Monterey, CA, USA to Santa Cruz, CA, USA from $7: 3 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

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$7 - OtherBest price

69 kmDistance

47m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Monterey 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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Monterey - Santa Cruz operators

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

Bus

Contact phone

1-888-678-2871

Website

mst.org

Bus from Tyler / Franklin to Salinas Transit Center / Gate 7

Average Duration

49m

Estimated price

$2-4

Bus from Salinas Transit Center / Gate 1 to Watsonville Transit Center / Lane 2

Average Duration

48m

Estimated price

$2-4

Contact phone

+1 (831) 425-8600

Website

scmtd.com

Bus from Watsonville Transit Center - Lane 2 to Water & Ocean

Average Duration

1h 2m

Estimated price

$2-7

Taxi

Contact phone

+1 831-424-1234

Website

yellowcab1234.com

Taxi from Monterey to Santa Cruz

Average Duration

47m

Estimated price

$150-180

Contact phone

+1 831-422-7276

Taxi from Monterey to Santa Cruz

Average Duration

47m

Estimated price

$150-180

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

Traveling between Monterey 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 Monterey to Santa Cruz, covering a distance of 43 miles in just under an hour, offering breathtaking views along the Pacific Coast Highway. 💰 Enjoy the flexibility of price options ranging from $7 to $12 for the journey by car from Monterey to Santa Cruz, making it an affordable and convenient travel choice.

Average price

$7 - $12

🚂 Embark on a scenic journey from Monterey 🌊 to Santa Cruz 🎢 by train. Enjoy a leisurely trip spanning 50.5 miles 🗺 with 2 transfers along the way.

🚌 The trip from Monterey to Santa Cruz by bus involves transfers and takes approximately 3 hours and 41 minutes. There is no direct bus service available, and passengers will need to change buses during the journey. 🛣️ The route from Monterey to Santa Cruz covers a distance of 102 miles and takes around 4 hours and 54 minutes to complete. The journey includes a transfer at San Jose Airport Terminal A before continuing on to the Santa Cruz Metro Center. 💰 The prices for a bus ticket between Santa Cruz and Monterey can range from $6 to $14. Travelers can contact Monterey-Salinas Transit and Santa Cruz Metro for more information on schedules and fares.

Departure Point

Tyler / Franklin station

Arrival Point

Water & Ocean station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between Monterey and Santa Cruz is approximately 43.5 km by road. The typical travel time by car is around . It takes about 3 hours and 51 minutes to travel by bus from Santa Cruz to Monterey.

The most cost-effective transportation option for traveling from Monterey to Santa Cruz is to drive, which typically takes around 47 minutes and costs $7-$12 in fuel expenses. Another time-efficient option is to take a taxi, which also takes around 47 minutes and costs $150-$180.

The prices for a bus ticket between Santa Cruz and Monterey can range from $6 to $14.

To get from Monterey to Santa Cruz without using public transportation, you can drive. The distance between the two cities is approximately 69.2 km, and it takes about 47 minutes to drive. The cost for this drive typically ranges from $7 to $12, depending on factors such as gas prices and tolls.

The best way to travel from Monterey to Santa Cruz without a car is by taking a combination of buses. You can start by taking the line 20 bus from Monterey to Sand City. From Sand City, transfer to the line 28 bus that will take you to Watsonville Transit Center. Finally, switch to the line 71 bus which will bring you to Santa Cruz. This journey typically takes around 3 hours and 51 minutes and costs between $6 and $15.

There is no direct link between Monterey and Santa Cruz by bus. However, there are bus services available that require transfers. The journey takes approximately 3 hours and 51 minutes.

There are plenty of options for accommodation near Santa Cruz. There are over 113 hotels available, with prices starting at $72.

Yes, you can definitely get from Monterey to Santa Cruz by bicycle. The distance of the route is 43.5 km, and it typically takes a few hours to complete, depending on your fitness level and speed.