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Sacramento, CA, USA to San Jose, CA, USA from $21: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Sacramento, United States
to
San Jose, United States

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

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$21 - OtherBest price
187 kmDistance
2h 1m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

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

Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
3h  6m
Estimated price
$5-90
Recommended
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
2h  1m
Estimated price
$21-35
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 187 km
Duration: 2h 1m

See more options

Company
Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service
Bus
Average Duration
3h  7m
Estimated price
$0-0
Company
United Airlines / Caltrain
Plane
Average Duration
4h  6m
Estimated price
$116-402

Sacramento - San Jose operators

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

Train
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from Sacramento to San Jose

Average Duration
3h 6m
Estimated price
$5-90
Contact phone
+1 800-660-4287
Website
http://www.caltrain.com

Train from Millbrae Caltrain to San Jose Diridon

Average Duration
1h 16m
Estimated price
$56-57
Bus
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Bus from Sacramento to Stockton

Average Duration
1h
Estimated price
0-0

Bus from Stockton to San Jose

Average Duration
2h 5m
Estimated price
0-0
Plane
Website
united.com

Plane from Sacramento (SMF) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
1h 9m
Estimated price
$180-420

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

Traveling between Sacramento 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.

🚗 Embark on a picturesque journey from Sacramento to San Jose, covering a scenic driving distance of 117 miles. Enjoy the smooth ride that takes approximately 2 hours and 1 minute through the beautiful landscapes of California. 💸 Explore the budget-friendly options to travel by car from Sacramento to San Jose, with prices ranging from $21 to $35. Flexibility in pricing allows you to choose a comfortable and cost-effective way to reach your destination while enjoying the road trip experience.
Average price
$21 - $35
🚆 Traveling from Sacramento to San Jose by train is a convenient and enjoyable journey. The direct train operated by Amtrak runs every four hours, providing flexibility for travelers on any day of the week. The trip typically takes around 3 hours and 6 minutes, allowing passengers to relax and enjoy the scenic route between the two cities. 🚆 The train service from Sacramento to San Jose is efficient, with departures and arrivals at the respective stations managed by Amtrak. With a distance of 134 miles, passengers can expect a smooth ride onboard the Capitol Corridor train. The prices for this route vary from $5 to $90, offering budget-friendly options for different travelers. 🚆 Whether you choose Route 1, Route 2, or Route 3, the journey from Sacramento to San Jose by train promises a travel time of approximately 3 hours, making it a convenient option for those looking to explore both cities. With reliable services provided by Amtrak and the Capitol Corridor Joint Powers Authority, passengers can rest assured of a comfortable and seamless trip from Sacramento to San Jose.
Departure Point
Sacramento station
Arrival Point
San Jose station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On the Amtrak Capitol Corridor service, you can enjoy onboard catering options, including snacks and beverages available for purchase from the café car. They offer a variety of items like sandwiches, salads, and drinks. Make sure to grab something before reaching your destination, especially if you have dietary preferences.
• The train offers different seating options, including Coach Class and Business Class. Coach Class is economical and includes comfortable seating with ample legroom, while Business Class provides more spacious seating and additional amenities. If you value extra comfort and amenities such as complimentary refreshments, consider upgrading to Business Class.
• For your route, the primary operator is Amtrak. You can check schedules and book tickets through their website: amtrak.com Alternatively, you may also consider Caltrain, which operates a service from nearby stations, and you can find their information at caltrain.com Always verify travel times and availability as these can change.
🛫 Embark on a seamless journey from Sacramento to San Jose by catching a quick flight from Sacramento Airport to San Francisco Airport. With United Airlines as a reliable option for this route, the direct flight takes just 1 hour and 7 minutes.
Departure Point
Sacramento Airport
Arrival Point
San Francisco Airport
🚌 The total travel time for this bus trip, including transfers, is approximately 3 hours and 7 minutes. This route is operated by Amtrak, with departures from Sacramento station and arrivals at San Jose station. 🚌 While there are alternative routes with transfers to reach San Jose from Sacramento, the typical journey takes around 3 hours and 7 minutes to complete, offering a convenient bus travel option between the two cities.
Departure Point
Sacramento station
Arrival Point
San Jose station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• For a smooth journey from Sacramento to San Jose, opt for the Amtrak Chartered Motorcoach via Stockton, as this method involves a single transfer and ensures a relatively quick 3h 7m trip, which is more efficient compared to other options.
• While waiting at Stockton's San Joaquin Street Station for your transfer to San Jose, consider grabbing a coffee or snack from one of the nearby cafes; local favorites like 'Denny's' and 'Starbucks' offer convenient, quick-service options to refresh you before continuing your trip.
• Upon arrival at San Jose's Amtrak station, familiarize yourself with the layout by reviewing the station map available at amtrak.com and check local transport options to your final destination; VTA light rail and buses provide easy connectivity to downtown and beyond.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Sacramento to San Jose.

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The distance between Sacramento and San Jose is approximately 143.2 km by air and 187.5 km by road. Travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation chosen. By train, it takes around 3 hours and 6 minutes to travel from Sacramento to San Jose. By car, the journey takes about 2 hours and 1 minute. By bus, the travel time is approximately 3 hours and 7 minutes. For a combination of flight and Caltrain, the travel time is about 3 hours and 59 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Sacramento to San Jose is to drive. It takes approximately 2 hours and 1 minute to drive the distance of 187.5 km between the two cities. Driving also tends to be more affordable, with costs ranging from $21 to $35 depending on factors such as fuel prices and tolls.
The prices for a train ticket from Sacramento to San Jose range from $5 to $90, depending on factors such as class of service and time of booking.
To travel from Sacramento to San Jose without public transportation, the best option would be to drive. The driving distance is approximately 188.3 km and it takes around 2 hours and 1 minute to reach San Jose from Sacramento by car. The cost of the trip by car can vary, with prices ranging from $21 to $35 depending on factors such as gas prices and tolls.
The best way to travel from Sacramento to San Jose without a car is by train. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 6 minutes and ticket prices range from $5 to $90. Alternatively, there are also buses available which take around 3 hours and 7 minutes. Additionally, you can consider flying followed by taking the Caltrain, with a total travel time of 3 hours and 59 minutes.
Yes, there is a direct link between Sacramento and San Jose. You can take a train operated by Amtrak, which departs every four hours and takes approximately 3 hours and 6 minutes. There are no direct bus routes, but you can take a bus operated by Amtrak, which also takes around 3 hours and 7 minutes with transfers.
The flight between Sacramento and San Jose typically takes around 1 hour and 2 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary depending on various factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability, but it typically ranges from $100 to $300 for a one-way ticket.
There are plenty of accommodation options available in and around San Jose. With over 684 hotels to choose from, you will surely find something to suit your needs and preferences. Prices for hotels in San Jose start at $49 per night, offering a range of budget-friendly to luxury options.