Best way to get from San Mateo, CA to San Jose, CA
Find the best ways to travel from San Mateo CA to San Jose CA. You can also request a ride directly in the app at the tap of a button.
Transportation options
Looking to get from San Mateo to San Jose? Whether you’re seeking convenience, affordability, or flexibility, there are various ways to reach your destination. Explore the available options and select the one that suits your preferences and travel needs.
Uber: Request an Uber ride from San Mateo to San Jose. The journey covers approximately 28 miles and takes around 37 minutes, with an estimated price of $52.
Caltrain: Take the Caltrain service from San Mateo Station to San Jose Diridon Station. The trip covers about 30 miles and typically takes 40 to 50 minutes. Prices start at $7.
SamTrans bus service: Use the SamTrans bus service, such as Route ECR, which connects San Mateo to Palo Alto, where a transfer to another service can be made to reach San Jose. Travel time and prices vary based on the specific route and connections.
Private bus: A private bus service operates between San Mateo and San Jose, offering a direct route with an estimated travel time of 45 to 60 minutes. Prices generally start at $15.
Note: The travel times and costs are approximate and subject to change depending on traffic conditions and other factors. Updated April, 2025.
Reserve a ride in advance to San Jose, CA
Complete your plans today by reserving a ride with Uber to get from San Mateo, CA to San Jose, CA. Request a ride up to 90 days before your trip, at any time and on any day of the year.
Reserve may not be available for your pickup location.
Getting from San Mateo, CA to San Jose, CA
When you ride with Uber on your next trip from San Mateo, CA to San Jose, CA, you’ve got choices. Whether you’re traveling alone or with others, find a ride option that fits your needs and budget. If you like to plan ahead, consider scheduling a ride to San Jose, CA in advance. Or you can request a ride on demand from San Mateo, CA in the Uber app.
The route your driver takes might depend on the time of day and other factors, like traffic and how many other riders are making requests. You can have a stress-free ride knowing that the Uber app will suggest the most efficient route to your driver.
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Average Travel Time
37 minutes
Average Route Price
$52
Average Route Distance
28 miles
How to get from San Mateo, CA to San Jose, CA
Compare ride options getting from San Mateo, CA to San Jose, CA. Check the Uber app for current prices and travel options available.
UberX
Affordable rides, all to yourself
$52
Uber Black
Premium rides in luxury cars
$134
Uber Electric
Sustainable rides in electric vehicles
$60
UberXL
Affordable rides for groups up to 6
$86
Prices shown are for illustration purposes only and are based on average prices for the ride option shown from San Mateo, CA to San Jose, CA for the past 12 months. They do not represent fixed or guaranteed prices.
Frequently asked questions
- When is Uber available at San Mateo, CA?
The Uber app gives you the power to request a ride from San Mateo, CA anytime, 24/7.
- How much does it cost to get from San Mateo, CA to San Jose, CA?
The average price for this trip is $52. Open the Uber app and input San Jose, CA in the “Where to?” box. The price estimate for each ride option will appear; scroll to see what’s available. Prices will vary based on time of day and how many riders are making requests.
- What is the most affordable ride option on the Uber app from San Mateo, CA to San Jose, CA?
The most affordable ride choice from San Mateo, CA to San Jose, CA is High Capacity Vehicles.
- How long does it take to get from San Mateo, CA to San Jose, CA?
The average duration for this ride is 37 minutes. Before a trip starts, your app gives an estimated time of arrival (ETA) for when your driver is likely to arrive at San Mateo, CA. After your trip starts, your app provides an ETA for when you are likely to arrive at San Jose, CA. Please note: ETAs are not guaranteed; various factors like heavy traffic or road construction could affect travel time.
- Can I schedule trips in advance on the Uber app from San Mateo, CA?
If Uber Reserve is an option in the Uber app at San Mateo, CA, you can request a ride from San Mateo, CA anywhere from 2 hours to 90 days in advance, at any time and on any day of the year. Uber’s ride-scheduling technology and Uber Reserve can help you be on time.
- Can I rent a car with Uber to drive from San Mateo, CA to San Jose, CA?
Check in the Uber app to see if car rentals are available at San Mateo, CA. If you see the Rent icon, you can complete your reservation using the Uber app. Then you can rent a car and drive yourself to San Jose, CA. To get more details, go to uber.com/u/uber-rent.
The data presented on this page represents historical average prices, durations, and distances for routes. Actual prices, durations, and distances may vary based on factors such as location, traffic conditions, and other variables. Information provided here is for reference purposes only and should not be considered as binding.
