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Mountain View, CA, USA to San Jose, CA, USA from $1: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Mountain View, United States of America
to
San Jose, United States of America

How to Get from Mountain View 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.

$1 TramBest price
21 kmDistance
16m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Mountain View 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
Caltrain
Train
Average Duration
28m
Estimated price
$4-6
Recommended
Company
Santa Clara VTA
Tram
Average Duration
44m
Estimated price
$1-3
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 21 km
Duration: 16m

See more options

Company
Santa Clara VTA
Bus
Drive
Average Duration
57m
Estimated price
$1-5
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
16m
Estimated price
$2-4
Company
various
Taxi
Average Duration
16m
Estimated price
$45-55
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Traveling From Mountain View to San Jose

The route from Mountain View to San Jose offers a shift from the tranquil, tech-centric atmosphere of Mountain View to the bustling urban energy of San Jose.

Best Neighborhoods in San Jose

San Jose features diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm and attractions.

Downtown San Jose
• Vibrant nightlife with bars and restaurants.
• Home to the Tech Museum of Innovation.
Willow Glen
• Tree-lined streets with boutique shops.
• Picturesque historic homes and parks.
Little Italy
• Authentic Italian restaurants and cafes.
• Hosts the annual San Jose Italian Festival.

Best Times To Visit San Jose's Attractions

Maximize your experience in San Jose by choosing the right times to visit its key attractions.

The Tech Museum of Innovation
Visit on weekdays, especially mornings, to avoid school group crowds.
San Jose Museum of Art
Afternoons on Thursdays are less crowded and offer free admission.
Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum
Early mornings on weekends provide a peaceful exploration of exhibits.

San Jose Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Jose enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers, making it a year-round destination. Planning your visit around the cooler months or spring and fall can enhance your outdoor experiences and comfort while exploring the city.

Dining Recommendation in San Jose

Try the famous carne asada fries at La Victoria Taqueria, where you’ll experience a vibrant culinary scene distinct from Mountain View’s tech-focused eateries. The lively atmosphere, generous portions, and local ingredients create a dining experience that showcases the diverse flavors of San Jose.

Mountain View - San Jose operators

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

Train
Contact phone
+1 800-660-4287
Website
http://www.caltrain.com

Train from Mountain View Caltrain Southbound to San Jose Diridon Caltrain Southbound

Average Duration
28m
Estimated price
$4-6
Bus
Contact phone
+1 408-321-2300
Website
http://vta.org

Bus from El Camino & Castro to Santa Clara & Almaden Boulevard

Average Duration
57m
Estimated price
$1-5
Other Show other routes
Contact phone
+1 408-459-8010
Website
http://taxisanjose.com

Other from Mountain View to San Jose

Average Duration
16m
Estimated price
$45-55
Tram
Contact phone
+1 408-321-2300
Website
http://vta.org

Tram from Mountain View Station to Gish Station

Average Duration
44m
Estimated price
$1-3
Drive

Drive from Mountain View to San Jose

Average Duration
16m
Estimated price
$2-4

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

Traveling between Mountain View 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.

🚗 Prepare for a scenic journey as you drive 13 miles from Mountain View to San Jose in approximately 16 minutes. 💰 Prices vary from $2 to $4 for the trip, offering an affordable and convenient way to travel between these two vibrant cities in the Bay Area.
Average price
$2 - $4
🚆 Hop aboard the direct train from Mountain View to San Jose departing from Mountain View Caltrain Southbound station. The journey with Caltrain takes approximately 28 minutes. 🌇 Enjoy a swift and convenient ride as the train services operate every day, departing every 30 minutes. Sit back, relax, and take in the scenic views along the way.
Departure Point
Mountain View Caltrain Southbound station
Arrival Point
San Jose Diridon Caltrain Southbound station
🚌 The journey from Mountain View to San Jose by bus is convenient and efficient with direct services departing from El Camino & Castro every 10 minutes. 🚌 Travelers can expect a smooth ride that takes approximately 57 minutes to reach the final destination at Santa Clara & Almaden Boulevard station operated by Santa Clara VTA. 🚌 With affordable fares ranging from $1 to $5, taking the bus from Mountain View to San Jose is a budget-friendly option for exploring these neighboring cities in the Bay Area.
Departure Point
El Camino & Castro station
Arrival Point
Santa Clara & Almaden Boulevard station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Mountain View to San Jose.

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The distance between Mountain View and San Jose is 11 miles, with a road distance of 13 miles. By car, it typically takes approximately 20 minutes to travel from Mountain View to San Jose. Alternatively, by bus, it can take around 30-40 minutes to reach San Jose from Mountain View.
The most cost-effective way to travel from Mountain View to San Jose is by taking the tram, which typically costs between $1 and $3. This mode of transportation takes approximately 53 minutes. However, if you are looking for a quicker option, taking a taxi is the way to go. Although it can be more expensive, with fares ranging from $45 to $55, the journey time is significantly reduced to just 16 minutes.
The prices of a bus between San Jose and Mountain View can vary from $1 to $5. This variation in price may be due to factors such as time of day, day of the week, and specific bus company. It is advisable to check with the different bus operators to get the most accurate and up-to-date information on the prices for traveling between Mountain View and San Jose.
To travel from Mountain View to San Jose without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of 13 miles between the two cities. The driving time is approximately 16 minutes. The cost of this trip by car can vary, ranging from $2 to $4 depending on the current gas prices.
To travel from Mountain View to San Jose without a car, the best option is to take the Caltrain. The Caltrain journey typically takes around 24 minutes and costs between $4 and $6. This train route is efficient and convenient, providing a hassle-free way to commute between the two cities.
Yes, there is a direct link between Mountain View and San Jose. You can take a train from Mountain View Caltrain station to San Jose Diridon Caltrain station, with services departing every 30 minutes and the journey taking approximately 24 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a direct bus from El Camino & Castro station to Santa Clara & Almaden Blvd, with services departing every 15 minutes and the journey taking approximately 55 minutes. Both options offer convenient transportation between the two cities.
There are numerous accommodation options available near San Jose with a choice of over 684 hotels. Prices for these hotels start from as low as $49 per night. Visitors can choose from a range of hotels to suit their budget and preferences. It is recommended to book in advance to secure the best deals and ensure a comfortable stay in the area.
Yes, it is definitely possible to travel from Mountain View to San Jose by bicycle. The distance between the two cities is typically around 11 miles, depending on the route you choose. The travel time would vary depending on your riding speed and fitness level, but it generally takes between 45 minutes to 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete the journey by bike. However, it is worth noting that the actual time may vary depending on road and traffic conditions.

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