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San Jose, CA, USA to Los Angeles, CA, USA from $17: 10 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
San Jose, United States
to
Los Angeles, United States

How to Get from San Jose to Los Angeles: 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.

$17 by trainBest price
496 kmDistance
3h 40m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Jose to Los Angeles 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
various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  40m
Estimated price
$66-282
Recommended
Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
10h  45m
Estimated price
$17-160
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 496 km
Duration: 3h 40m

See more options

Company
various
BART
Plane
Average Duration
4h  36m
Estimated price
$93-660
Company
various
Plane
Average Duration
3h  42m
Estimated price
$106-372
Company
various
Plane
Tram
Average Duration
4h  40m
Estimated price
$357-1208
Company
various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
5h  10m
Estimated price
$661-662
Company
Hoang Express
Bus
Average Duration
6h  58m
Estimated price
$663-664
Company
Greyhound
Bus
Average Duration
7h 
Estimated price
$665-666
Company
Northern CA-Southern CA
Bus
Average Duration
7h 
Estimated price
$667-668
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
5h  42m
Estimated price
$669-2820

Traveling From San Jose to Los Angeles

Traveling from San Jose to Los Angeles offers an exciting contrast between the tech-savvy, serene atmosphere of Silicon Valley and the vibrant, bustling energy of Southern California.

Best Neighbourhoods in Los Angeles

Los Angeles boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm and appeal.

Hollywood
• Iconic landmarks like the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
• Vibrant nightlife and entertainment options.
Santa Monica
• Beautiful beaches and stunning ocean views.
• Lively shopping areas and delicious dining spots.
Downtown LA
• Thriving cultural scene with museums and theaters.
• Trendy rooftop bars and unique eateries.

Best Times To Visit Los Angeles's Attractions

Timing your visits to LA's attractions can enhance your experience and reduce crowds.

Griffith Observatory
Visit early mornings or late afternoons for stunning views and fewer visitors.
Universal Studios Hollywood
Weekdays during the off-peak season offer shorter lines and more ride time.
The Getty Center
Midweek afternoons provide a quieter atmosphere to appreciate the art and gardens.

Los Angeles Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Los Angeles enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters, making it a year-round destination. Knowing the typical weather patterns can help you plan activities and make the most of your time outdoors.

Dining Recommendation

Try the renowned taco trucks of Los Angeles, especially the famous al pastor tacos, which burst with rich flavors and a smoky finish, setting them apart from the culinary offerings in San Jose. The lively street food atmosphere and fresh, locally-sourced ingredients create a vibrant dining experience that reflects the diverse culture of LA.

San Jose - Los Angeles operators

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

Plane Show flights
Website
southwest.com

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

Average Duration
1h 19m
Estimated price
$664-2823

Plane from San Jose (SJC) to Burbank (BUR)

Average Duration
1h 5m
Estimated price
$2824-2825

Plane from San Jose (SJC) to Long Beach (LGB)

Average Duration
1h 11m
Estimated price
$2824-2826

Plane from San Jose (SJC) to Ontario/San Bernardino (ONT)

Average Duration
1h 14m
Estimated price
$2829-170
Website
delta.com

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

Average Duration
1h 26m
Estimated price
$2827-171
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
greyhound.com

Bus from San Jose Diridon Station to Los Angeles Union Station

Average Duration
7h
Estimated price
$172-2820
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
flixbus.com

Bus from San Jose Downtown to Los Angeles Downtown

Average Duration
6h 45m
Estimated price
$1769-2827
Contact phone
+1 833 766 3553
Website
tufesainternacional.com

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

Average Duration
8h 45m
Estimated price
$664-1795

Bus from San Jose to Los Angeles Downtown

Average Duration
8h 45m
Estimated price
$665-666
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from San Jose to Los Angeles

Average Duration
10h 45m
Estimated price
$17-160
Website
metrolinktrains.com

Train from Rancho Cucamonga station to L. A. Union Station

Average Duration
1h 17m
Estimated price
$1600-1766
Contact phone
+1-510-464-6000
Website
bart.gov

Train from Berryessa / North San Jose to Coliseum

Average Duration
43m
Estimated price
$178-179
Tram
Contact phone
+1-323-466-3876
Website
metro.net

Tram from Del Amo Station to Historic Broadway Station

Average Duration
45m
Estimated price
$176-177

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

Traveling between San Jose and Los Angeles 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 San Jose to Los Angeles provides a convenient and scenic option for those looking to explore California's diverse landscapes. The direct train operated by Amtrak offers daily departures from San Jose, with the journey taking approximately 10 hours and 45 minutes to reach Los Angeles. With comfortable onboard amenities and the opportunity to relax and enjoy the views, this mode of transportation is a great choice for travelers seeking a leisurely and eco-friendly travel experience. Ticket prices for the train vary from $17 to $160, offering different options to suit various budgets, making it an accessible choice for many. Upon arrival at Los Angeles station, travelers can easily continue their adventures in the bustling city with plenty of transportation options available.
Departure Point
San Jose station
Arrival Point
Los Angeles station
Useful tips for train travellers
• When traveling on Amtrak's Coast Starlight or the Pacific Surfliner that operate between San Jose and Los Angeles, you'll find that onboard services include a café car offering snacks, beverages, and hot meals. They cater to various dietary needs, but it’s best to check their menus online or call ahead to make sure your preferences are accommodated.
• For seating options, both Amtrak's Coast Starlight and the Pacific Surfliner provide several classes: Business Class for more spacious seats and complimentary snacks, and Economy Class which is more budget-friendly but still offers comfortable seating. Make sure to book ahead for Business Class as it can fill up quickly.
• If you're taking the train, you have a couple of operators to choose from: Amtrak (amtrak.com) and the California High-Speed Rail (hsr.ca.gov). Plan your trip on these sites to check schedules, book tickets, and receive real-time updates about your train.
The quickest and most convenient option for traveling from San Jose to Los Angeles is by taking a direct flight, which takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Several leading airlines, including American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Delta, and Southwest Airlines, offer regular flights between San Jose Airport and Los Angeles Airport. The total travel time for a flight from San Jose to Los Angeles is approximately 3 hours and 47 minutes, including the time for boarding and disembarkation. Travelers can find a range of prices for flights between the two cities, with fares typically ranging from $81 to $352 depending on the airline, departure time, and booking window. Overall, flying from San Jose to Los Angeles offers a quick and efficient means of travel with multiple airlines to choose from.
Departure Point
San Jose Airport
Arrival Point
Los Angeles Airport
Travelers can opt for a convenient and affordable bus journey from San Jose to Los Angeles with Greyhound USA. With four daily departures from San Jose Diridon Station, and a travel time of approximately 7 hours, it's a viable option for those seeking a comfortable and budget-friendly way to traverse between these two California cities. The bus arrives at Los Angeles Union Station, offering a central drop-off point for further travel within the city. With ticket prices ranging from $30 to $65, travelers have a range of options to suit their budget. Overall, the bus ride provides an efficient and cost-effective mode of transportation for those traveling between San Jose and Los Angeles.
Departure Point
San Jose Diridon Station
Arrival Point
Los Angeles Union Station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Arrive at the San Jose Diridon Station at least 30 minutes prior to departure to ensure you have enough time to check in and find your bus, as multiple services depart at different times throughout the day.
• During your bus journey to Los Angeles, make sure to download offline maps or save relevant locations, as you will be traveling through areas with limited cell service; also, pack snacks for the ride since food options are limited on the bus.
• Upon arrival at Los Angeles Union Station, familiarize yourself with the station's layout and nearby transport options; consider using the Metro Rail for easy access to local attractions, as it connects directly from Union Station and can save you time on your next destination.

Frequently asked questions

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

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The cheapest way to get from San Jose to Los Angeles is by taking a bus. Bus tickets typically range from $30 to $65. The journey takes approximately 7 hours, depending on traffic and the specific bus company you choose.
The fastest way to travel from San Jose to Los Angeles is by taking a flight and then using the tram. This option typically takes around 3 hours and 36 minutes.
The distance from San Jose to Los Angeles is approximately 496 kilometers. If you are traveling by road, the distance is slightly longer, around 551 kilometers. This equates to roughly 308 miles or 300 nautical miles between the two cities.
The best way to travel from San Jose to Los Angeles without a car is by taking a bus. There are several bus companies that offer this route, with a travel time of around 6 hours and 58 minutes and a cost ranging from $30 to $55. The buses typically depart from San José - King Rd and arrive at various locations in Los Angeles.
The travel time from San Jose to Los Angeles can vary depending on the mode of transportation chosen. If traveling by car, the journey typically takes around 5-6 hours, depending on traffic conditions. Taking a flight is the quickest option, with a flight duration of approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Other modes of transport, such as trains or buses, can take between 7-8 hours to reach Los Angeles from San Jose.
The quickest and most convenient way to travel from San Jose to Los Angeles is by flying, with a flight duration of approximately 3 hours and 47 minutes. Prices for flights range from $80 to $360. If you prefer a more budget-friendly option, you can take a bus via San José - King Rd, which will take around 6 hours and 58 minutes and costs between $30 and $55. Another option is to take a train, which takes approximately 10 hours and 45 minutes and costs between $17 and $160.
There are numerous options for accommodation near Los Angeles. With over 1604 hotels available, travelers have a wide range of choices to suit their preferences and budget. Prices for hotels in Los Angeles start at $87 per night, offering options for different budgets.
Yes, you can definitely drive from San Jose to Los Angeles. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 550 km. Depending on traffic and road conditions, it usually takes about 5 hours and 42 minutes to drive from San Jose to Los Angeles.
Yes, there is a direct bus between San Jose and Los Angeles. The bus departs from the San Jose Diridon Station and arrives at the Los Angeles Union Station. There are four departures daily, and the journey typically takes about 7 hours.
You can catch the bus from San Jose to Los Angeles at the San Jose Diridon Station. This station is conveniently located in downtown San Jose and serves as a major transportation hub. Greyhound USA operates bus services from this station to various destinations, including Los Angeles.
The San Jose to Los Angeles bus service operated by Greyhound USA arrives at Los Angeles Union Station. Located in downtown Los Angeles is a major transportation hub and the primary railway station in the city. It is conveniently located near many popular attractions and provides connections to other forms of transportation such as local buses and the Metro rail system.
To get to Los Angeles from San Jose Airport, you can take a direct flight which is the most convenient option. There are several airlines that offer flights between the two cities, with a flight duration of around 1 hour and 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can also drive from the airport to Los Angeles, which is approximately a 5-hour journey depending on traffic conditions.
American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Inc., Delta, and Southwest Airlines are the major airlines that offer flights between San Jose and Los Angeles.
The fastest way to travel from San Jose to Los Angeles is by taking a direct flight. The flight duration is approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. Several airlines such as American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Delta, and Southwest Airlines offer flights between San Jose Airport and Los Angeles Airport. The price of a flight ticket ranges from $81 to $352.
The flight from San Jose to Los Angeles is relatively short. The quickest option is a direct flight which takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.
Trains from San Jose to Los Angeles arrive at the Los Angeles station. This station is located Downtown, near Union Station. It is a major transportation hub for both Amtrak trains and other local transportation options, making it convenient for passengers to continue their journeys within the city.
Yes, there is a direct train between San Jose and Los Angeles. The train service departs once daily and operates every day. The journey takes approximately 10 hours and 45 minutes.
To catch the train from San Jose to Los Angeles you can head to the San Jose station. Amtrak operates train services from this station. It is recommended to arrive at the station a little before your scheduled departure time to ensure a smooth boarding process. Be sure to check the Amtrak website or contact their customer service for the most up-to-date information regarding train schedules and any potential changes or delays.
The cost of a flight from San Jose to Los Angeles can vary depending on various factors such as the airline, time of booking, and travel dates. On average, flights can range from $81 to $352.
The cost of a train from San Jose to Los Angeles can range from $17 to $160, depending on the type of ticket and the class you choose.
The cost of a bus ticket from San Jose to Los Angeles can range from $30 to $65 depending on the type of bus and additional amenities.
The cost to drive from San Jose to Los Angeles can range from $60 to $90, depending on factors such as gas prices and vehicle efficiency.