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Berkeley, CA, USA to Santa Cruz, CA, USA from $6:ย 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Berkeley, United States
to
Santa Cruz, United States

How to Get from Berkeley to Santa Cruz: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

1Map provides directions to cities, towns, landmarks, attractions, and addresses worldwide, offering thousands of multi-modal routes to easily get you from point A to point B.

$6 by trainBest price
122 kmDistance
1h 27m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Berkeley to Santa Cruz with 1Map travel planner. Easily compare ticket prices, explore various transport options, and find the best routes for a seamless and cost-effective travel experience.

Company
Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service
Bus
Average Duration
2hย  57m
Estimated price
$0-0
Recommended
Company
Various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
3hย  59m
Estimated price
$6-76
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 122 km
Duration: 1h 27m

See more options

Company
Various
BART
Bus
Average Duration
3hย  9m
Estimated price
$10-21
Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
1hย  27m
Estimated price
$13-20

Berkeley - Santa Cruz operators

Explore transport companies operating between Berkeley and Santa Cruz, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Train
Contact phone
+1-510-464-6000
Website
http://www.bart.gov

Train from Downtown Berkeley to Berryessa / North San Jose

Average Duration
1h 10m
Estimated price
$6-9
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from Oakland Coliseum/Airport Amtrak to San Jose

Average Duration
1h 6m
Estimated price
$1-65
Bus
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Bus from Emeryville to San Jose

Average Duration
1h 25m
Estimated price
0-0
Contact phone
+1 (831) 425-8600
Website
http://www.scmtd.com

Bus from Diridon Station to Soquel Ave & Front

Average Duration
52m
Estimated price
$69-68

Bus from Diridon Station to Ocean & Water

Average Duration
50m
Estimated price
$69-68

Berkeley to Santa Cruz: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips

Traveling between Berkeley and Santa Cruz offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, youโ€™re sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.

๐Ÿš— Embark on a scenic road trip from Berkeley to Santa Cruz, covering a distance of 76 miles with an estimated drive time of 1 hour and 27 minutes. ๐Ÿ’ฐ Experience affordable travel options with car prices ranging from $13 to $20 for the journey from Berkeley to Santa Cruz, offering flexibility for different budgets.
Average price
$13 - $20
๐Ÿš‚ The journey from Berkeley to Santa Cruz by train takes approximately 5 hours and 5 minutes covering a distance of 83.4 miles. There is one transfer involved during the trip. ๐ŸšŒ The first step of the journey involves taking a bus towards Santa Barbara as part of the Amtrak Thruway Connecting Service. The bus departs from Emeryville and arrives in San Jose, taking about 1 hour and 20 minutes. ๐ŸšŒ The second step of the journey includes boarding a bus towards Santa Cruz on the Highway 17 Express. This leg of the trip lasts for approximately 48 minutes, departing from Diridon and arriving at the Santa Cruz Metro Center.
๐ŸšŒ Unfortunately, there is no direct bus route from Berkeley to Santa Cruz. However, travelers can take a combination of bus services with transfers to reach their destination in approximately 2 hours and 57 minutes. ๐Ÿ›ฃ๏ธ One option for the journey involves multiple steps, including a bus towards San Francisco, another towards Santa Barbara, and finally the Highway 17 Express to Santa Cruz. These transfers can take a total of 4 hours and 54 minutes to complete, covering a distance of 94.3 miles.
Departure Point
Emeryville station
Arrival Point
Soquel Ave & Front station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Berkeley to Santa Cruz.

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The cheapest way to travel from Berkeley to Santa Cruz is to take BART and then transfer to a bus. The cost for this journey ranges from $9 to $21, depending on the specific route and whether you have a discounted fare. The total travel time is approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes.
The fastest way to travel from Berkeley to Santa Cruz is by car. The journey typically takes around 1 hour and 27 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The cost of driving includes gas and may vary between $13 and $20.
The distance from Berkeley to Santa Cruz is approximately 103 km. If you prefer to drive, the distance is around 122 km. The driving time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it usually takes about 1 hour and 30 minutes.
The best way to travel from Berkeley to Santa Cruz without a car is by taking the bus. You can catch a bus from the downtown Berkeley BART station to the Santa Cruz Metro Center. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 37 minutes.
The quickest way to travel from Berkeley to Santa Cruz is by taking BART and a bus, which takes approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes. The cost for this route ranges from $9 to $21. It is recommended to check the BART and bus schedules in advance to ensure a smooth and timely journey.
There are plenty of options for accommodation in Santa Cruz. With over 113 hotels available, you'll be spoiled for choice. Prices start at $72 per night, making it affordable for budget travelers.
Yes, you can definitely drive from Berkeley to Santa Cruz. The driving distance between the two cities is about 122 km, and it takes approximately 1 hour and 27 minutes to complete the journey by car. It is a scenic drive down Highway 17 through the Santa Cruz Mountains.
No, there is no direct bus between Berkeley and Santa Cruz. However, there are bus services that can take you from Berkeley to Santa Cruz with transfers. These services typically depart from Emeryville and arrive at Water & Ocean via Diridon Station. The total journey, including transfers, takes approximately 2 hours and 37 minutes.
You can catch the bus from Berkeley to Santa Cruz at the Emeryville station. This is the departure station for the bus services operated by Amtrak. Emeryville station is conveniently located in Berkeley, making it easily accessible for travelers in the area.
The Berkeley to Santa Cruz bus service, operated by Santa Cruz Metro, arrives at the Water & Ocean station in Santa Cruz.
The cost to drive from Berkeley to Santa Cruz can vary depending on factors such as the type of car, fuel prices, and any tolls along the way. On average, you can expect to spend between $13 and $20 on gas for this trip.