Gilroy, CA, USA to Santa Cruz, CA, USA from $3: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

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$3 by busBest price

56 kmDistance

47m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Gilroy 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.

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Gilroy - Santa Cruz operators

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

Train

Contact phone

+1 800-660-4287

Website

http://www.caltrain.com

Train from Gilroy Caltrain Northbound to San Jose Diridon Caltrain Northbound

Average Duration

52m

Estimated price

$7-9

Bus

Contact phone

+1 (831) 425-8600

Website

http://www.scmtd.com

Bus from Diridon Station to Ocean & Water

Average Duration

50m

Estimated price

$1-7

Bus from Diridon Station to Soquel Ave & Front

Average Duration

52m

Estimated price

$1-7

Contact phone

+1 408-321-2300

Website

http://vta.org

Bus from Monterey & 5th to San Jose Diridon Station

Average Duration

1h 39m

Estimated price

$1-3

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Bus from San Jose, CA to Santa Cruz, CA

Average Duration

50m

Estimated price

$0-0

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Other from Gilroy to Santa Cruz

Average Duration

47m

Estimated price

$120-150

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

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

🚗 Embark on a scenic journey from Gilroy to Santa Cruz, spanning a distance of 35 miles that can be covered in just under an hour. 💸 Prices for this delightful road trip from Gilroy to Santa Cruz range between $6 to $10, offering an affordable and convenient travel option.

Average price

$6 - $10

🚌 To travel from Gilroy to Santa Cruz by bus, you'll need to make a transfer at Diridon Station. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes. 🌊 The bus services from Gilroy to Santa Cruz are operated by Santa Clara VTA and Santa Cruz Metro. The total travel time to reach Santa Cruz from Gilroy by bus is 2 hours and 22 minutes, with prices ranging from $9 to $16. 🌴 Route 1 from Gilroy to Santa Cruz involves a transfer at San Jose Diridon and then taking the Highway 17 Express to Santa Cruz Metro Center. The total distance covered is 65.2 miles, with a travel time of about 2 hours and 29 minutes.

Departure Point

Monterey & 5th station

Arrival Point

Soquel Ave & Front station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between Gilroy and Santa Cruz is approximately 41.8 km or 26 miles. The road distance is slightly longer at 56.5 km or 35 miles. By car, the travel time can vary depending on traffic conditions, but it typically takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach Santa Cruz from Gilroy. Alternatively, if you prefer to take the bus, it takes approximately 2 hours and 34 minutes to travel from Gilroy to Santa Cruz.

The most cost-effective way to travel from Gilroy to Santa Cruz is by driving, which typically costs around $6-$10 and takes approximately 47 minutes. However, if you prefer a faster option, taking a taxi is the most time-efficient choice, also taking 47 minutes but costing around $120-$150.

When traveling from Gilroy to Santa Cruz the prices for a bus ticket can vary between $9 and $16.

The distance between Gilroy and Santa Cruz is approximately 56.3 km by road. The typical travel time by car is around 47 minutes. If you choose to drive, the cost can vary between $6 and $10 depending on factors like fuel prices and tolls.

The best way to travel from Gilroy to Santa Cruz without a car is to take the Caltrain and then a bus. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 34 minutes and costs between $9 and $16. First, you can take the Caltrain from Gilroy to San Jose Diridon Station.

Yes, there is a link between Gilroy and Santa Cruz but it requires a transfer. There is no direct bus from Gilroy to Santa Cruz, but there are services available. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes, including transfers. Passengers depart from the Monterey & 5th station in Gilroy and arrive at the Santa Cruz Metro Center - Lane 2 station in Santa Cruz.

There are several accommodation options available near Santa Cruz. There are more than 113 hotels to choose from, with prices starting at $72 per night.

Yes, it is possible to travel from Gilroy to Santa Cruz by bicycle. The distance for this route is 41.8 km and the road distance is 56.5 km. The travel time can vary depending on the individual's cycling speed, but on average, it may take around 2-3 hours to reach Santa Cruz from Gilroy by bike.