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San Jose to Carmel Day Tour

Is there a day trip tour bus company that goes from San Jose to Carmel?

Good question. I couldn’t find any big “tour-bus” companies that run a regular scheduled day tour from San Jose *specifically* to Carmel-by-the-Sea. Most of the Carmel/Monterey day tours are based out of San Francisco rather than San Jose. Here are some thoughts and alternatives:

Tour Options to Carmel / Monterey (nearby):

  • Extranomical Tours: They run an 11-hour bus tour from San Francisco to Monterey, Carmel, and 17-Mile Drive. Includes a guide, transportation, and the 17-Mile Drive toll.
  • Inca Adventures: Their “Monterey Bus Tour with Carmel-by-the-Sea” leaves from San Francisco, includes the coast drive, Cannery Row, 17-Mile Drive, Pebble Beach viewpoints, and time in Carmel.
  • California Tours / USA Vacation: They offer a “Monterey & Carmel Day Trip” (by bus or minibus) that includes 17-Mile Drive and free time in Carmel.
  • Angel Limo Day Trip: From Sunnyvale (which is very close to San Jose), they run a day trip to Monterey & Carmel via a comfortable bus.

Private Custom Tours:

  • Monterey Tours F: Their private/custom tours can pick you up near San Jose (or nearby), then drive along Hwy 1 to Monterey and Carmel, including 17-Mile Drive, Carmel Mission, and scenic stops.

Things to Consider:

  • If you're staying in San Jose, a private tour (like the one from Monterey Tours F) is likely your best bet for convenience and flexibility.
  • Group bus tours from San Francisco are more common — if you’re okay with getting up early and driving north into SF, you can join one of those.
  • When booking, check departure points carefully: some tours pick up only in SF (Union Square or Fisherman’s Wharf) and not in San Jose.
  • Be sure to verify which tours include 17-Mile Drive admission, since that’s a highlight for Monterey/Carmel tours.

Bottom line: There’s no major well-known daily tour company that runs *directly* from San Jose to Carmel, but you can either use a private charter company or join a tour from nearby (like Sunnyvale or SF) if you're okay with a little extra travel.

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