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Irvine, CA, USA to San Jose, CA, USA from $634: 10 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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from
Irvine, United States of America
to
San Jose, United States of America

How to Get from Irvine 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.

$634 - Night busBest price
620 kmDistance
2h 53m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Irvine 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
Southwest Airlines
Plane
Average Duration
2h  53m
Estimated price
$63-356
Recommended
Company
various
Train
Average Duration
12h  7m
Estimated price
$26-184
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 620 km
Duration: 2h 53m

See more options

Company
various
Plane
BART
Average Duration
3h  35m
Estimated price
$59-332
Company
various
Train
Plane
Average Duration
4h  12m
Estimated price
$75-307
Company
various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
4h  26m
Estimated price
$81-630
Company
various
Train
Bus
Plane
Average Duration
5h  22m
Estimated price
$631-81
Company
Greyhound USA
Bus
Average Duration
9h  41m
Estimated price
$632-633
Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
9h  39m
Estimated price
$634-635
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
6h  25m
Estimated price
$636-637
Company
various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
8h  20m
Estimated price
$3560-3562
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Irvine to San Jose

The journey from Irvine to San Jose offers a striking contrast between the laid-back charm of Southern California and the bustling tech-driven culture of Northern California.

Best Neighbourhoods in San Jose

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

Willow Glen
• Picturesque tree-lined streets
• Boutique shops and local eateries
Downtown San Jose
• Vibrant nightlife and entertainment
• Cultural attractions like museums
Santana Row
• Upscale shopping and dining
• Lively outdoor events and gatherings

Best Times To Visit San Jose's Attractions

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

The Tech Interactive
Visit early on weekdays for fewer crowds and engaging exhibits.
Winchester Mystery House
Weekday afternoons offer a quieter tour experience and shorter lines.
San Jose Museum of Art
Early morning on Saturdays provides a peaceful atmosphere with fewer visitors.

San Jose Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Jose boasts a Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and mild, wet winters, making it an inviting destination year-round. Visiting in the spring or fall typically offers comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds, enhancing your overall travel experience.

Dining Recommendation in San Jose

Make sure to try the authentic dim sum at the bustling Dynasty Restaurant, where the lively atmosphere and diverse flavors contrast sharply with Irvine’s quieter dining scene. Here, you’ll experience a vibrant celebration of local ingredients and traditional recipes that truly capture the essence of San Jose's multicultural culinary landscape.

Irvine - San Jose operators

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

Plane Show flights
Website
southwest.com

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

Average Duration
1h 22m
Estimated price
$63-356

Plane from Santa Ana (SNA) to Oakland (OAK)

Average Duration
1h 30m
Estimated price
$59-332

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

Average Duration
1h 14m
Estimated price
$261-262

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

Average Duration
1h 15m
Estimated price
$263-264
Train Show train routes
Website
metrolinktrains.com

Train from Tustin station to L. A. Union Station station

Average Duration
1h 8m
Estimated price
$1841-1842

Train from Tustin station to Los Angeles

Average Duration
1h 8m
Estimated price
$1841-1842
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from Los Angeles to San Jose

Average Duration
9h 55m
Estimated price
$268-637

Train from Los Angeles to San Jose

Average Duration
9h 55m
Estimated price
$1847-18450
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
greyhound.com

Bus from Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center to San Jose Diridon Station

Average Duration
7h 45m
Estimated price
$3563-3566
all-pages.transport_night bus
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
flixbus.com

all-pages.transport_night bus from Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center to San Jose Downtown

Average Duration
7h 40m
Estimated price
$638-639

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

Traveling between Irvine 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.

🚗 Start your road trip adventure from Irvine and prepare for a scenic drive of 386 miles to reach vibrant San Jose. 💰 Plan your budget wisely as the prices for the journey by car can range from $70 to $110, ensuring you have enough for gas, snacks, and any unexpected expenses along the way. 🌉 Enjoy the approximately 6 hours and 25 minutes drive through diverse landscapes, from bustling cities to picturesque countryside, before arriving in San Jose, ready to explore all it has to offer.
Average price
$70 - $110
🚈 Traveling from Irvine to San Jose by train is a scenic journey that involves a transfer in Los Angeles. The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 12 hours and 7 minutes. 🚈 While the trip may take longer than driving, it offers a relaxing way to enjoy the landscapes of California. Travelers can choose from a range of ticket prices, between $26 to $184, depending on their preferences and budget.
Departure Point
Tustin station
Arrival Point
San Jose station
Useful tips for train travellers
• For your trip from Irvine to San Jose, consider traveling with Amtrak as they provide onboard catering services. They have a cafe car where you can purchase snacks, beverages, and light meals. You can also pre-order meals for First Class passengers, ensuring a more convenient dining experience during your journey.
• Amtrak offers different seating options on this route: First Class provides spacious seating and premium services, Business Class offers comfortable seating with additional amenities, and Economy is certainly budget-friendly with standard seating. If you're looking for a quiet environment and better service, Business Class is a great option.
• Along your train journey from Irvine to San Jose, the primary operator is Amtrak. More information, including schedules and ticket booking, can be found at their official website: Amtrak. Upon arrival in San Jose, you can also check the local transit information to connect to your next destination.
• When you arrive at San Jose Diridon Station, you'll find facilities such as restrooms available for passengers. However, keep in mind that there is no luggage storage available at this station, so plan accordingly for your baggage. For a quick journey to the city center, you can take Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) Light Rail Line 901; simply board the train, and it will take you directly downtown in approximately 10-15 minutes.
🛫 Flying from Irvine to San Jose is convenient with a quick 1 hour and 20-minute direct flight from Santa Ana Airport to San Jose Airport. 🎫 Southwest Airlines provides flights from Santa Ana to San Jose, allowing travelers to reach their destination in just under 3 hours. 💸 Flight prices between San Jose and Irvine can range from $63 to $356, offering travelers options to suit their budget and schedule.
Departure Point
Santa Ana Airport
Arrival Point
San Jose Airport
Useful tips for plane travellers
• Book your flight with Southwest Airlines, as they often have the most direct options and the best on-time performance for this route, making your journey from Santa Ana to San Jose smooth and efficient.
• Upon arriving at San Jose International Airport (SJC), follow the clear signage to the Terminal A or Terminal B pickup areas for rideshares and taxis; expect a taxi fare of approximately $25-$35 to downtown San Jose, which takes about 15-20 minutes depending on traffic.
• If you're looking to grab a quick bite while at the airport, check out the local dining options like The Farmers Union located in Terminal B for a taste of California cuisine; furthermore, for local transport schedules from the airport, you can visit VTA for up-to-date bus information.
🚌 Starting from Main-Harvard in Irvine travelers can board a Greyhound USA bus bound for San Jose. 🛣️ Although there are no direct routes, passengers will transfer at the Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center during the 9-hour and 41-minute journey. 🎫 Greyhound USA operates the services from Irvine to San Jose, with the final destination being the San Jose Diridon Station. 💰 The price of a bus ticket between these two cities ranges from $42 to $97, offering budget-friendly travel options for passengers.
Departure Point
Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center station
Arrival Point
San Jose Diridon Station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The cheapest way to travel from Irvine to San Jose is by taking a night bus. The bus journey takes approximately 9 hours and 39 minutes and costs between $30 and $120. This option is cost-effective and allows you to save money on accommodation as you travel overnight.
The fastest way to travel from Irvine to San Jose is by flying. There are several airlines that offer direct flights between the two cities, with a flight time of approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary depending on the airline and the time of booking, but generally ranges from $55 to $310. Flying is a convenient option for those who want to reach San Jose quickly and avoid the long travel time of other modes of transportation.
The distance from Irvine to San Jose is approximately 344 miles. If you are traveling by car, the road distance is around 385.5 miles. Keep in mind that these distances may vary slightly depending on the route you take.
The most convenient and affordable way to travel from Irvine to San Jose without a car is by taking a bus. The journey takes about 9 hours and 41 minutes, and ticket prices generally range from $40 to $100. Multiple bus companies operate this route, offering various departure times throughout the day. It is recommended to check the schedules and fares of different bus companies to find the best option that suits your travel preferences.
The journey from Irvine to San Jose typically takes around 2 hours and 50 minutes, including transfers. The most convenient way to travel between these two cities is by taking a direct flight. There are multiple airlines that operate flights on this route, ensuring a smooth and efficient journey. However, travel times can vary depending on factors such as traffic conditions and flight schedules, so it's always recommended to check for the latest updates before planning your trip.
The cheapest way to travel from Irvine to San Jose is by taking a night bus, which costs between $30 and $120 and takes approximately 9 hours and 39 minutes. If you prefer a faster option, flying is the best choice, with a travel time of 2 hours and 50 minutes and costs between $55 and $310. Additionally, you can also consider taking a train, which takes around 12 hours and 7 minutes and costs between $26 and $190.
There are numerous hotels available in San Jose. Prices for accommodation start at $49 per night. Some popular options include the Fairmont San Jose and the Hyatt Place San Jose. It is recommended to book in advance and compare prices to find the best deal for your stay.
Yes, you can drive from Irvine to San Jose. The driving distance is approximately 386 miles, and it takes around 6 hours and 25 minutes to complete the journey. However, please note that driving times may vary depending on traffic conditions and your preferred route.
Yes, there is no direct bus between Irvine and San Jose. However, there are services available that require transfers. The journey starts at Main-Harvard in Irvine and arrives at San Jose Diridon Station via Anaheim Bus Stop. The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 9 hours and 41 minutes.
To catch the bus from Irvine to San Jose you would need to go to the Anaheim Bus Stop station. This is where Greyhound USA operates their bus services for this route. It is recommended to check the Greyhound USA website or contact their customer service for the most up-to-date information regarding departure times and any changes to the pickup location.
The bus from Irvine to San Jose arrives at San Jose Diridon Station. This is a major transportation hub in San Jose and is well-connected to other forms of transport, including trains and local buses. It is conveniently located in downtown San Jose, making it easy to access nearby attractions, hotels, and other amenities. San Jose Diridon Station also offers various facilities such as restrooms, cafes, and ticketing services for a convenient transition to your next destination.
Southwest Airlines is the main airline that offers flights between Irvine and San Jose. They operate regular flights on this route, making it convenient for travelers. Other airlines such as United Airlines and Alaska Airlines also have occasional flights between these two cities. It is recommended to check with these airlines for the most up-to-date schedules and fares for your travel dates.
The fastest way to get from Irvine to San Jose is by taking a direct flight from Santa Ana Airport to San Jose Airport. This flight, offered by Southwest Airlines, takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. The total travel time from Irvine to San Jose by plane is around 2 hours and 50 minutes. The prices for flights between the two cities range from $57 to $304.
The flight from Irvine to San Jose takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. The quickest option is to take a direct flight from Santa Ana Airport to San Jose Airport. However, the total travel time may vary based on factors such as airport check-in, security procedures, and any layovers. It is recommended to check with the airline for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding flight duration.
Trains from Irvine to San Jose arrive at the San Jose station. This station is conveniently located in downtown San Jose, making it easy for travelers to access the city's attractions and amenities. Amtrak operates train services on this route, providing a comfortable and efficient mode of transportation for travelers. Once you arrive at the San Jose station, you can easily continue your journey to your desired destination within the city.
There is no direct train between Irvine and San Jose. However, you can take a train from Tustin station to San Jose via Los Angeles. The journey with transfers takes approximately 12h 7m. The trains from Irvine to San Jose are operated by Amtrak, and they offer comfortable and scenic travel options.
To catch the train from Irvine to San Jose you need to go to the Tustin station. The train services are operated by Metrolink Trains, and this is where the journey will begin. It is recommended to check the train schedule beforehand to ensure you arrive at the station on time.
The cost of a flight from Irvine to San Jose can range from $57 to $304. The prices may fluctuate depending on factors such as the airline, the time of booking, and any current promotions or discounts available. It is recommended to check with multiple airlines and travel websites to compare prices and find the best deal for your specific travel dates.
The cost of a train from Irvine to San Jose can range from $26 to $184 depending on the type of ticket, class, and availability. Prices may also vary based on the time of travel and if any discounts or promotions are available. It is recommended to check with the specific train service provider for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.
The cost of a bus ticket from Irvine to San Jose can range from $42 to $97 depending on the bus company and the type of ticket purchased. It is recommended to check with different bus providers to find the best deal. Prices may also vary depending on the time of travel and availability, so booking in advance is advisable to secure the lowest fare.
The cost of driving from Irvine to San Jose can vary depending on various factors such as the type of vehicle and current gas prices. On average, the cost can range from $70 to $110 in fuel expenses for a round trip. It's important to keep in mind that additional expenses such as tolls and parking fees may also be incurred during the journey.

Trips from Irvine

Trips to San Jose