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San Diego, CA, USA to San Jose, CA, USA from $22: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

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

How to Get from San Diego 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.

$22 by trainBest price
745 kmDistance
2h 54m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Diego 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
various
Plane
Average Duration
2h  54m
Estimated price
$42-288
Recommended
Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
13h  51m
Estimated price
$22-244
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 745 km
Duration: 2h 54m

See more options

Company
various
Plane
BART
Average Duration
3h  46m
Estimated price
$63-300
Company
various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
4h  29m
Estimated price
$80-294
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
7h  43m
Estimated price
$80-425
Company
various
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
4h  1m
Estimated price
$134-420
Company
Greyhound USA
Bus
Average Duration
10h  59m
Estimated price
$421-422
Company
Tufesa
Bus
Average Duration
12h  38m
Estimated price
$423-422
Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
9h  40m
Estimated price
$424-425
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From San Diego to San Jose

This journey takes you from the laid-back beaches of San Diego to the tech-savvy vibe of San Jose, offering a delightful contrast between sunny shores and bustling innovation.

Best Neighbourhoods in San Jose

San Jose boasts diverse neighborhoods with distinct character and attractions.

Downtown San Jose
• Vibrant nightlife with bars and restaurants.
• Cultural spots like museums and theaters.
Willow Glen
• Charming tree-lined streets and boutiques.
• Great dining options in a cozy setting.
Santana Row
• Upscale shopping and luxury brands.
• Lively outdoor dining and entertainment options.

Best Times To Visit San Jose's Attractions

Planning your visit around peak times can elevate your San Jose experience.

The Tech Interactive
Visit on weekdays in the late morning for fewer crowds and interactive fun.
Children's Discovery Museum
Afternoons during the school year are quieter, ideal for family exploration.
Santana Row
Go during weekday evenings for a relaxed atmosphere and vibrant dining scene.

San Jose Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Jose enjoys a Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and mild, wet winters, making it a year-round destination. Visiting in the spring or fall can enhance your experience as the weather is pleasantly moderate and ideal for outdoor activities.

Dining in San Jose: A Culinary Contrast

Try the Szechuan-style dan dan noodles at The Spice of Life, a standout in San Jose's vibrant food scene that contrasts sharply with San Diego's seafood-centric fare. This dish brings bold, spicy flavors and a lively atmosphere that highlight the city's diverse culinary influences.

San Diego - San Jose operators

Explore transport companies operating between San Diego 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 San Diego (SAN) to San Jose (SJC)

Average Duration
1h 26m
Estimated price
$2882-2883
Website
alaskaair.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to San Jose (SJC)

Average Duration
1h 34m
Estimated price
$2886-2887
Website
spirit.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to San Jose (SJC)

Average Duration
1h 34m
Estimated price
$426-222
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from San Diego to Los Angeles

Average Duration
2h 56m
Estimated price
$224-2882

Train from Los Angeles to San Jose

Average Duration
9h 55m
Estimated price
$2440-24440
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
greyhound.com

Bus from San Diego Greyhound Bus Stop to San Jose Diridon Station

Average Duration
9h 50m
Estimated price
$428-2881
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
flixbus.com

Bus from San Diego to San Jose Downtown

Average Duration
9h 40m
Estimated price
$424-425

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

Traveling between San Diego 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 sunny San Diego to vibrant San Jose, covering a distance of 463 miles. 💸 Explore budget-friendly options with prices ranging from $80 to $130 for the journey by car. Plan your trip wisely to make the most out of your travel budget. 🌉 Arrive in San Jose after approximately 7 hours and 43 minutes of driving, ready to discover the cultural attractions and tech-savvy vibes of Silicon Valley.
Average price
$80 - $130
🚆 Traveling from San Diego to San Jose by train involves a journey with a transfer in Los Angeles. The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 13 hours and 51 minutes. 🌉 Covering a distance of 550 miles, the train route from San Diego to San Jose offers a scenic experience through the California landscapes. The ticket prices for this train journey can range from $22 to $244, providing options for different budgets. 🎫 Passengers can board Amtrak-operated trains at San Diego station and arrive at San Jose station after the enjoyable 13-hour train ride. Despite the duration, the trip offers a unique way to explore the beauty of California while comfortably traveling by train.
Departure Point
San Diego station
Arrival Point
San Jose station
Useful tips for train travellers
• The primary operator for the train route from San Diego to San Jose is Amtrak, which offers onboard catering services including a café car with a selection of snacks, beverages, and light meals. You can purchase items such as sandwiches, salads, and hot drinks, but consider bringing your own food as well for a more substantial meal.
• Amtrak provides several seating options on this route: First Class offers spacious seating with complimentary meals and drinks, Business Class has larger seats and priority boarding, and Economy is your budget-friendly option with standard seating. If possible, opt for First or Business Class for a more comfortable journey.
• The arrival station in San Jose is the Diridon Station. Facilities here include luggage storage through the Amtrak luggage service and restrooms; however, showers are not available. Upon arrival, take a moment to navigate the station’s maps to orient yourself, as it connects with several transit options.
🛫 Flying from San Diego to San Jose is quick and convenient, with a direct flight taking just 1 hour and 20 minutes. Popular airlines like Spirit, Alaska, and Southwest offer this route. 🌉 Upon landing in San Jose Airport, travelers will have completed the journey in approximately 2 hours and 54 minutes. The airport is well-connected to the city center and surrounding areas. 💸 Ticket prices for flights between San Diego and San Jose can range from $42 to $288, making it a budget-friendly option for those looking to travel between these two Californian cities.
Departure Point
San Diego Airport
Arrival Point
San Jose Airport
🚌 Traveling from San Diego to San Jose by bus is a convenient option with an overnight journey taking approximately 9 hours and 40 minutes. Flixbus USA operates daily services departing from San Diego and arriving at San Jose Downtown station. 🛣️ Route 1 offers a 12-hour and 20-minute journey covering a distance of 496 miles with a transfer in Los Angeles. Greyhound is the agency for the buses towards Los Angeles and San Francisco, making it a seamless trip to reach San Jose from San Diego. 🌉 Route 2 and Route 3 both provide alternative options with transfers along the way, allowing travelers to enjoy a scenic ride from San Diego to San Jose, covering a distance of 443 miles in approximately 11 hours and 50 minutes. Agencies such as FlixBus ensure a comfortable and reliable journey for passengers.
Departure Point
San Diego station
Arrival Point
San Jose Downtown station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Consider booking your bus ticket in advance with FlixBus, as prices can vary widely, ranging from $51 to $112, especially during peak travel times.
• Upon arrival at San Jose Downtown station, familiarize yourself with the local transportation options available, including VTA light rail and buses, which can be accessed via their schedule at vta.org
• Bring snacks and a refillable water bottle for the journey, as the bus can get hungry after the 9h 40m ride, and having your refreshments can enhance your comfort; rest stops may only be brief.

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between San Diego and San Jose is 419 miles by air, 463.2 miles by road, and 13 hours and 51 minutes by train. By plane, it takes approximately 2 hours and 48 minutes to travel from San Diego to San Jose. By car, it takes around 7 hours and 43 minutes, while by bus, it takes approximately 10 hours and 59 minutes.
For a cost-effective option, taking a night bus from San Diego to San Jose is the most affordable, with prices ranging from $35 to $130. However, the travel time is longer, taking around 9 hours and 40 minutes. If time efficiency is a priority, flying is the quickest way, taking just 2 hours and 48 minutes, with prices ranging from $40 to $260. Ultimately, the choice between cost-effectiveness and time-efficiency depends on individual preferences and priorities.
When traveling from San Diego to San Jose, the prices for a train ticket can range from $22 up to $244. On the other hand, the prices for a bus ticket between San Jose and San Diego can vary from $51 to $112. It is important to check different options and book in advance to secure the best price for your journey.
To get from San Diego to San Jose without using public transportation, you can drive. The distance is about 463 miles, and it takes approximately 7 hours and 43 minutes to drive between the two cities. The cost of a car trip can vary between $80 to $130 depending on factors such as gas prices and tolls.
To travel from San Diego to San Jose without a car, you have a few options. The fastest option is to fly, which takes around 2 hours and 48 minutes and costs between $40-$260. Another option is to take a bus, which takes around 10 hours and 59 minutes and costs between $50-$120. If you prefer train travel, you can take a train which takes around 13 hours and 51 minutes and costs between $22-$250. These transportation options provide convenient and affordable ways to travel from San Diego to San Jose without needing a car.
Yes, there is a direct link between San Diego and San Jose via train. However, it is an indirect route with a transfer in Los Angeles and takes approximately 13 hours and 51 minutes. An overnight bus is also available, which takes around 9 hours and 40 minutes. Both options provide convenient transportation between the two cities.
The flight between San Diego and San Jose typically takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. The prices for this flight can vary between $42 and $258, depending on the airline and the time of booking. It's recommended to check with different airlines and compare prices to find the best deal.
There are numerous options for accommodation near San Jose are over 684 hotels to choose from, with prices starting at $49 per night. Some popular options include the Fairmont San Jose, the Hotel De Anza, and the AC Hotel by Marriott San Jose Downtown. Whether you're looking for luxury, budget-friendly options, or something in between, there are plenty of choices available to suit your preferences and budget.

Trips from San Diego

Trips to San Jose