San Jose, CA, USA to San Diego, CA, USA from $425: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from San Jose to San Diego: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$425 - Night busBest price
745 kmDistance
2h 49m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Jose to San Diego 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.
San Jose - San Diego operators
Explore transport companies operating between San Jose and San Diego, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
southwest.com
Plane from San Jose (SJC) to San Diego (SAN)
Average Duration
2h 49mEstimated price
$42-288Website
alaskaair.com
Plane from San Jose (SJC) to San Diego (SAN)
Average Duration
1h 25mEstimated price
$2888-2889Website
spirit.com
Plane from San Jose (SJC) to San Diego (SAN)
Average Duration
1h 22mEstimated price
$428-232Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from San Jose to Los Angeles
Average Duration
10h 45mEstimated price
$2400-2401Train from Los Angeles to San Diego
Average Duration
2h 54mEstimated price
$235-2884Contact phone
+1 800-660-4287Website
caltrain.com
Train from San Jose Diridon to Millbrae
Average Duration
1h 12mEstimated price
$237-238Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
greyhound.com
Bus from San Jose Diridon Station to San Diego Greyhound Bus Stop
Average Duration
10h 20mEstimated price
$2880-2883Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
flixbus.com
Bus from San Jose Downtown to San Diego
Average Duration
9h 50mEstimated price
$425-426Contact phone
+1 833 766 3553Website
tufesainternacional.com
Bus from Santa Clara / S 24th St - San Jose to San Ysidro
Average Duration
9h 50mEstimated price
$427-2883San Jose to San Diego: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between San Jose and San Diego 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 road trip from San Jose to San Diego, covering a distance of 463 miles. The journey offers a scenic drive through California's diverse landscapes, from urban cityscapes to coastal vistas.
💸 The cost of traveling by car from San Jose to San Diego ranges from $80 to $130, providing budget-friendly options for those seeking a flexible and affordable way to explore the Golden State. Enjoy the freedom to stop at charming towns or roadside attractions along the route.
🌞 Arrive in sunny San Diego after approximately 7 hours and 46 minutes of driving, ready to experience the city's vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and exciting attractions. This road trip promises a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, making it an ideal getaway for solo travelers, couples, or families.
Average price
$80 - $130
🚆 Traveling from San Jose to San Diego via train requires a transfer in Los Angeles. The journey takes approximately 14 hours and 39 minutes, offering a scenic route through California.
🎟️ Amtrak operates the train services from San Jose to San Diego, providing a comfortable and convenient mode of transportation. Prices for this train journey can vary from $23 to $240, offering options for different budgets.
Departure Point
San Jose station
Arrival Point
San Diego station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your journey from San Jose to San Diego, Amtrak is the primary operator. They offer a Café Service onboard with a selection of snacks and beverages including sandwiches, salads, and coffee. Be sure to check out their daily specials, and consider pre-purchasing a meal for a better selection during peak travel times.
• The Amtrak Southwest Chief offers two main seating classes: Coach and Business Class. Coach seating is comfortable but can get crowded, while Business Class provides wider seats and more legroom, along with complimentary refreshments. There’s no First Class option on this route, but upgrading to Business Class can significantly enhance your travel comfort.
• Upon arrival at San Diego's Santa Fe Depot, you'll find that luggage storage is available through Luggage Storage by City of San Diego, allowing you to explore the area without your bags. The station also has restrooms but does not have showers. For navigating the area, be aware that taxis and rideshare services are readily available outside the station for quick access to downtown.
🛫 Flying from San Jose to San Diego is a convenient and quick journey, with a direct flight taking just 1 hour and 15 minutes.
💸 The cost of a flight between San Jose and San Diego can range from $42 to $288, making it an affordable and accessible travel option for those looking to explore the beautiful city of San Diego.
Departure Point
San Jose Airport
Arrival Point
San Diego Airport
🚌 Traveling from San Jose to San Diego by bus offers a convenient and affordable transportation option. The overnight bus service operates daily, taking approximately 9 hours and 50 minutes to reach your destination.
🌇 Two main bus routes are available for the journey, with transfers in cities like Los Angeles. Prices for a bus ticket between San Diego and San Jose typically range from $52 to $112, providing flexibility for travelers with different budgets.
Departure Point
San Jose Downtown station
Arrival Point
San Diego station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Book your tickets in advance through FlixBus for better prices and to ensure your spot, especially for the overnight bus which can fill up quickly; check the schedule at flixbus.com
• Bring snacks and drinks for the journey, as although FlixBus provides some amenities, options for purchasing food during the trip can be limited; consider packing sandwiches, fruits, or a refillable water bottle.
• Upon arrival at San Diego station, utilize the nearby public transport options such as the MTS buses and trolleys for convenient access to downtown attractions; get station maps and schedules at sdmts.com
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from San Jose to San Diego.
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The distance between San Jose and San Diego is approximately 674.3 km by air, 745.4 km by road. The typical travel time by plane is approximately 2 hours and 49 minutes, while by train it takes around 14 hours and 39 minutes. Driving by car usually takes around 7 hours and 46 minutes, while the bus journey takes approximately 10 hours and 33 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from San Jose to San Diego is by flying. It takes approximately 2 hours and 49 minutes to fly between the two cities. The cost can range from $40 to $260, depending on the airline and time of booking. Another option is taking a night bus, which costs $35 to $130 and takes approximately 9 hours and 50 minutes.
The prices for a train ticket from San Jose to San Diego range from $23 to $240, depending on the class and duration of the journey. On the other hand, bus fares between the two cities can cost anywhere from $52 to $112, with prices varying based on factors such as comfort level and amenities provided.
To travel from San Jose to San Diego without using public transportation, the best option is to drive. The road distance between the two cities is approximately 745.1 km, and it takes around 7 hours and 46 minutes to drive from San Jose to San Diego. The average cost for the trip by car ranges from $80 to $130, depending on factors such as gas prices and tolls.
There are several options for traveling from San Jose to San Diego without a car. The quickest and most convenient way is to fly, which takes about 2 hours and 49 minutes and costs anywhere from $40 to $260. If you prefer a more budget-friendly option, you can take a bus, which costs between $50 and $120 and takes around 10 hours and 33 minutes. Another option is to take a train, which is slower at 14 hours and 39 minutes but offers scenic views along the way and costs between $22 and $240.
Yes, there is a connection between San Jose and San Diego but there is no direct train between the two cities. The journey can be completed by taking a train from San Jose to Los Angeles, and then transferring to a train to San Diego, with a total travel time of approximately 14 hours and 39 minutes. Alternatively, there is an overnight bus service that operates daily, with a travel time of approximately 9 hours and 50 minutes.
The flight between San Jose and San Diego typically takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary between $42 and $258, depending on factors such as airline, time of booking, and seat class.
There are plenty of options for accommodation near San Diego with over 1163 hotels to choose from. Prices start at $53 per night, offering a range of affordable options.