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San Jose, CA, USA to San Diego, CA, USA from $425: 9 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

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

How to Get from San Jose to San Diego: 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.

$425 - Night busBest price
745 kmDistance
2h 49m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Jose to San Diego 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  49m
Estimated price
$42-288
Recommended
Company
Amtrak
Train
Average Duration
14h  39m
Estimated price
$23-240
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 745 km
Duration: 2h 49m

See more options

Company
various
BART
Plane
Average Duration
3h  43m
Estimated price
$64-299
Company
various
Train
Plane
Average Duration
4h  16m
Estimated price
$81-293
Company
various
Drive
Plane
Average Duration
3h  7m
Estimated price
$134-420
Company
Greyhound USA
Bus
Average Duration
10h  33m
Estimated price
$421-422
Company
Tufesa
Bus
Average Duration
10h  38m
Estimated price
$423-424
Company
FlixBus
Bus
Average Duration
9h  50m
Estimated price
$425-426
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
7h  46m
Estimated price
$427-426
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From San Jose to San Diego

This journey from San Jose to San Diego takes you from the tech hub of Silicon Valley to a vibrant coastal city known for its stunning beaches and laid-back atmosphere.

Best Neighbourhoods in San Diego

San Diego boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering distinct experiences for visitors.

Gaslamp Quarter
• Historic district with vibrant nightlife and dining.
• Home to unique shops and art galleries.
La Jolla
• Stunning coastal views and luxurious beaches.
• Great for outdoor activities like snorkeling and kayaking.
Little Italy
• Renowned for its authentic Italian cuisine.
• Hosts the popular weekly farmer's market.

Best Times To Visit San Diego's Attractions

Timing your visits to San Diego's attractions can greatly enhance your experience.

Balboa Park
Weekdays early mornings offer a quieter experience to explore cultural gems.
San Diego Zoo
Visiting during weekdays in the off-season minimizes long lines and crowds.
USS Midway Museum
Arrive right when it opens to enjoy exhibits without heavy foot traffic.

San Diego Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Diego boasts a mild Mediterranean climate, making it an inviting destination year-round with warm summers and cool winters. Optimal visiting times fall between spring and fall when sunny days prevail, allowing for a comfortable outdoor experience.

Dining Recommendation

Try the fish tacos at Oscars Mexican Seafood, where fresh, local ingredients come together to create bold flavors that capture San Diego's coastal vibe. This contrasts with the tech-driven, diverse cuisine of San Jose, offering a laid-back atmosphere and a taste of the region's rich Mexican heritage.

San Jose - San Diego operators

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

Plane Show flights
Website
southwest.com

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

Average Duration
2h 49m
Estimated price
$42-288
Website
alaskaair.com

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

Average Duration
1h 25m
Estimated price
$2888-2889
Website
spirit.com

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

Average Duration
1h 22m
Estimated price
$428-232
Train Show train routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from San Jose to Los Angeles

Average Duration
10h 45m
Estimated price
$2400-2401

Train from Los Angeles to San Diego

Average Duration
2h 54m
Estimated price
$235-2884
Contact phone
+1 800-660-4287
Website
caltrain.com

Train from San Jose Diridon to Millbrae

Average Duration
1h 12m
Estimated price
$237-238
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
greyhound.com

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

Average Duration
10h 20m
Estimated price
$2880-2883
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
flixbus.com

Bus from San Jose Downtown to San Diego

Average Duration
9h 50m
Estimated price
$425-426
Contact phone
+1 833 766 3553
Website
tufesainternacional.com

Bus from Santa Clara / S 24th St - San Jose to San Ysidro

Average Duration
9h 50m
Estimated price
$427-2883

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

Traveling between San Jose and San Diego 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 picturesque road trip from San Jose to San Diego, covering a distance of 463 miles. The journey offers a scenic drive through California's diverse landscapes, from urban cityscapes to coastal vistas. 💸 The cost of traveling by car from San Jose to San Diego ranges from $80 to $130, providing budget-friendly options for those seeking a flexible and affordable way to explore the Golden State. Enjoy the freedom to stop at charming towns or roadside attractions along the route. 🌞 Arrive in sunny San Diego after approximately 7 hours and 46 minutes of driving, ready to experience the city's vibrant culture, beautiful beaches, and exciting attractions. This road trip promises a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation, making it an ideal getaway for solo travelers, couples, or families.
Average price
$80 - $130
🚆 Traveling from San Jose to San Diego via train requires a transfer in Los Angeles. The journey takes approximately 14 hours and 39 minutes, offering a scenic route through California. 🎟️ Amtrak operates the train services from San Jose to San Diego, providing a comfortable and convenient mode of transportation. Prices for this train journey can vary from $23 to $240, offering options for different budgets.
Departure Point
San Jose station
Arrival Point
San Diego station
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your journey from San Jose to San Diego, Amtrak is the primary operator. They offer a Café Service onboard with a selection of snacks and beverages including sandwiches, salads, and coffee. Be sure to check out their daily specials, and consider pre-purchasing a meal for a better selection during peak travel times.
• The Amtrak Southwest Chief offers two main seating classes: Coach and Business Class. Coach seating is comfortable but can get crowded, while Business Class provides wider seats and more legroom, along with complimentary refreshments. There’s no First Class option on this route, but upgrading to Business Class can significantly enhance your travel comfort.
• Upon arrival at San Diego's Santa Fe Depot, you'll find that luggage storage is available through Luggage Storage by City of San Diego, allowing you to explore the area without your bags. The station also has restrooms but does not have showers. For navigating the area, be aware that taxis and rideshare services are readily available outside the station for quick access to downtown.
🛫 Flying from San Jose to San Diego is a convenient and quick journey, with a direct flight taking just 1 hour and 15 minutes. 💸 The cost of a flight between San Jose and San Diego can range from $42 to $288, making it an affordable and accessible travel option for those looking to explore the beautiful city of San Diego.
Departure Point
San Jose Airport
Arrival Point
San Diego Airport
🚌 Traveling from San Jose to San Diego by bus offers a convenient and affordable transportation option. The overnight bus service operates daily, taking approximately 9 hours and 50 minutes to reach your destination. 🌇 Two main bus routes are available for the journey, with transfers in cities like Los Angeles. Prices for a bus ticket between San Diego and San Jose typically range from $52 to $112, providing flexibility for travelers with different budgets.
Departure Point
San Jose Downtown station
Arrival Point
San Diego station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Book your tickets in advance through FlixBus for better prices and to ensure your spot, especially for the overnight bus which can fill up quickly; check the schedule at flixbus.com
• Bring snacks and drinks for the journey, as although FlixBus provides some amenities, options for purchasing food during the trip can be limited; consider packing sandwiches, fruits, or a refillable water bottle.
• Upon arrival at San Diego station, utilize the nearby public transport options such as the MTS buses and trolleys for convenient access to downtown attractions; get station maps and schedules at sdmts.com

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between San Jose and San Diego is approximately 419 miles or 463.2 miles by road. Depending on the mode of transportation, travel times vary. By train, it takes approximately 14 hours and 39 minutes to reach San Diego from San Jose. By plane, the journey takes approximately 2 hours and 49 minutes. If traveling by car, it takes around 7 hours and 46 minutes, and by bus, it takes approximately 10 hours and 33 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from San Jose to San Diego is to fly. The cost for a flight ranges from $40 to $260 and it takes approximately 2 hours and 49 minutes, making it the quickest way to reach your destination. Alternatively, taking a night bus is a more affordable option, with prices ranging from $35 to $130 and a travel time of 9 hours and 50 minutes. However, it is important to consider personal preferences and needs when choosing between these two options.
When traveling from San Jose to San Diego the prices for a train ticket can range from $23 to $240 depending on factors such as the class of service and the time of booking. On the other hand, the prices for a bus ticket between San Diego and San Jose can range from $52 to $112, and also depend on similar factors. It's always a good idea to compare prices and book in advance to secure the best deals for your travel.
To travel from San Jose to San Diego without using public transportation, the best option is to drive. The road distance between the two cities is 463 miles, and it takes approximately 7 hours and 46 minutes to drive. The cost of the trip by car can vary, ranging from $80 to $130 depending on factors such as fuel prices and tolls. Enjoy the scenic drive along the California coastline and make sure to plan for rest stops along the way.
To travel from San Jose to San Diego without a car, the best options are by bus or by plane. Taking a bus is a cost-effective option, with a travel time of around 10 hours and 33 minutes, costing between $50 to $120. Flying is a quicker option, with a travel time of approximately 2 hours and 49 minutes, and the ticket prices range from $40 to $260. Additionally, there is also the option of taking a train, which takes approximately 14 hours and 39 minutes, with ticket prices ranging from $22 to $240.
Yes, there is a direct link between San Jose and San Diego but it requires a transfer. The train services operated by Amtrak depart from San Jose and arrive at San Diego via Los Angeles, with a total travel time of approximately 14 hours and 39 minutes. Alternatively, there is an overnight bus service operated by Flixbus USA that departs from San Jose Downtown and arrives in San Diego, with a journey time of approximately 9 hours and 50 minutes.
The flight from San Jose to San Diego typically takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes. The prices for flights between the two cities can vary between $42 to $258, depending on the airline and the time of booking. It is recommended to check different airlines and compare prices to find the best deal.
There are numerous options for accommodations near San Diego. There are 1163+ hotels available with prices starting at $53 per night. Some popular areas to stay in include the Gaslamp Quarter, Mission Bay, and La Jolla. It is recommended to check for availability and book in advance to secure the best options for your stay.

Trips from San Jose

Trips to San Diego