Costa Mesa, CA, USA to San Jose, CA, USA from $44: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

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$44 by busBest price

550 kmDistance

1h 46m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

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

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Traveling From Costa Mesa to San Jose

Your journey from Costa Mesa to San Jose offers a striking contrast between the laid-back coastal vibe of Southern California and the vibrant tech-driven atmosphere of Silicon Valley.

Best Neighborhoods in San Jose

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

Downtown San Jose

• Home to the Tech Museum of Innovation.

• Vibrant nightlife and dining options abound.

Willow Glen

• Features picturesque tree-lined streets.

• Known for boutique shops and cafes.

Santana Row

• Upscale shopping and dining experience.

• Offers a lively atmosphere with events.

Best Times To Visit San Jose's Attractions

Timing your visits can greatly enhance your experience in San Jose.

The Tech Museum of Innovation

Visit on weekdays right after opening for fewer crowds and quicker entry.

Happy Hollow Park & Zoo

Early mornings during the week provide a quieter, more enjoyable experience.

Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum

Visiting during the first hour of opening on weekends offers a peaceful atmosphere.

San Jose Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Jose enjoys a Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm, dry summers and mild, wetter winters, making it a comfortable destination year-round. Travelers often find spring and fall to be the best times to visit, as the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring outdoor attractions.

Dining in San Jose: A Culinary Contrast

Be sure to try the carne asada fries at La Victoria Taqueria, a vibrant spot that showcases bold flavors and local ingredients distinctive to the San Jose area. This dish offers a unique twist to the more surf-and-turf-centric dining options of Costa Mesa, giving you a taste of the city’s rich Latin influence.

Costa Mesa - San Jose operators

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

Plane

Website

southwest.com

Plane from Santa Ana Airport (SNA) to San Jose Airport (SJC)

Average Duration

1h 46m

Estimated price

$82-388

Bus

Contact phone

+1 214-849-8100

Website

greyhound.com

Bus from Santa Ana Bus Stop to San Jose Diridon Station

Average Duration

10h 26m

Estimated price

$44-99

Bus from Chinatown Station to San Jose - Huong Lan Sandwich

Average Duration

10h 18m

Estimated price

$821-822

Contact phone

+1 714-839-3500

Website

gotobus.com

Bus from Chinatown Station to San Jose - Huong Lan Sandwich

Average Duration

5h 30m

Estimated price

$3883-3884

Website

crossborderxpress.com

Bus from Anaheim to Delano

Average Duration

3h 19m

Estimated price

$995-4475

Contact phone

+52 644 410 2444

Website

tufesa.com.mx

Bus from Delano to San Jose

Average Duration

4h 5m

Estimated price

$996-4435

Train

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

amtrak.com

Train from Santa Ana to Los Angeles

Average Duration

56m

Estimated price

$448-827

Train from Los Angeles to San Jose

Average Duration

9h 55m

Estimated price

$4487-44860

Contact phone

+1-510-464-6000

Website

bart.gov

Train from Coliseum to Berryessa / North San Jose

Average Duration

46m

Estimated price

$443-444

Contact phone

+1 800-660-4287

Website

caltrain.com

Train from Millbrae Caltrain to San Jose Diridon

Average Duration

1h 16m

Estimated price

$445-446

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

Traveling between Costa Mesa 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 adventure from Costa Mesa to San Jose, spanning a driving distance of 382 miles through the diverse landscapes of California. 💰 Traveling by car offers flexible pricing options ranging from $65 to $100, allowing you to tailor your journey to fit your budget and preferences. ⏰ Enjoy a leisurely 6 hours and 23 minutes drive from Costa Mesa to San Jose, filled with picturesque views and memorable pit stops along the way.

Average price

$65 - $100

🚆 Embark on a scenic train journey from Costa Mesa to San Jose lasting approximately 12 hours and 2 minutes. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the changing landscape as you make your way north. 💰 Ticket prices for the train ride between Costa Mesa and San Jose can range from $54 to $268, offering travelers flexibility in choosing a fare that suits their budget. Whether you opt for standard seating or prefer a more luxurious experience, there are options to accommodate various preferences.

🛫 The quickest way to travel from Costa Mesa to San Jose is by taking a direct flight from Santa Ana Airport to San Jose Airport, which only takes 1 hour and 20 minutes. 🎫 Southwest Airlines provides flights from Santa Ana Airport to San Jose Airport, offering a convenient and efficient option for travelers looking to reach their destination in just 1 hour and 46 minutes. 💸 The cost of a flight between San Jose and Costa Mesa can range from $82 to $388, making it a relatively affordable and accessible travel option for those looking to explore these two vibrant California cities.

Departure Point

Santa Ana Airport

Arrival Point

San Jose Airport

🚌 The journey from Costa Mesa to San Jose by bus requires a transfer in Anaheim and Delano, taking approximately 10 hours and 24 minutes in total. 💰 Prices for a bus ticket between San Jose and Costa Mesa range from $44 to $99, offering an affordable and convenient travel option for those looking to explore California's diverse cities.

Departure Point

Anaheim station

Arrival Point

San Jose station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Costa Mesa to San Jose.

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The distance between Costa Mesa and San Jose is 342 miles with a road distance of 382 miles. Travel times vary by mode of transportation: 12 hours and 2 minutes by train, 3 hours and 20 minutes by flying from Santa Ana to San Francisco and then taking Caltrain, 1 hour and 46 minutes by plane, 6 hours and 23 minutes by car from San Jose to Costa Mesa, and 10 hours and 26 minutes by bus from Costa Mesa to San Jose. These options provide flexibility for travelers depending on their preferences for speed, convenience, and cost.

The most cost-effective option for traveling from Costa Mesa to San Jose is by bus via Delano, which costs $45-$95 and takes 10 hours and 24 minutes. However, the most time-efficient option is to fly, which takes only 1 hour and 46 minutes but costs $80-$390. Travelers can choose between saving money on a longer bus journey or spending more for a quicker flight to reach San Jose from Costa Mesa.

The prices for a train ticket from Costa Mesa to San Jose range from $54 to $268, depending on the class and time of booking. On the other hand, bus tickets between the two cities typically cost between $44 and $99. It's important to check for any discounts, promotions, or booking in advance to secure the best price for your preferred mode of transportation. Additionally, factors like travel time, comfort, and amenities provided should also be considered when choosing between train or bus travel.

To get from Costa Mesa to San Jose without using public transportation, you can drive the 382-mile distance, which takes about 6 hours and 23 minutes by car. The cost of driving varies, but typically ranges from $65 to $100 for the trip. Driving allows you the flexibility to make stops along the way and explore different cities or attractions at your own pace.

The best way to travel from Costa Mesa to San Jose without a car is by bus, which takes around 10 hours and 18 minutes and costs between $60 and $75. Another option is to fly, which is the quickest method taking 1 hour and 46 minutes and costing between $80 and $390. You can also consider taking a train, which takes approximately 12 hours and 2 minutes with fares ranging from $50 to $270. Each mode of transportation offers its own advantages in terms of cost, time, and convenience for your journey between Costa Mesa and San Jose.

There is no direct bus service from Costa Mesa to San Jose. Instead, travelers can take a bus from Costa Mesa to Anaheim, then transfer to another bus that goes to Delano before finally reaching San Jose. The entire journey, including transfers, can take approximately 10 hours and 24 minutes. Passengers can expect to change buses at least once during the trip.

The quickest direct flight from Santa Ana Airport to San Jose Airport typically takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes. The cost of a flight between San Jose and Costa Mesa can range from $82 to $388, depending on the airline, time of booking, and availability. It's advisable to compare prices and book in advance to secure the best deals for your travel between these two cities.

There are over 567 hotels available in San Jose, offering a wide range of options to suit different preferences and budgets. Prices for accommodation in the area start at $52 per night, making it possible to find affordable options for your stay. Whether you prefer luxury hotels, budget-friendly options, or cozy bed and breakfasts, there are plenty of choices available near San Jose to ensure a comfortable and convenient stay.