How to travel from San Jose to San Francisco, United States of America

The distance between San Jose and San Francisco is around 47 miles (75km) and the quickest way to get there is to take a taxi which takes around 52min.

5 routes found

We've found 5 different ways to get from San Jose to San Francisco by bus, subway, taxi and car. The recommended routes, which include information on duration, ticket price, and level of difficulty, can be found below.

👋 Also check out San FranciscoSan Jose if you're planning a return trip.

💰 Cheapest
1
bus
+

Bus

Take the bus to San Francisco.

  • Duration55min
  • Departsevery 4 hours
  • Typical cost
    $6
Operated byFlixbus USA+ 2 others

1 similiar route

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

2
train
+

Train

Take the train to Civic Center / UN Plaza.

  • Duration1h 10m
  • Departsevery 20 mins
  • Typical cost
    $9
Operated by

BART

+ 1 others
🚀 Fastest
3
taxi
+

Taxi

Take a taxi to San Francisco.

  • Duration52min
  • Departson demand
  • Typical cost
    $320
Operated by

Taxi San Jose

4
car
+

Drive

Drive to San Francisco.

  • Duration52min
  • Distance48 miles (77km)
Get turn-by-turn directions

Frequently asked questionsabout travel between San Jose and San Francisco

There are several options for getting from San Jose to San Francisco by bus, subway, taxi and car. The cheapest option is to take the bus which costs around $6 and will take around 55min. If you need to get there more quickly, you can take a taxi and arrive in approximately 52min, though it is a bit more costly at approximately $320.

The distance between San Jose and San Francisco is around 47 miles (75km). In a direct line (as the crow flies), the distance is 42 miles (68km)

It takes around 55min to get from San Jose and San Francisco by bus. If you are travelling by car it will take around 52min to drive there.

The quickest way to get from San Jose to San Francisco is to take a taxi which takes around 52min and will set you back approx $320.

The cheapest way to travel between San Jose and San Francisco, if you exclude driving, is to take the bus which will typically cost around $6 for a standard one-way ticket.

Train travel

Yes there is a train service that runs between San Jose and San Francisco. It typically takes around 1h 10m and departs every 30 mins.

Yes there is a direct train service that runs between San Jose and San Francisco with no changeovers required. The train runs every 30 mins and takes 1h 10m.

BART run train services between San Jose and San Francisco. Trains depart every 30 mins and will take around 1h 10m, 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 San Francisco. It typically takes around 55min and departs twice daily.

Yes there is a direct bus service that runs between San Jose and San Francisco with no changeovers required. The bus runs twice daily and takes 55min.

Flixbus USA, Santa Clara VTA and SamTrans run regular bus services between San Jose and San Francisco. Buses run twice daily and take around 55min 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 San Francisco. We recommend that you take the bus to San Francisco. instead which will take 55min.

The closest major airport to San Francisco is San Francisco International Airport (SFO) (SFO) which is approximately 18km (11 miles) from San Francisco. Oakland International Airport (OAK) (OAK) and Buchanan Field (CCR) (CCR) 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 San Francisco. The distance is around 48 miles (77km) by road and it will take around 52min in normal traffic conditons.

If you don't have a car, the easiest way to get from San Jose to San Francisco is to take the bus which takes, on average, 55min and will usually cost around $6.

How do I get from San Jose to San Francisco

Compare travel optionsbetween San Jose and San Francisco

Transport options from San Jose to San Francisco
Transport optionDurationCostFrequencyDistance
Bus + 1 similar
55min
$6
every 4 hours77km (48 miles)
Bus via Palo Alto Transit Center4hrs
$7
every 20 mins84km (52 miles)
Train
1h 10m
$9
every 20 mins75km (47 miles)
Taxi
52min
$320
on demand77km (48 miles)
Drive
52min
$5
on demand77km (48 miles)

Top Carriersoperating between San Jose and San Francisco

Bus companies

Train operators

Train operators

Airports near San Francisco

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

SFO
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)
International Airport
Distance
11 miles (18km) from San Francisco
OAK
Oakland International Airport (OAK)
International Airport
Distance
12 miles (20km) from San Francisco
CCR
Buchanan Field (CCR)
Domestic Airport
Distance
25 miles (40km) from San Francisco