San Jose, CA, USA to Carlsbad, CA, USA from $21: 11 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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How to Get from San Jose to Carlsbad: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$21 by trainBest price

624 kmDistance

4h 18m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Jose to Carlsbad 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.

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Traveling From San Jose to Carlsbad

The journey from San Jose to Carlsbad offers a shift from the bustling tech hub of Silicon Valley to the charming coastal city known for its beautiful beaches and vibrant community.

Best Neighbourhoods in Carlsbad

Carlsbad boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering a distinct charm and vibe.

Carlsbad Village

• Vibrant shopping and dining scene

• Close proximity to the beach

La Costa

• Home to premier golf courses

• Scenic views and upscale resorts

Olde Carlsbad

• Quaint historic charm

• Local farmers' market every Wednesday

Best Times To Visit Carlsbad's Attractions

Maximize your experience in Carlsbad by timing your visits just right.

Legoland California

Visit on weekdays outside summer for smaller crowds and shorter lines.

Carlsbad State Beach

Early mornings or late afternoons offer serene beach moments and fewer visitors.

Flower Fields

Plan for a weekday in April to enjoy blooming flowers without the weekend rush.

Carlsbad Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Carlsbad boasts a mild Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm summers and cooler winters, making it a pleasant destination throughout the year. Visiting during spring and fall provides comfortable temperatures and fewer crowds, enhancing your overall travel experience.

Dining Recommendation

For a taste of Carlsbad, try the fish tacos at The Compass, where the beachfront views and fresh, local ingredients provide a laid-back vibe distinct from San Jose's tech-inspired dining scene. This casual atmosphere and the burst of flavors in every bite highlight the coastal influence on Carlsbad's culinary offerings.

San Jose - Carlsbad operators

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

Bus

Contact phone

+1 (855) 626-8585

Website

flixbus.com

Bus from San Jose Downtown to Oceanside Transportation Center

Average Duration

9h 30m

Estimated price

$23085-2924

Bus from Long Beach Downtown Transit Gallery to Oceanside Transportation Center

Average Duration

2h 5m

Estimated price

$657-2927

Contact phone

+1 214-849-8100

Website

greyhound.com

Bus from San Jose Diridon Station to Oceanside Transportation Center

Average Duration

9h 35m

Estimated price

$2927-2928

Train

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

amtrak.com

Train from San Jose to Los Angeles

Average Duration

10h 45m

Estimated price

$655-656

Train from Los Angeles to Oceanside

Average Duration

1h 54m

Estimated price

$2308-2921

Contact phone

(800) 371-LINK (5465)

Website

metrolinktrains.com

Train from Tustin station to Oceanside station

Average Duration

1h 2m

Estimated price

$2307-23029

Contact phone

+1 800-660-4287

Website

caltrain.com

Train from San Jose Diridon Caltrain Northbound to Millbrae Caltrain Northbound

Average Duration

1h 12m

Estimated price

$2306-2307

Subway

Contact phone

+1-510-464-6000

Website

bart.gov

Subway from Berryessa / North San Jose to Coliseum

Average Duration

43m

Estimated price

$2304-2305

Plane

Website

southwest.com

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

Average Duration

1h 20m

Estimated price

$210-650

Website

alaskaair.com

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

Average Duration

1h 25m

Estimated price

$217-218

Website

spirit.com

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

Average Duration

1h 22m

Estimated price

$2923-2300

Website

flyfrontier.com

Plane from San Francisco to San Diego

Average Duration

1h 33m

Estimated price

$2301-218

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance by road between San Jose and Carlsbad is approximately 429.3 miles. By train, it takes around 13 hours and 39 minutes to travel this distance. Alternatively, you can fly from San Jose to San Diego, and then take a train, which takes around 4 hours and 18 minutes. By car, the journey from Carlsbad to San Jose takes about 7 hours and 12 minutes, while a bus ride would take approximately 10 hours and 9 minutes.

The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from San Jose to Carlsbad is to fly and then take the train. This option takes approximately 4 hours and 18 minutes and costs between $40 to $270. Another affordable option is to take a night bus and then transfer to a train, which takes about 11 hours and 12 minutes and costs between $40 to $130. These options provide a good balance between cost and travel time for the journey.

When traveling from San Jose to Carlsbad the prices of a train ticket can range from $21 to $230. On the other hand, the prices of a bus ticket between Carlsbad and San Jose can range from $48 to $108. It's important to keep in mind that these prices can vary depending on factors such as the time of booking, the class of service, and the time of travel.

To travel from San Jose to Carlsbad without using public transportation, your best option is to drive. The road distance between the two cities is approximately 429 miles, which typically takes around 7 hours and 12 minutes. The driving time may vary depending on traffic conditions. It is advisable to budget for costs such as gas and tolls, which usually range between $75 and $120.

To travel from San Jose to Carlsbad without a car, the best option is to take a combination of bus and train. The journey takes approximately 10 hours and 2 minutes and costs around $35 to $140, depending on the specific transit options selected. There are various bus and train services available that can be used to make the trip, providing a convenient and affordable way to reach Carlsbad without needing a car.

Yes, there is a link between San Jose and Carlsbad but it requires transfers. There is no direct train from San Jose to Carlsbad, but you can take a train from San Jose to Los Angeles and then transfer to another train to reach Carlsbad. The journey takes approximately 13 hours and 39 minutes. Alternatively, you can take a bus from San Jose to Carlsbad with a transfer in Oceanside, which takes approximately 10 hours and 9 minutes.

The flight between San Jose and Carlsbad typically takes 1 hour and 15 minutes. This is the quickest option available. As for the cost, it will vary depending on the airline and the time of year you are traveling. It is recommended to check with different airlines or use a flight search engine to get the most accurate pricing information.

There are numerous options for accommodation near Carlsbad. There are over 589 hotels available in the area, providing a wide range of choices for visitors. Prices for these hotels start at $52 per night, offering affordable options for travelers. Whether you prefer a luxury resort, a cozy bed and breakfast, or a budget-friendly motel, you will be able to find suitable accommodation near Carlsbad to meet your needs.

San Jose, CA, USA to Carlsbad, CA, USA from $21: 11 ways by bus, train, flight or car

How to Get from San Jose to Carlsbad: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

See more options

Traveling From San Jose to Carlsbad

Best Neighbourhoods in Carlsbad

Best Times To Visit Carlsbad's Attractions

Carlsbad Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Dining Recommendation

San Jose - Carlsbad operators

Frequently asked questions

Trips from San Jose

Trips to Carlsbad

Popular routes