Los Angeles, CA, USA to Santa Cruz, CA, USA from $19: 11 ways by bus, train, flight or car
Compare Travel Options and Prices
How to Get from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$19 by trainBest price
475 kmDistance
3h 41m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Los Angeles 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.
Los Angeles - Santa Cruz operators
Explore transport companies operating between Los Angeles and Santa Cruz, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
https://www.greyhound.com/
Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to San Jose Diridon Station
Average Duration
6h 20mEstimated price
$5801-5800Bus from Los Angeles to Salinas
Average Duration
8h 10mEstimated price
$0-0Contact phone
+1 (831) 425-8600Website
http://www.scmtd.com
Bus from Diridon Station to Soquel Ave & Front
Average Duration
52mEstimated price
$1507-1504Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html
Train from Los Angeles to Salinas
Average Duration
8h 19mEstimated price
$5803-5804Contact phone
+1 800-660-4287Website
http://www.caltrain.com
Train from Millbrae Caltrain to San Jose Diridon Caltrain
Average Duration
1h 16mEstimated price
$1504-1505Website
https://www.united.com
Plane from Los Angeles Airport to Monterey Airport
Average Duration
1h 21mEstimated price
$191-27090Contact phone
+1 831-424-1234Website
http://www.yellowcab1234.com
Other from Monterey to Santa Cruz
Average Duration
47mEstimated price
$150-191Contact phone
+1-510-464-6000Website
http://www.bart.gov
Other from Coliseum to Berryessa / North San Jose
Average Duration
46mEstimated price
$1502-1503Contact phone
+1-323-466-3876Website
https://www.metro.net/
Other from Historic Broadway Station to Del Amo Station
Average Duration
41mEstimated price
$1507-0Los Angeles to Santa Cruz: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Los Angeles 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 road trip from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz covering 341 miles in approximately 5 hours and 52 minutes. Enjoy the diverse landscapes of California as you journey towards the charming coastal city.
💰 Get ready for a budget-friendly adventure with prices ranging from $60 to $90 for the drive from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz. Plan your trip wisely to make the most out of your road trip budget while exploring the coastal beauty and attractions along the way.
Average price
$60 - $90
🚂 Experience a scenic journey from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz by train, taking approximately 11 hours and 21 minutes to reach your destination. Sit back and enjoy the picturesque views along the way.
💰 Prices for train tickets between Los Angeles and Santa Cruz range from $19 to $150, offering options for various budgets. Plan your trip ahead to secure the best deal and enjoy a comfortable ride to your coastal destination.
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard the Amtrak Coast Starlight, you will find catering services offering a variety of snacks, meals, and beverages. The Dining Car provides sit-down meal services with a rotating menu that includes vegetarian and healthy options. Grab-and-go snacks can be purchased at the Snack Bar, which also serves hot and cold drinks.
• Amtrak offers a few seating options for your journey. Economy Class features comfortable seating with ample legroom and reclining seats. Business Class provides wider seats and more spacious arrangements, along with access to complimentary snacks and beverages. If you're looking for a higher level of comfort, First Class offers larger seats, additional amenities, and premium catering services.
• For your journey from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz, the main train operator is Amtrak. You can find more information and book tickets on their website: Amtrak. Additionally, check for local transport schedules and options in Santa Cruz at the Santa Cruz Metro website: Santa Cruz Metro.
🛫 The quickest way to travel from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz is by taking a direct flight from Los Angeles Airport to Monterey Airport, which only takes 1 hour and 21 minutes.
🌉 Upon arriving at Monterey Airport, travelers can easily rent a car or arrange for ground transportation to Santa Cruz, located approximately 45 minutes away by road.
Departure Point
Los Angeles Airport
Arrival Point
Monterey Airport
🚌 Embark on a scenic journey from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz by bus, with a total travel time of approximately 7 hours and 52 minutes, including transfers. While there is no direct route, you can enjoy the ride through different stops along the way.
🌊 Route options offer diverse experiences, ranging from a 9-hour trip with transfers in San Jose to a more direct 8-hour journey passing through San Francisco. Each route presents an opportunity to explore the beauty of California as you make your way to the coastal town of Santa Cruz.
Departure Point
Los Angeles Union Station
Arrival Point
Soquel Ave & Front station
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz.
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The distance between Los Angeles and Santa Cruz is approximately 474.8 km by road. By train, it takes around 11 hours and 26 minutes to travel from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz. Alternatively, if you fly from Los Angeles to San Jose, it takes about 5 hours and 23 minutes, including a bus ride to reach Santa Cruz. By car, the travel time is approximately 5 hours and 52 minutes, while taking a bus from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz would take around 8 hours and 2 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz is by train, with prices ranging from $19 to $150. Although it is a longer journey, taking approximately 11 hours and 26 minutes, it offers a more affordable option for budget-conscious travelers. However, for those seeking a quicker option, flying and taking a bus is the most time-efficient choice, with a travel time of 5 hours and 17 minutes, albeit at a higher cost ranging from $85 to $420.
The prices for traveling from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz vary depending on the mode of transportation chosen. The train prices range from $19 to $150, while the bus prices range from $40 to $94.
To get from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of 548.8 km, which takes approximately 5 hours and 52 minutes. The driving time and route can vary depending on traffic conditions. The cost of the journey by car ranges from $60 to $90, considering factors such as fuel and tolls.
The best way to travel from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz without a car is by bus. The bus journey takes approximately 8 hours and 2 minutes and the ticket prices range from $35 to $95.
Yes, there is a direct link between Los Angeles and Santa Cruz, but it requires a transfer. The bus service operated by Greyhound USA departs from Los Angeles Union Station and arrives at Water & Ocean station in Santa Cruz, with a journey time of approximately 8 hours and 2 minutes, including transfers at Diridon Station.
The flight between Los Angeles and Santa Cruz typically takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes. The cost of the flight can vary depending on the airline and time of booking. Once you arrive at San Jose Airport, you can easily reach Santa Cruz by taking a bus or hiring a taxi. The bus ride usually takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour, providing a convenient and affordable option for transportation to Santa Cruz.
There are several options for accommodations near Santa Cruz. There are over 113 hotels available in the area with prices starting at $72.