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San Francisco, CA, USA to San Jose, CA, USA from $7: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
San Francisco, United States
to
San Jose, United States

How to Get from San Francisco 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.

$7 - BARTBest price
67.6 kmDistance
52m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Francisco 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
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
1h 
Estimated price
$5-40
Recommended
Company
BART
BART
Average Duration
1h  10m
Estimated price
$7-10
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 67.6 km
Duration: 52m

See more options

Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
52m
Estimated price
$8-13
Company
Caltrain
Train
Average Duration
1h  41m
Estimated price
$9-12
Company
various
Taxi
Average Duration
52m
Estimated price
$260-320
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Traveling From San Francisco to San Jose

The journey from San Francisco to San Jose showcases bustling city life and iconic landmarks in the former, contrasted with the tech-driven atmosphere and cultural diversity found in the latter.

Best Neighbourhoods in San Jose

San Jose boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering unique experiences for visitors.

Downtown San Jose
• Home to the Tech Museum of Innovation.
• Vibrant nightlife with diverse dining options.
Santana Row
• Upscale shopping in an outdoor mall setting.
• Picturesque streets with European-inspired architecture.
Willow Glen
• Charming tree-lined streets and historic homes.
• Quaint boutiques and cozy cafes abound.

Best Times To Visit San Jose's Attractions

Timing your visits can enhance your San Jose experience significantly.

The Tech Museum of Innovation
Visit on weekdays for fewer crowds and a more immersive experience.
San Jose Museum of Art
Late afternoons on Thursdays offer extended hours and a quieter atmosphere.
Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
Early mornings during weekdays provide a peaceful exploration of the exhibits.

San Jose Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Jose enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters; ideal conditions commonly prevail from late spring through early fall. Understanding the weather patterns can help you plan your activities better and make the most of your travel experience.

Dining Recommendation

For a taste of San Jose's vibrant culinary scene, try the flavorful carne asada tacos at La Vicky's, where the casual, homey atmosphere contrasts with San Francisco's upscale dining establishments. The emphasis on fresh, local ingredients and authentic recipes provides a unique dining experience that showcases the city's rich cultural heritage.

San Francisco - San Jose operators

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

Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
flixbus.com

Bus from San Francisco to San Jose Downtown

Average Duration
1h
Estimated price
$5-40
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
greyhound.com

Bus from San Francisco Bus Station to San Jose Diridon Station

Average Duration
1h 50m
Estimated price
$5-35
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1-510-464-6000
Website
bart.gov

Train from Civic Center / UN Plaza to Berryessa / North San Jose

Average Duration
1h 10m
Estimated price
$7-10
Contact phone
+1 800-660-4287
Website
caltrain.com

Train from San Francisco Caltrain Southbound to San Jose Diridon Caltrain Southbound

Average Duration
1h 41m
Estimated price
$9-12
all-pages.other Show other routes
Contact phone
+1 415.333.3333
Website
yellowcabsf.com

Other from San Francisco to San Jose

Average Duration
52m
Estimated price
$260-320

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

Traveling between San Francisco 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 scenic road trip from San Francisco to San Jose, covering a picturesque driving distance of 77.2 km, which can be easily covered in just under an hour. 💰 Enjoy the flexibility of pricing options ranging from $8 to $13 for your journey from San Francisco to San Jose by car, making it a budget-friendly travel choice.
Average price
$8 - $13
🚉 Traveling from San Francisco to San Jose by train is a convenient and efficient way to enjoy the journey. The direct train departs from Civic Center / UN Plaza and arrives at Berryessa / North San Jose, with services operating every day and taking approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. 🌉 The trip covers a distance of 75.3 km and offers several route options, each taking around 1 hour to 1 hour and 36 minutes to reach San Jose. Whether you choose a standard train or an express service, the journey provides a relaxing and scenic experience through the Bay Area. 🔍 For detailed schedules and ticket information, you can contact Caltrain at 1 660-4287 or visit http://www.
Departure Point
San Francisco Caltrain Southbound station
Arrival Point
San Jose Diridon Caltrain Southbound station
Useful tips for train travellers
• Check out the onboard catering services provided by Caltrain, which offers light snacks, beverages, and coffee on select trains. Ensure to bring cash or a credit card for purchases, as amenities can vary.
• When booking your ticket on Caltrain, you can choose from three seating options: - **Standard**: Economy Class with comfortable seating. - **Business Class**: A quieter environment with extra amenities. - **Caltrain's Premium**: Offers more spacious seating with added benefits like access to the lounge and complimentary beverages. Booking in advance can help secure the best spots!
• When you arrive at the San Jose Diridon Station, you can find luggage storage options available at the station for a small fee, allowing you to explore the city without your bags. The station also has restrooms but does not have shower facilities. Be sure to use the 'Caltrain Real-Time' app to check local transport schedules for an efficient transition to your next destination.
🛫 Flying from San Francisco to San Jose is a convenient option with a short flight time of just 1 hour and 10 minutes. 💸 The prices for flights between these two cities can range from $7 to $10, making it an affordable and quick travel choice.
🚌 Traveling from San Francisco to San Jose by bus is a convenient and efficient way to reach your destination in just around 1 hour. 🚍 There are four daily bus services operated by Flixbus USA, connecting San Francisco and San Jose Downtown for an affordable price that ranges from $5 to $40. 🛣️ Depending on the route chosen, the journey may take approximately 1 to 3 hours with options that include direct trips or transfers through different bus services like Amtrak Chartered Motorcoach, SamTrans, and VTA.
Departure Point
San Francisco station
Arrival Point
San Jose Downtown station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Plan your trip around the four daily departures for the San Francisco to San Jose route with FlixBus, ensuring you catch your bus on time; consider booking your ticket in advance for better pricing options, which can range from $5 to $40. FlixBus Schedule.
• Arrive at the San Francisco station at least 20 minutes before your scheduled departure to avoid any last-minute rush, and check for any service updates on Flixbus's app or website before setting out.
• Upon arrival at San Jose Downtown station, navigate easily to local amenities or transfers by using the VTA info kiosk; if you have luggage, the station offers convenient storage lockers for a small fee, allowing you to explore the nearby attractions like the San Jose Museum of Art without your bags.

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between San Francisco and San Jose is approximately 67.6 km by air and 77.1 km by road. The typical travel time by plane is 1 hour and 10 minutes, while by car it takes around 1 hour. Traveling by bus typically takes 1 hour to reach San Jose from San Francisco.
The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from San Francisco to San Jose is to take the BART. It costs $7-$10 and takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. This is an affordable and convenient choice for travelers. However, if time efficiency is a priority and cost is not a concern, taking a taxi is the fastest option. With a travel time of only 52 minutes, this option offers a quick and efficient journey, although it is significantly more expensive, with costs ranging from $260-$320.
The prices for traveling from San Francisco to San Jose by bus can range from $5 to $40, depending on the type of bus service and any promotional offers available.
To get from San Francisco to San Jose without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of 77.2 km, which takes around 52 minutes. The driving route typically offers flexibility and convenience, allowing you to enjoy scenic views along the way. The cost of driving can vary depending on factors such as gas prices and tolls, but it is estimated to range from $8 to $13.
The best way to travel from San Francisco to San Jose without a car is by bus, which takes approximately 1 hour. The cost of a bus ticket typically ranges from $5 to $40, depending on the operator and the type of service.
Yes, there is a direct link between San Francisco and San Jose through various modes of transportation. The train service operated by Caltrain departs from Civic Center/UN Plaza and arrives at Berryessa/North San Jose, with a travel time of approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. Additionally, there is also a direct bus service provided by Flixbus USA, departing from San Francisco and arriving at San Jose Downtown, taking around 1 hour for the journey.
The flight between San Francisco and San Jose typically takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes. However, it is important to note that this is the average travel time and can vary depending on factors such as weather conditions and the specific airline. As for the cost, flights between San Francisco and San Jose can range from $7 to $10, but again, the prices can vary based on factors such as the date of travel, the airline, and any additional services or amenities included in the ticket.
There are plenty of options for accommodations near San Jose. With over 684 hotels available, travelers have a wide range of choices to suit their preferences and budgets. Prices start at $49, making it possible to find affordable options in the area.