How to travel from San Jose to Los Angeles, United States of America

The distance between San Jose and Los Angeles is around 340 miles (547km) and the quickest way to get there is to fly and then take a tram which takes around 2h 35m.

6 routes found

We've found 6 different ways to get from San Jose to Los Angeles by plane, tram, bus, train and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out Los AngelesSan Jose if you're planning a return trip.

🚀 Fastest
1
plane
+
tram
+

Plane and Tram

Fly from San Jose (SJC) to Long Beach (LGB) then take a tram to 7th Street / Metro Center Station - Metro A Line.

  • Duration2h 35m
  • Flight time1h 25m
  • Typical cost
    $220
Operated by

Multiple operators

2
bus
+

Bus to Chinatown Station

Take the bus to Chinatown Station.

  • Duration5h 60m
  • Departs5 times a week
  • Typical cost
    $50
Operated by

Hoang Express

2 similiar routes

We’ve grouped similar routes together, click the arrows to see the other options.

3
train
+

Train

Take the train to Los Angeles.

  • Duration10h 45m
  • Departstwice daily
  • Typical cost
    $65
4
car
+

Drive

Drive to Los Angeles.

  • Duration5h 40m
  • Distance340 miles (547km)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between San Jose and Los Angeles

There are several options for getting from San Jose to Los Angeles by plane, tram, bus, train and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around $21 and will take around 6h 30m. If you need to get there more quickly, you can fly and then take a tram and arrive in approximately 2h 35m, though it is a bit more costly at approximately $220.

The distance between San Jose and Los Angeles is around 340 miles (547km). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 305 miles (492km)

It takes around 2h 35m to get from San Jose and Los Angeles by plane and tram. If you are travelling by car it will take around 5h 40m to drive there.

The quickest way to get from San Jose to Los Angeles is to fly and then take a tram which takes around 2h 35m and will set you back approx $220.

The cheapest way to travel between San Jose and Los Angeles, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around $21 for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between San Jose and Los Angeles. It typically takes around 10h 45m and departs twice daily.

Yes there is a direct train service that runs between San Jose and Los Angeles with no changeovers required. The train runs twice daily and takes 10h 45m.

Amtrak run train services between San Jose and Los Angeles. Trains depart twice daily and will take around 10h 45m, however, this may vary depending on the particular service and whether it runs express or stops all stations.

Bus travel

Yes there is a bus that runs regularly from San Jose and Los Angeles. It typically takes around 6h 30m and departs twice daily.

Yes there is a direct bus service that runs between San Jose and Los Angeles with no changeovers required. The bus runs twice daily and takes 6h 30m.

Flixbus USA, Hoang Express, Santa Clara VTA and Tufesa run regular bus services between San Jose and Los Angeles. Buses run twice daily and take around 6h 30m on average but will vary depending on you book with.

Flights and Airlines

It doesn't look like you can fly directly from San Jose to Los Angeles. We recommend that you fly from San Jose (SJC) to Long Beach (LGB) then take a tram to 7th Street / Metro Center Station - Metro A Line. instead which will take 2h 35m.

The closest major airport to Los Angeles is Bob Hope Airport (BUR) (BUR) which is approximately 19km (12 miles) from Los Angeles. Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) (LAX) and John Wayne Airport (SNA) (SNA) are also nearby and might be a better alternative airport depending on where you are flying from.

Drive yourself

Yes it is possible to drive from San Jose and Los Angeles. The distance is around 340 miles (547km) by road and it will take around 5h 40m in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from San Jose to Los Angeles is to fly and then take a tram which takes, on average, 2h 35m and will usually cost around $220.

How do I get from San Jose to Los Angeles

Compare travel optionsbetween San Jose and Los Angeles

Transport options from San Jose to Los Angeles
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Plane and Tram
2h 35m
$220
hourly562km (349 miles)
Bus to Chinatown Station + 2 similar
5h 60m
$50
5 times a week549km (341 miles)
Bus6h 30m
$21
every 4 hours564km (351 miles)
Bus via Monterey & 2nd7h 20m
$87
twice daily606km (376 miles)
Train
10h 45m
$65
twice daily680km (423 miles)
Drive
5h 40m
$34
on demand547km (340 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between San Jose and Los Angeles

Bus companies

Airlines

Train operators

Tram operators

Airports near Los Angeles

The following major airports near Los Angeles offer regular flights to various popular destinations within United States of America and internationally.

BUR
Bob Hope Airport (BUR)
Domestic Airport
Distance
12 miles (19km) from Los Angeles
LAX
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
International Airport
Distance
12 miles (20km) from Los Angeles
SNA
John Wayne Airport (SNA)
International Airport
Distance
34 miles (54km) from Los Angeles