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San Diego, CA, USA to Santa Clara, CA, USA from $23: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
San Diego, United States of America
to
Santa Clara, United States of America

How to Get from San Diego to Santa Clara: 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.

$23 by trainBest price
679 kmDistance
2h 58m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Diego to Santa Clara 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  58m
Estimated price
$42-288
Recommended
Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
14h  13m
Estimated price
$23-299
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 679 km
Duration: 2h 58m

See more options

Company
various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
4h  45m
Estimated price
$59-357
Company
various
Plane
Train
Average Duration
4h  25m
Estimated price
$80-294
Company
various
Plane
Drive
Average Duration
4h  4m
Estimated price
$134-420
Company
various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
10h  31m
Estimated price
$421-422
Company
Greyhound USA
Bus
Average Duration
11h  19m
Estimated price
$423-424
Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
10h  22m
Estimated price
$425-426
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
7h  47m
Estimated price
$427-428
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Traveling From San Diego to Santa Clara

Traveling from San Diego to Santa Clara gives you the chance to experience San Diego's sunny beaches and vibrant nightlife alongside Santa Clara's tech-driven atmosphere and proximity to Silicon Valley.

Best Neighbourhoods in Santa Clara

Santa Clara offers diverse neighborhoods, each with its unique charm.

Santa Clara University Area
• Vibrant college town atmosphere.
• Close to cultural attractions and parks.
Mission City
• Historic buildings and local shops.
• Great dining options for food lovers.
Central Park
• Expansive green spaces for recreation.
• Family-friendly with playgrounds and trails.

Best Times To Visit Santa Clara's Attractions

Planning your visit to Santa Clara’s attractions can enhance your experience significantly.

California's Great America
Visit on weekdays during the off-peak season for shorter lines and more fun.
Levi's Stadium
Arrive early on game days for a relaxed atmosphere and fewer crowds.
Santa Clara Convention Center
Check for events during weekdays to explore without the throngs of visitors.

Santa Clara Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Santa Clara enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers, making it an appealing destination year-round. Visiting in spring or fall offers comfortable temperatures and fewer tourists, enhancing your overall travel experience.

Dining in Santa Clara: A Unique Taste Experience

Try the wood-fired pizzas at Pizzeria Delfina, where the flavors of artisanal ingredients shine through in every bite, offering a distinct contrast to the fresh seafood and coastal cuisine found in San Diego. The lively atmosphere and emphasis on local produce create a dining experience that celebrates the Bay Area's rich culinary diversity.

San Diego - Santa Clara operators

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

Plane
Website
southwest.com

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

Average Duration
1h 26m
Estimated price
$427-2888

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
1h 43m
Estimated price
$2889-420

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Oakland (OAK)

Average Duration
1h 35m
Estimated price
$2887-230
Website
alaskaair.com

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

Average Duration
1h 34m
Estimated price
$231-232

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
1h 41m
Estimated price
$231-232

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Monterey (MRY)

Average Duration
1h 28m
Estimated price
$233-2888
Website
united.com

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
1h 44m
Estimated price
$2887-234

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Monterey (MRY) via Los Angeles

Average Duration
3h 21m
Estimated price
$235-236
Website
spirit.com

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

Average Duration
1h 34m
Estimated price
$429-237

Plane from San Diego (SAN) to Oakland (OAK)

Average Duration
1h 38m
Estimated price
$238-2886
Train
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from San Diego to Los Angeles

Average Duration
2h 56m
Estimated price
$2993-427

Train from Los Angeles to San Jose

Average Duration
9h 55m
Estimated price
$29947-299460

Train from Oakland Coliseum/Airport to Santa Clara

Average Duration
52m
Estimated price
$2994-2995
Contact phone
+1 800-660-4287
Website
caltrain.com

Train from Millbrae Caltrain to Santa Clara Caltrain

Average Duration
1h 7m
Estimated price
$2990-2991
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
$2884-2887
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
flixbus.com

Bus from San Diego to San Jose Downtown

Average Duration
9h 40m
Estimated price
$29925-428
Contact phone
+1 714-839-3500
Website
xedohoang.com/en

Bus from Chinatown Station to San Jose - Huong Lan Sandwich

Average Duration
Estimated price
$0-0

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

Traveling between San Diego and Santa Clara 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.

🚗 Embrace the scenic coastal drive as you embark on a 467-mile journey from sunny San Diego to tech-savvy Santa Clara, estimated to take around 7 hours and 47 minutes. 💰 With car rental rates ranging from $85 to $130, budget-conscious travelers can explore the diverse landscapes of California without breaking the bank.
Average price
$85 - $130
🚄 The train services operated by Amtrak offer a convenient and comfortable way to travel between San Diego and Santa Clara. Despite the multiple transfers, the total travel time of approximately 14 hours allows for a relaxed and enjoyable trip. 🚉 Prices for the train ticket from San Diego to Santa Clara can range from $23 to $299, depending on the type of seat and availability.
Departure Point
San Diego station
Arrival Point
San Jose station
🛫 The quickest way to travel from San Diego to Santa Clara by plane is with a direct flight from San Diego Airport to San Jose Airport, which takes approximately 1 hour and 20 minutes. Airlines like Spirit Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Inc., and Southwest Airlines operate this route. 🏨 Upon landing at San Jose Airport, travelers can expect a travel time of around 2 hours and 58 minutes to reach Santa Clara from San Diego by plane. The journey offers a convenient and efficient way to move between the two California cities. 💰 Prices for flights between Santa Clara and San Diego can vary, with ticket costs ranging from $42 to $288. Travelers have the flexibility to choose from different airlines and fare options based on their preferences and budget.
Departure Point
San Diego Airport
Arrival Point
San Jose Airport
🚌 Explore the scenic route from San Diego to Santa Clara by bus, a journey that takes approximately 11 hours and 19 minutes. 💲 Ticket prices for the bus service between Santa Clara and San Diego can range from $52 to $168, ensuring options for various budgets.
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Consider booking your bus ticket with Greyhound, FlixBus, or Megabus, as they all operate on the San Diego to Santa Clara route; you can compare schedules and prices on their websites: Greyhound, FlixBus, Megabus.
• Bring snacks and entertainment for the 11-hour journey; both FlixBus and Greyhound generally provide Wi-Fi, but having a downloaded movie or podcast will enhance your travel experience, especially if you want to conserve data.
• Upon arriving at the Santa Clara Transit Center, locate the nearby light rail station for easy access to local transit options; be sure to check the [Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) schedule](vta.org) for light rail times to your final destination.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from San Diego to Santa Clara.

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The distance between San Diego and Santa Clara is approximately 422 miles by road. By train, it takes around 14 hours and 13 minutes to travel from San Diego to Santa Clara. For a quicker option, flying from San Diego to San Francisco and then taking the Caltrain can get you to Santa Clara in about 4 hours and 16 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from San Diego to Santa Clara is by flying. Flying takes approximately 2 hours and 51 minutes and costs around $40 to $260. Alternatively, taking a night bus is a cheaper option with prices ranging from $40 to $140, but it takes longer at around 10 hours and 23 minutes. Ultimately, flying offers the best balance of cost and time for this journey.
The prices of a train ticket between San Diego and Santa Clara can range from $23 to $299, depending on factors such as the class of service and availability. On the other hand, the prices of a bus ticket between Santa Clara and San Diego can vary from $52 to $168, with prices differing based on factors such as the time of travel and seat selection. It is advisable to check with the specific train or bus company for the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information.
To get from San Diego to Santa Clara without using public transportation, you can consider driving. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 467 miles, and it takes about 7 hours and 47 minutes to drive. The prices for a car rental or using your own vehicle vary, ranging from $85 to $130, depending on the type and size of the car.
To travel from San Diego to Santa Clara without a car, you have several options. The fastest way is to take a flight, which takes approximately 2 hours and 51 minutes and costs between $40 and $260. Another option is to take a bus, which takes around 11 hours and 19 minutes and costs between $50 and $170. Alternatively, you can take a train, which takes approximately 14 hours and 13 minutes and costs between $23 and $300.
No, there is no direct train link between San Diego and Santa Clara. However, there are train services available with transfers in Los Angeles and San Jose, taking approximately 14 hours and 13 minutes in total. These services are operated by Amtrak and depart from San Diego station, arriving at San Jose station.
The flight between San Diego and Santa Clara typically takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. The cost of a flight between the two cities can range from $42 to $258, depending on various factors such as the airline, time of booking, and class of travel. It's always a good idea to compare prices and check for any discounts or promotions before making your flight reservation.
There are plenty of options for accommodation near Santa Clara. There are 828+ hotels available with prices starting at $75. You can choose from a range of hotels that suit different budgets and preferences. Some popular hotels in the area include the Santa Clara Marriott, Hyatt Regency Santa Clara, and Embassy Suites by Hilton Santa Clara.

Trips from San Diego