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

Compare Travel Options and Prices

How to Get from Mountain View 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.

$3 by busBest price

58 kmDistance

42m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

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

See more options

Sort by

Browse car rentals Explore flights

Mountain View - Santa Cruz operators

Explore transport companies operating between Mountain View 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 Mountain View Caltrain Southbound to San Jose Diridon Caltrain Southbound

Average Duration

28m

Estimated price

$4-6

Bus

Contact phone

+1 (831) 425-8600

Website

http://www.scmtd.com

Bus from Diridon Station to Ocean & Water

Average Duration

50m

Estimated price

$2-7

Bus from Diridon Station to Soquel Ave & Front

Average Duration

52m

Estimated price

$2-7

Contact phone

+1 408-321-2300

Website

http://vta.org

Bus from El Camino & Castro to Santa Clara & 1st

Average Duration

59m

Estimated price

$2-71

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

all-pages.other Show other routes

Contact phone

+1 408-459-8010

Website

http://taxisanjose.com

Other from Mountain View to Santa Cruz

Average Duration

42m

Estimated price

$120-150

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

Traveling between Mountain View 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 Mountain View to Santa Cruz, spanning 36 miles of picturesque Californian landscapes. Enjoy a leisurely drive that takes around 42 minutes to reach your seaside destination. 💰 Explore various cost-effective travel options, with car expenses ranging from $6 to $10 for the pleasant trip to Santa Cruz. Choose the route that suits your budget and enjoy the flexibility of a self-driven adventure through the coastal regions of California.

Average price

$6 - $10

🚆 Experience a scenic train journey from Mountain View to Santa Cruz spanning 45.3 miles. The trip involves a transfer with a short bus ride towards Rapid Eastridge, taking a total of 1 hour and 37 minutes. 🌊 Sit back and relax as you board the Highway 17 Express bus at Diridon, heading towards Santa Cruz via SVTC. Enjoy the 48-minute ride before arriving at the Santa Cruz Metro Center, where you can explore the vibrant seaside town.

🚌 Planning a trip from Mountain View to Santa Cruz by bus involves some transfers. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 39 minutes, with services operated by Santa Clara VTA and Santa Cruz Metro. 🌊 Enjoy the scenic ride as you cover a distance of around 45 miles. With various routes available, passengers can choose the one that fits their schedule best, with prices ranging from $7 to $13 for this convenient bus trip.

Departure Point

El Camino & Castro station

Arrival Point

Soquel Ave & Front station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Mountain View to Santa Cruz.

Or choose the category:

The distance between Mountain View and Santa Cruz is 46.7 km. The road distance is slightly longer at 57.6 km. By car, it typically takes around 40 minutes to travel between the two cities. Alternatively, taking the bus is another option, which takes about 1 hour and 56 minutes.

The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Mountain View to Santa Cruz is to drive. It costs an estimated $6-$10 and takes around 42 minutes. Alternatively, taking a taxi is the quickest option, taking the same amount of time but costing around $120-$150. Taking public transportation, such as a bus, may be cheaper but takes longer with a travel time of approximately 1 hour and 56 minutes.

The prices for a bus ride between Santa Cruz and Mountain View range from $7 to $13.

To get from Mountain View to Santa Cruz without using public transportation, you can drive. The distance between the two cities is approximately 57.9 km, and it usually takes around 42 minutes to complete the journey by car. The cost of driving from Mountain View to Santa Cruz varies depending on factors such as fuel prices and toll fees, but it is typically estimated to be between $6 and $10.

To travel from Mountain View to Santa Cruz without a car, the best option is to take the Caltrain and bus. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 56 minutes. You can catch the Caltrain at the San Antonio Caltrain Station in Mountain View and get off at the Santa Clara Station. From there, you can transfer to the Highway 17 Express bus, which will take you directly to downtown Santa Cruz. The cost of this trip ranges from $6 to $13.

There is no direct link between Mountain View and Santa Cruz by bus. However, there are bus services available with transfers that take approximately 2 hours and 47 minutes. The journey includes departing from El Camino & Castro in Mountain View, transferring at Santa Clara & 1st and Diridon Station, and arriving at Water & Ocean in Santa Cruz.

There are plenty of options for accommodation near Santa Cruz. With over 113 hotels to choose from, travelers have a wide variety of choices. Prices start at $72 per night, so there are options available for different budgets.

Yes, it is possible to travel from Mountain View to Santa Cruz by bicycle. The distance between the two cities is 66 km, and it takes approximately 4 hours and 10 minutes to complete the journey by bike.