Los Angeles, CA, USA to San Jose, CA, USA from $17: 12 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from Los Angeles 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.
$17 by trainBest price
496 kmDistance
3h 2m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Los Angeles 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.
See more options
Sort by
Traveling From Los Angeles to San Jose
The journey from Los Angeles to San Jose takes you from the bustling, sun-soaked streets of LA to the tech-savvy atmosphere and cooler climate of San Jose, offering distinct experiences that cater to a variety of interests.
Best Neighbourhoods in San Jose
San Jose boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering its own charm and attractions.
Downtown San Jose
• Vibrant nightlife with numerous bars and restaurants.
• Home to cultural venues like the Tech Museum.
Willow Glen
• Charming tree-lined streets with boutique shops.
• Excellent dining options with a local feel.
Santana Row
• Upscale shopping and dining experience.
• Beautiful outdoor spaces for relaxation.
Best Times To Visit San Jose's Attractions
Strategizing your visit can enhance your experience at San Jose's highlights.
The Tech Interactive
Visiting mid-week in the morning allows for smaller crowds and better access.
Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
Afternoons on weekdays provide a quieter atmosphere to explore the exhibits.
San Jose Municipal Rose Garden
Spring, early in the week, showcases blooming roses with fewer visitors.
San Jose Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
San Jose enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers, making it pleasant year-round. The best times to visit are spring and fall, when temperatures are comfortable and outdoor activities are more enjoyable.
Dining Recommendation in San Jose
Try the carne asada fries at La Victoria Taqueria, where the vibrant flavors of local ingredients create a hearty dish that stands apart from LA's lighter fare. The casual atmosphere and focus on authentic Mexican flavors offer a refreshing contrast to the fusion dining experiences commonly found in Los Angeles.
Los Angeles - San Jose operators
Explore transport companies operating between Los Angeles and San Jose, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Website
southwest.com
Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to San Jose (SJC)
Average Duration
3h 2mEstimated price
66-283Website
delta.com
Plane from Los Angeles (LAX) to San Jose (SJC)
Average Duration
1h 13mEstimated price
1600-1601Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
amtrak.com
Train from Los Angeles to San Jose
Average Duration
9h 55mEstimated price
17-160Train from L. A. Union Station to San Jose
Average Duration
9h 55mEstimated price
17-160Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
greyhound.com
Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to San Jose Diridon Station
Average Duration
6h 20mEstimated price
10725-2834Contact phone
+1 408-729-7885Website
xedohoang.com
Bus from Chinatown Metro Station - Los Angeles, CA to San José, CA
Average Duration
6h 15mEstimated price
669-2830Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585Website
flixbus.com
Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to San Jose Downtown
Average Duration
7h 55mEstimated price
37219-173Contact phone
+1 833 766 3553Website
tufesainternacional.com
Bus from Downtown Los Angeles to Santa Clara / S 24th St - San Jose
Average Duration
7h 40mEstimated price
668-1600Drive from Los Angeles to San Jose
Average Duration
5h 43mEstimated price
2833-2834Los Angeles to San Jose: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Los Angeles 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 from the bustling city of Los Angeles to the tech hub of San Jose, covering a distance of 342 miles. Enjoy the journey through diverse landscapes, from coastal views to rolling hills.
💸 Save on travel costs with car prices ranging from $60 to $90 for the trip from Los Angeles to San Jose. Experience the freedom of the open road as you make your way towards this vibrant city in Northern California.
🌉 After approximately 5 hours and 43 minutes of driving, you'll arrive in San Jose, ready to explore all that this dynamic city has to offer. From innovative technology companies to cultural attractions, your road trip adventure to San Jose is sure to be memorable.
Average price
$60 - $90
🚆 The direct train from Los Angeles to San Jose, operated by Amtrak, offers services twice daily, taking approximately 9 hours and 55 minutes for the journey. Departing from Los Angeles station and arriving at San Jose station, this train route provides a convenient way to travel between the two cities.
🛤️ Route 1 offers a trip duration of 10 hours and 39 minutes covering the 424-mile distance between Los Angeles and San Jose. With a transfer involved, passengers can enjoy a scenic ride on the Pacific Surfliner from Union Station to Simi Valley, followed by the Coast Starlight train towards San Jose, operated by Amtrak.
🚊 Route 2 presents an alternative journey lasting 12 hours and 39 minutes over a 423-mile route. This route involves a transfer from Union Station to Oxnard via Metrolink Ventura County Line, before continuing the trip on the Coast Starlight train to reach the final destination of San Jose with Amtrak services.
Departure Point
Los Angeles station
Arrival Point
San Jose station
Useful tips for train travellers
• For your train trip from Los Angeles to San Jose, consider traveling with Amtrak, which offers onboard catering services through its Pacific Surfliner route. You can enjoy dining options available in the Café Car, which includes snacks, beverages, and light meals. If you opt for the Business Class seat, a complimentary meal service is often included.
• Amtrak provides several seating options on this route: Standard Economy Class, upgraded Business Class, and First Class. Economy Class offers comfortable seating with standard amenities, while Business Class provides extra legroom, complimentary beverages, and access to the Business Class lounge at select stations. Consider booking Business Class for a more spacious and relaxing journey.
• When you arrive at San Jose's Diridon Station, you can easily navigate the area. There are no luggage storage facilities at the station, but restrooms are available for your convenience. To reach the city center quickly, take the VTA Light Rail (Blue Line) from Diridon Station. This line will take you directly to downtown San Jose in about 10 minutes. Check the VTA website at vta.org for the latest schedules and routes.
🛫 Flying from Los Angeles to San Jose is a convenient option with a quick direct flight that only takes 1 hour and 10 minutes. Airlines like American, Southwest, Alaska, and Delta offer connections between these two cities.
🛄 The total travel time from Los Angeles to San Jose by plane is approximately 3 hours and 2 minutes. This efficient mode of transport allows travelers to reach their destination swiftly and comfortably.
💸 Flight prices for the route between Los Angeles and San Jose can range from $66 to $283, providing travelers with a variety of options to suit their budget and schedule. Whether for business or leisure, flying is a practical choice for this trip.
Departure Point
Los Angeles Airport
Arrival Point
San Jose Airport
🛣️ The bus trip typically takes approximately 6 hours and 20 minutes, allowing passengers to relax and enjoy the scenic views along the way. Greyhound USA operates the services, ensuring a comfortable and reliable travel experience.
💰 Prices for the bus between Los Angeles and San Jose range from $51 to $55, offering an affordable transportation option for those looking to explore the cities of California without the hassle of driving. Whether you're a local or a visitor, the bus journey provides a stress-free travel experience.
Departure Point
Los Angeles Union Station
Arrival Point
San Jose Diridon Station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Be sure to check the Greyhound USA schedule at greyhound.com to confirm your departure time from Los Angeles Union Station, as buses operate every four hours and seats may fill up quickly, especially during peak travel times.
• Bring snacks and a water bottle for the ride, as the journey can take around 6 hours and options may be limited. Consider grabbing a light meal at Union Station before departure; there's a range of dining options inside.
• Upon arrival at San Jose Diridon Station, familiarize yourself with the station layout by reviewing the station map available at sanjoseca.gov which will help you navigate local transit options and nearby amenities.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Los Angeles to San Jose.
Or choose the category:
The distance between Los Angeles and San Jose is 308 miles by air, but the road distance is 342.4 miles. The typical travel times vary depending on the mode of transportation. Taking the train from Los Angeles to San Jose can take approximately 9 hours and 55 minutes. Flying from Los Angeles to San Jose, with a layover in San Francisco, followed by a Caltrain journey, takes around 4 hours and 31 minutes. Driving by car can take about 5 hours and 43 minutes, while taking the bus can take approximately 6 hours and 20 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Los Angeles to San Jose is by bus, which takes approximately 6 hours and 20 minutes and costs between $30 and $65. However, if time efficiency is a priority, flying is the quickest option, taking about 3 hours and 4 minutes and costing between $80 and $360. Depending on your budget and time constraints, both options offer different advantages in terms of cost and travel time.
The prices for a train ticket between Los Angeles and San Jose can range from $17 to $160, depending on the class and availability. Similarly, the prices for a bus ticket between San Jose and Los Angeles can vary from $30 to $65, based on the bus company and type of seating. It is recommended to book in advance and compare prices to ensure the best deal for your travel.
To travel from Los Angeles to San Jose without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of 342 miles. This typically takes around 5 hours and 43 minutes. The cost of driving varies, with prices ranging from $60 to $90 depending on factors such as fuel prices and tolls.
To travel from Los Angeles to San Jose without a car, the best option is to take a bus. It takes around 6 hours and 20 minutes and can cost between $30 and $65. Another option is to fly, which takes approximately 3 hours and 10 minutes and can cost between $65 and $270. Alternatively, you can take a train, which takes around 9 hours and 55 minutes and can cost between $17 and $160.
Yes, there is a direct link between Los Angeles and San Jose. You can take a train operated by Amtrak, which departs twice daily from Los Angeles and arrives at San Jose station, with a travel time of approximately 9 hours and 55 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a direct bus operated by Greyhound USA, which departs from Los Angeles Union Station and arrives at San Jose Diridon Station, with a travel time of approximately 6 hours and 20 minutes.
The flight from Los Angeles to San Jose typically takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes. However, the duration may vary depending on factors such as weather conditions and air traffic. As for the cost, it usually ranges from $66 to $263 for a one-way ticket. Prices may vary based on factors such as the airline, time of booking, and availability of seats.
There are numerous options for accommodation near San Jose. With over 684 hotels available, travelers can find a range of choices to fit their preferences and budget. Prices for hotels in the area start at $49 per night, providing affordable options for those looking to stay near San Jose. Whether you prefer luxury hotels, budget motels, or cozy bed and breakfasts, there is something for everyone in the vicinity of San Jose.
Trips from Los Angeles
- Los Angeles to Irvine
- Los Angeles to Long Beach
- Los Angeles to Tijuana
- Los Angeles to Phoenix
- Los Angeles to Ojai
- Los Angeles to Riverside
- Los Angeles to Santa Barbara
- Los Angeles to San Diego
- Los Angeles to San Luis Obispo
- Los Angeles to San Bernardino
- Los Angeles to San Antonio
- Los Angeles to Oakland
- Los Angeles to Las Vegas
- Los Angeles to Sacramento
- Los Angeles to Anaheim
- Los Angeles to Fresno
- Los Angeles to Portland
- Los Angeles to Miami
- Los Angeles to Orlando
- Los Angeles to Washington
- Los Angeles to Guadalajara
- Los Angeles to Vancouver
- Los Angeles to San Francisco
- Los Angeles to New York City
- Los Angeles to Chicago
- Los Angeles to Palm Springs
- Los Angeles to Houston
- Los Angeles to Jackson
- Los Angeles to Knoxville
- Los Angeles to Morelia
- Los Angeles to Malibu
- Los Angeles to Bakersfield
- Los Angeles to Sequoia National Park
- Los Angeles to Lake Tahoe
- Los Angeles to Yosemite National Park
- Los Angeles to Atlanta
- Los Angeles to Sydney
- Los Angeles to El Paso
- Los Angeles to Moscow
- Los Angeles to GUAM
Trips to San Jose
- Manteca to San Jose
- Hayward to San Jose
- San Francisco to San Jose
- Newark to San Jose
- Berkeley to San Jose
- Tracy to San Jose
- San Luis Obispo to San Jose
- Fresno to San Jose
- Santa Cruz to San Jose
- Irvine to San Jose
- San Ramon to San Jose
- Bakersfield to San Jose
- San Diego to San Jose
- Sacramento to San Jose
- Alameda to San Jose
- Livermore to San Jose
- Santa Rosa to San Jose
- Santa Barbara to San Jose
- Merced to San Jose
- Portland to San Jose
- Davis to San Jose
- Reno to San Jose
- Mountain View to San Jose
- Houston to San Jose
- New York City to San Jose
- Ontario to San Jose
- Oakland to San Jose
- Pleasanton to San Jose
- Stockton to San Jose
- Lake Tahoe to San Jose
- Watsonville to San Jose
- Gilroy to San Jose
- Denver to San Jose
- Anaheim to San Jose
- Salinas to San Jose
- Milpitas to San Jose
- Monterey to San Jose
- Long Beach to San Jose
- Dallas to San Jose
- Westminster to San Jose