and $160, depending on the class and type of ticket purchased. For a bus ticket between San Jose and Los Angeles, prices can range from $30 to $65, depending on the bus company and the time of travel.

To travel from Los Angeles to San Jose without using public transportation, you can choose to rent a car and drive. The driving distance is approximately 550.4 km, and it typically takes around 5 hours and 43 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The cost of renting a car can vary between $60 and $90, depending on the rental company and type of vehicle chosen.

The best way to travel from Los Angeles to San Jose without a car is by taking a bus. This option takes about 6 hours and 20 minutes and costs between $30 and $65. Another option is to fly, which is faster, taking around 3 hours and 10 minutes, but costs between $65 and $270. Alternatively, you can also take a train, which takes longer at 9 hours and 55 minutes, but ranges in price from $17 to $160.

Yes, there is a direct link between Los Angeles and San Jose. Amtrak operates a direct train service that departs twice daily and takes approximately 9 hours and 55 minutes. Greyhound USA also offers a direct bus service between the two cities, with departures five times a day and a journey time of around 6 hours and 20 minutes.

The flight between Los Angeles and San Jose typically takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes. The cost of the flight varies, ranging from $66 to $263, depending on factors such as the airline and the time of booking.

There are a variety of accommodation options available near San Jose. With over 684 hotels to choose from, travelers can find options to suit their preferences and budget. Prices start at $49 per night, ensuring a range of affordable options for visitors.