Find buses to San Jose

Long-distance buses from San Jose typically offer free Wi-Fi for the duration of the trip as well as access to power outlets so you can charge your phone or laptop. The bus seats recline backward, feature a footrest, and have a good deal of legroom to allow for a comfortable ride. Since there are no middle seats, passengers may choose between an aisle seat or a window seat—there is no need to feel squeezed in the middle. During multi-hour journeys, buses stop on a regular basis to allow for stretching and bathroom breaks. If you need to use the restroom before or after those breaks, an onboard restroom can be found at the back of the bus. For passengers in a wheelchair, the buses come equipped with wheelchair lifts to allow for safe boarding and deboarding. Other accessibility requests may be provided by bus staff as well.

Greyhound and Megabus are two major bus companies that provide long-distance buses from San Jose. Greyhound bus tickets allow one carry-on and three checked bags to be stored under the bus. Megabus tickets allow one carry-on bag and one checked bag under the bus. Acceptable bags include backpacks, suitcases, duffel bags, toolboxes, trunks, and securely tied card boxes. Prohibited bags include paper bags, plastic bags, and bags with protruding items. Strollers and car seats are acceptable onboard or stowed under the bus. Bikes, skis, golf clubs, and other specialty items need to be securely wrapped with bubble wrap or stored in a styrofoam or cardboard container. Medications, accessories, accessibility devices, and food and drinks are allowed onboard. Alcohol, guns, explosives, dangerous chemicals, martial arts items, and hoverboards are not allowed. Tools, sporting goods, and some sharp objects are allowed if they’re stored under the bus.

The main bus station in San Jose is known as Diridon Station. Luckily, this bus station is easy to get to because it’s located downtown and is a major hub for multiple local buses. If you’re staying at a hotel in downtown San Jose, then the Diridon Station should only be a few minutes’ walk away. If you’re a bit further out and would prefer a private ride, ride-sharing apps and local taxis are a great option. For public transportation, the Santa Clara Valley Transit Authority (VTA) provides local bus service. However, it can be infrequent so it’s recommended to check bus schedules for updated information. In general, VTA bus #81 goes east toward San Jose State University and VTA bus #802 goes west toward Mountain View. If you’re heading north on US-101N, take a left on I-280N and it will lead you to the station. If you’re heading south on US-101S, continue onto CA-87S near the airport and it will pass by Diridon Station.

A government-issued ID is needed before you board a bus from San Jose. Ticket agents won’t accept college IDs or other forms of alternative IDs. If you have further questions about IDs and purchasing bus tickets, it’s best to speak with the bus companies directly. Cheap bus tickets may be purchased at Diridon Station in San Jose or they may be purchased online. Either way, present the bus ticket to the bus driver to ensure efficient travel. A major benefit of purchasing online is that the ticket can be downloaded to your smartphone without the need to print it out. Unaccompanied minors between the age of 12 and 16 are allowed to travel alone if the Unaccompanied Child Form is properly filled out. Alternatively, they can travel with a passenger who is 17 years or older. In either case, the full adult fare will be charged.

Diridon Station is the main bus station in San Jose. It’s a central hub for local buses, long-distance buses, and multiple train lines. As such, it has a variety of amenities for passengers. There is plenty of seating available both inside the waiting room and on benches outside. For hungry passengers, there’s a concession stand selling coffee, sweets, and snacks. Restrooms are located nearby. Staff are working at the station weekdays from morning to evening. If you need to check schedules, bus prices, or purchase bus tickets you may do so at the ticket counters. Alternatively, there are self-service kiosks that allow you to do the same outside of staff working hours. Both short-term and long-term parking is available on-site. Finally, although there are no hotels at the bus station itself, there are a few hotels within walking distance.

Bus tickets from San Diego to San Jose tend to start from around $119, while you can usually find tickets from Los Angeles to San Jose from $110 and Reno to San Jose from $57. These were some of the lowest prices from the most popular departure points to San Jose.

Most people in San Jose will arrive at San Jose Bus Service, one of the most accessible stations in the area. Major cities accessible by San Jose Bus Service are San Diego, Los Angeles, and Fresno.