How to travel from San Jose to San Diego

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2 ways to go from San Jose to San Diego

Bus
Average Price$42 - $158Average Duration12h 35m
17kg CO₂e
Cheapest
Fastest
Train
Average Price$77 - $416Average Duration18h 59m
61kg CO₂e
Most eco-friendly
Busbud recommends taking the bus from San Jose to San Diego

Among the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as the good way to reach San Diego. The journey takes about 12 hours 35 minutes and with fares starting at just $42, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

1bus per day
12h 35mAverage Duration
$42Cheapest ticket
17kgCO₂ emissions
ThuNov 7
FriNov 8
from $59
SatNov 9
SunNov 10
MonNov 11
from $58
TueNov 12
WedNov 13
ThuNov 14

Next departures to San Diego

One passenger / one way

  • This trip is recommended because it is: Cheapest + Fastest
    Departure time: November 8 at
    Departure city: San Jose
    Departure location: Diridon Station
    Arrival time: November 8 at
    Destination city: San Diego
    Destination location: Downtown SD (Seaport)
    Operated by: FlixBusFlixBus
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: November 8 at
    Departure city: San Jose
    Departure location: Diridon Station
    Arrival time: November 8 at
    Destination city: San Diego
    Destination location: Santa Fe Depot
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: November 8 at
    Departure city: San Jose
    Departure location: Diridon Station
    Arrival time: November 8 at
    Destination city: San Diego
    Destination location: Santa Fe Depot
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: November 8 at
    Departure city: San Jose
    Departure location: Diridon Station
    Arrival time: November 9 at
    Destination city: San Diego
    Destination location: Old Town San Diego
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: November 8 at
    Departure city: San Jose
    Departure location: Diridon Station
    Arrival time: November 9 at
    Destination city: San Diego
    Destination location: Santa Fe Depot
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: November 8 at
    Departure city: San Jose
    Departure location: Diridon Station
    Arrival time: November 9 at
    Destination city: San Diego
    Destination location: Santa Fe Depot
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:
  • Departure time: November 8 at
    Departure city: San Jose
    Departure location: Diridon Station
    Arrival time: November 9 at
    Destination city: San Diego
    Destination location: Santa Fe Depot
    Operated by: AmtrakAmtrak
    Vehicle: BusDuration:

From San Jose to San Diego: Trip Overview

Travel the 412 miles (665 km) from San Jose to San Diego by Bus, Train or Train. The average cost for a trip from San Jose to San Diego is $83. This route is served by top travel providers like Tufesa, FlixBus, Greyhound, Amtrak, among others.

Average ticket price$83
Average trip duration15h 47m
Number of daily departures1
Number of daily train departures1
Earliest departure12:40am
Distance412 miles (665 km)
Latest departure11:10pm
Cheapest mode of travelBus - $42
Fastest mode of travelBus - 8h 35m
Popular travel companiesTufesa, FlixBus, Greyhound, Amtrak

Helpful information to go from San Jose to San Diego

Whether you're a budget traveler or seeking a swift and comfortable journey, planning your trip from San Jose to San Diego is a breeze. Discover the transportation options that suit you and embark on your next adventure!

Travel Modes

Bus

Travel by bus from San Jose to San Diego for an average of $77 and a travel time of 12 hours 30 minutes. FlixBus, Greyhound, Amtrak, Tufesa offer tickets starting at $42.

Train

Opt for a sustainable train journey from San Jose to San Diego. The trip typically takes 16 hours 48 minutes, with ticket prices starting at $77. Amtrak operates trains between these cities, stopping at major stations like Diridon Station, etc.

Flight

While Busbud promotes sustainable travel, flying from San Jose to San Diego is sometime an option travelers can consider. However, be aware of the higher carbon footprint and, in most cases, higher costs compared to other travel options. No matter your chosen travel mode, with Busbud we are here to simplify your decision-making. Find the best way to travel from San Jose to San Diego and the best travel option that perfectly matches your needs and budget, ensuring a seamless booking experience.

Helpful tips to choose the best way to go from San Jose to San Diego

San Diego is located approximately 413 miles from San Jose. The most popular departure point for buses is the Diridon Station station, while most trains depart mostly from Diridon Station.

Although flying is an option, taking the train proves to be the quickest and often the most cost-effective choice, with tickets starting at just $42 when booking with FlixBus, Greyhound, Amtrak and Tufesa.

Frequently asked questions

  1. What’s the cheapest way to travel from San Jose to San Diego?

    The most affordable option for this trip is the bus. The cheapest bus ticket costs $42, and the average price is $77. Keep in mind that prices can fluctuate depending on when you book, with last-minute departures typically costing more.

  2. What is the fastest way to travel between San Jose and San Diego?

    If you're pressed for time, the bus reigns supreme, taking you from San Jose to San Diego in roughly 12h 35m.

  3. How do I travel from San Jose to San Diego without a car?

    You can take a bus or train for this route. If you’re looking for the most cost-effective option, than we recommend bus.

  4. How long is the bus ride from San Jose to San Diego?

    The average travel time between San Jose and San Diego is around 12h 35m, although the fastest bus will take about 8h 35m. This is the time it takes to travel the 413 miles that separates the two cities.

  5. Which bus companies travel from San Jose to San Diego?

    When taking the bus from San Jose to San Diego, you can travel comfortably and safely with FlixBus, Greyhound, Amtrak, Tufesa.

  6. How many daily bus connections are there between San Jose and San Diego?

    The number of buses from San Jose to San Diego can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 1 on this route. Some buses run direct routes, while others have layovers. Simplify your bus trip from San Jose to San Diego by comparing and selecting the bus that fits you travel style and budget on Busbud.

  7. What are the departure and arrival stations when taking the bus from San Jose to San Diego?

    Buses traveling between San Jose and San Diego leave from Diridon Station or Santiago Express San Jose and arrive at San Ysidro McDonald's, Old Town Courtyard Marriot, Downtown Holiday Inn.

  8. How long is the train trip from San Jose to San Diego?

    A train trip between San Jose and San Diego is around 18h 59m, although the fastest train will take about 13h 50m. This is the time it takes to travel the 413 miles that separates the two cities.

  9. How many daily trains are there between San Jose and San Diego?

    The number of trains from San Jose to San Diego can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 1. Some trains are direct while others have layovers. Simplify your train trip from San Jose to San Diego by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

  10. What are the departure and arrival stations for a train from San Jose to San Diego?

    Trains traveling between San Jose and San Diego leave from Diridon Station or Santiago Express San Jose and arrive at San Ysidro McDonald's, Old Town Courtyard Marriot, Downtown Holiday Inn.

Why choose Busbud?

The Best Way To Book Bus and Train Tickets

Busbud.com makes it easy for you to find, compare and book city-to-city bus tickets, all over the world. We save you the extra trip to the bus station. Use Busbud to book your trip online, in your own language and currency, wherever you are. With Busbud, you can buy tickets with confidence. We ensure that you make the most out of your bus trip by partnering up with reliable bus companies from all around the world such as Greyhound, Eurolines, ALSA, OUIBUS (BlaBlaBus), National Express and many others.

Which way will you travel today?

Go by bus

Buses from San Jose to San Diego

Buses from San Diego to San Jose

Go by train

Trains from San Jose to San Diego

Popular routes