Salinas, CA, USA to Santa Cruz, CA, USA from $6: 3 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

How to Get from Salinas 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 - OtherBest price

58 kmDistance

42m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

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

Salinas - Santa Cruz operators

Explore transport companies operating between Salinas 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 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

http://www.scmtd.com

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

Average Duration

1h 2m

Estimated price

$2-50

Other Show other routes

Contact phone

+1 831-424-1234

Website

yellowcab1234.com

Other from Salinas to Santa Cruz

Average Duration

42m

Estimated price

$120-160

Contact phone

+1 831-422-7276

Other from Salinas to Santa Cruz

Average Duration

42m

Estimated price

$120-160

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

Traveling between Salinas 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 Salinas to Santa Cruz, covering a picturesque driving distance of 36 miles along the California coast. 💰 Enjoy the flexibility of pricing options ranging from $6 to $10 for the trip by car, allowing for a budget-friendly and convenient travel experience. 🏖️ Arrive in Santa Cruz after approximately 42 minutes of driving, ready to explore the stunning beaches, vibrant boardwalk, and charming coastal atmosphere of this iconic Californian destination.

Average price

$6 - $10

🚂 Start your journey from Salinas to Santa Cruz by taking a bus towards Watsonville, a scenic route that lasts about 43 minutes. 🌊 Next, hop on the bus towards 90X - Express to Santa Cruz, adding another 56 minutes to your adventure, offering beautiful views along the way. 🚌 In total, this train trip combines buses and brings you to your destination in approximately 2 hours and 11 minutes, covering a distance of 38.1 miles.

🚌 The journey from Salinas to Santa Cruz by bus is convenient, although there is no direct route available. Passengers will need to make transfers at Watsonville Transit Center for a total travel time of approximately 1 hour and 59 minutes. 🚌 Travelers can expect to pay between $5 to $10 for a bus ticket between Santa Cruz and Salinas. Despite the need for transfers, the journey offers a cost-effective and efficient way to travel between these two scenic California cities.

Departure Point

Salinas Transit Center / Gate 1 station

Arrival Point

Water & Ocean station

Frequently asked questions

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

Or choose the category:

The distance between Salinas and Santa Cruz is approximately 46.7 km by road. The road distance is slightly longer at 58.4 km. The typical travel time by car is around 40 minutes to 1 hour, depending on traffic conditions. If you prefer to travel by bus, it takes about 2 hours and 9 minutes to reach Santa Cruz from Salinas.

The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Salinas to Santa Cruz is by driving. It takes approximately 42 minutes and costs between $6 and $10 for fuel. Another quick option is to take a taxi, which also takes 42 minutes but is more expensive, with fares ranging from $120 to $160.

The prices for a bus ticket from Salinas to Santa Cruz range from $5 to $10.

To travel from Salinas to Santa Cruz without using public transportation, the most convenient option is to drive. The distance is approximately 57.9 km, and it takes approximately 42 minutes by car. The cost of the journey can range from $6 to $10, depending on factors such as gas prices and tolls.

The best way to travel from Salinas to Santa Cruz without a car is to take the line 28 bus and line 71 bus. This journey typically takes around 2 hours and 9 minutes. The ticket price for this route ranges between $4 and $11.

There is no direct link between Salinas and Santa Cruz. However, there are bus services available that require a transfer. The journey by bus, including transfers, takes approximately 2 hours and 9 minutes. The buses depart from Salinas Transit Center and arrive at Soquel Ave & Front in Santa Cruz.

There are numerous options for accommodation near Santa Cruz with over 113 hotels available. The prices start at $72, providing a range of options suitable for various budgets.

Yes, you can travel from Salinas to Santa Cruz by bicycle.