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

Compare Travel Options and Prices

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

How to Get from San Jose to San Francisco: 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
68.3 kmDistance
52m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Jose to San Francisco 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 USA
Bus
Average Duration
1h 
Estimated price
$5-40
Recommended
Company
BART
BART
Average Duration
1h  9m
Estimated price
$7-10
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 68.3 km
Duration: 52m

See more options

Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
52m
Estimated price
$8-13
Company
Caltrain
Train
Average Duration
1h  39m
Estimated price
$9-12
Company
Various
Taxi
Average Duration
52m
Estimated price
$260-320
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From San Jose to San Francisco

The journey from San Jose to San Francisco offers a fascinating contrast between the tech-forward atmosphere of Silicon Valley and the vibrant cultural tapestry of the City by the Bay.

Best Neighbourhoods in San Francisco

San Francisco boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own character and charm.

Mission District
• Vibrant street art and murals adorn every corner.
• Known for its diverse culinary scene, especially taquerias.
Nob Hill
• Offers stunning views of the San Francisco skyline.
• Home to historic cable cars and grand hotels.
Fisherman’s Wharf
• Famous for fresh seafood and lively markets.
• Features iconic landmarks like Pier 39 and sea lions.

Best Times To Visit San Francisco's Attractions

Planning your visits around peak times can greatly enhance your experience in San Francisco.

Golden Gate Bridge
Early mornings or weekdays are ideal for fewer tourists and stunning views.
Alcatraz Island
Visit during the first ferry of the day for a less crowded experience.
Chinatown
Midweek visits offer a quieter atmosphere to explore shops and restaurants.

San Francisco Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Francisco enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, wet winters and dry summers, with fog often rolling in from the Pacific. Spring and fall present the most pleasant conditions for exploring the city, while knowing the weather patterns helps you pack accordingly for your travels.

Dining in San Francisco: A Culinary Adventure

One must-try dish in San Francisco is the clam chowder served in a sourdough bread bowl at Fisherman’s Wharf, offering a hearty, creamy flavor that reflects the city's seafood heritage. This experience contrasts sharply with the tech-influenced dining scene in San Jose, as you’ll savor the bustling waterfront atmosphere, fresh local ingredients, and a sense of history infused into every bite.

San Jose - San Francisco operators

Explore transport companies operating between San Jose and San Francisco, 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 Jose Downtown to San Francisco

Average Duration
1h
Estimated price
$6-40

Bus from San Jose Diridon Station to San Francisco Bus Station

Average Duration
1h 40m
Estimated price
$5-35
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1 800-660-4287
Website
caltrain.com

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

Average Duration
1h 39m
Estimated price
$9-12
Contact phone
+1-510-464-6000
Website
bart.gov

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

Average Duration
1h 9m
Estimated price
$7-10
Taxi
Contact phone
+1 408-459-8010
Website
taxisanjose.com

Taxi from San Jose to San Francisco

Average Duration
52m
Estimated price
$260-320
all-pages.other Show other routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Other from San Jose Diridon Station to San Francisco Salesforce Plaza

Average Duration
1h 15m
Estimated price
$0-0
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
greyhound.com

Other from San Jose Diridon Station to San Francisco Bus Station

Average Duration
1h 40m
Estimated price
$5-35

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

Traveling between San Jose and San Francisco 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.

🚗 Experience the scenic journey from San Jose to San Francisco, covering a driving distance of 77.2 km in just under 52 minutes. Enjoy the smooth ride along the Bay Area, soaking in the beautiful views along the way. 💸 Discover budget-friendly options for your trip as the prices to travel between San Jose and San Francisco by car range from $8 to $13. 🌉 Delight in the iconic sights and sounds of San Francisco as you reach your destination by car. From the Golden Gate Bridge to the bustling streets, your road trip promises a seamless and memorable journey between these two Californian gems.
Average price
$8 - $13
🚆 Experience a convenient and scenic train journey from San Jose to San Francisco via Caltrain. Departing from Berryessa / North San Jose, the train arrives at Civic Center / UN Plaza in just 1 hour and 9 minutes. 🌉 Sit back and relax as you travel through the beautiful landscapes of the Bay Area, passing charming towns and iconic landmarks along the way. With trains departing every 30 minutes, you can easily plan your trip to explore the vibrant city of San Francisco.
Departure Point
San Jose Diridon Caltrain Northbound station
Arrival Point
San Francisco Caltrain Northbound station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On the Caltrain route from San Jose to San Francisco, catering services include snack kiosks available at several major stations, but onboard catering is minimal. If you wish to have snacks or beverages, consider bringing your own or plan to purchase something at the station before boarding.
• Caltrain provides various seating options, including Standard (Economy) and First Class seating. First Class offers larger, more comfortable seats with extra legroom, power outlets, and quieter cars. The Standard seating is more economical but can become crowded during peak hours. You can choose First Class for a more relaxed ride, especially during busy traffic times.
• The primary operators on this route are Caltrain (caltrain.com) and Amtrak California's Capitol Corridor (amtrak.com). However, Caltrain is the most common choice for direct travel between San Jose and San Francisco. Useful links for schedules and station maps are available on their sites.
• Upon arriving at the Salesforce Transit Center in San Francisco, which is the main stop, you can find restrooms and food options available on-site. Unfortunately, there are no luggage storage facilities, but the center offers electronic charging stations and transit information. To quickly reach the city center, catch the Muni Metro's T line or the 5, 10, or 12 buses; these options provide excellent service into downtown.
• The fastest way to reach the city center from Salesforce Transit Center is to take the Muni Metro's T line heading towards Sunnydale. It's only a few stops away from key points in downtown San Francisco, such as Powell Street Station, where you can easily transfer to BART or other Muni lines if needed.
🛫 Travel from San Jose to San Francisco by plane is a convenient and quick option, taking only 1 hour and 9 minutes. 💸 The cost of a flight between these two cities can range from $7 to $10, making it an affordable choice for travelers.
🌉 The journey by bus from San Jose to San Francisco takes approximately 1 hour, providing a quick and efficient transportation choice between the two cities. 💵 Bus ticket prices between San Jose and San Francisco range from $5 to $40, offering budget-friendly options for those looking to travel affordably in the Bay Area.
Departure Point
San Jose Downtown station
Arrival Point
San Francisco station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Consider booking your FlixBus ticket in advance online at flixbus.com to secure the best prices, as fares can range from $5 to $40.
• After arriving at San Francisco's bus station, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the Muni Metro system, especially if you plan to explore the city; the station is conveniently located near several Muni lines.
• Be aware that traffic can impact the journey time when departing during peak hours; planning your journey for off-peak times can help ensure a smoother ride to San Francisco.

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between San Jose and San Francisco is approximately 67.6 km or 77.6 km by road. If you choose to travel by plane, it takes around 1 hour and 9 minutes to reach San Francisco from San Jose. Alternatively, if you prefer to drive, the travel time can vary depending on the traffic but generally takes around 1 hour. Taking the bus is also an option, with a travel time of approximately 1 hour between the two cities.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from San Jose to San Francisco is by taking BART. It costs $7-$10 and takes approximately 1 hour and 9 minutes. This is a great option for those looking to save money and avoid traffic. However, if time is of the utmost importance and cost is not a concern, taking a taxi can be the quickest option, taking around 52 minutes.
When traveling from San Jose to San Francisco the prices for a bus ticket can vary between $5 and $40.
To travel from San Jose to San Francisco without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of approximately 77.2 km, which takes about 52 minutes. The road trip provides you with the flexibility to explore the scenic route and make stops along the way. The cost of this journey by car can range from $8 to $13 for fuel expenses, depending on the vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices.
If you are looking to travel from San Jose to San Francisco without a car, the best option is to take a bus. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and the cost of the ticket ranges from $5 to $40.
Yes, there is a direct link between San Jose and San Francisco. You can travel by train, with Caltrain offering services that depart approximately every 30 minutes and take about 1 hour and 9 minutes to reach San Francisco. Another option is to take a bus, with Flixbus USA operating direct services that depart three times a day and take around 1 hour to reach San Francisco.
The flight between San Jose and San Francisco typically takes approximately 1 hour and 9 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary, with prices ranging from $7 to $10.
There are numerous options for accommodation near San Francisco. With over 835 hotels available, there is a variety of choices to suit different preferences and budgets. Prices for hotels in the area start at $74, making it possible to find affordable options.