1map logoGo to main page

San Francisco, CA, USA to Santa Cruz, CA, USA from $8: 4 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
San Francisco, United States
to
Santa Cruz, United States

How to Get from San Francisco 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.

$8 by busBest price
96.56 kmDistance
1h 21m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

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

Company
various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
3h  11m
Estimated price
$12-19
Recommended
Company
Greyhound USA, Santa Cruz Metro
Bus
Average Duration
3h  22m
Estimated price
$8-41
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 96.56 km
Duration: 1h 21m

See more options

Company
various
BART
Drive
Average Duration
3h  27m
Estimated price
$0-0
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
1h  21m
Estimated price
$13-20
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From San Francisco to Santa Cruz

Your journey from the bustling streets of San Francisco to the laid-back beaches of Santa Cruz offers a fascinating contrast between urban life and coastal charm.

Best Neighbourhoods in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz boasts diverse neighborhoods, each showcasing its own character.

Downtown Santa Cruz
• Vibrant arts scene with galleries and theaters.
• Numerous cafes and shops for local flavor.
Capitola Village
• Charming beachside community with colorful cottages.
• Great dining options with ocean views.
Westside Santa Cruz
• Home to Natural Bridges State Beach and Monarchs.
• Excellent breweries and local eateries abound.

Best Times To Visit Santa Cruz's Attractions

Timing your visits can enrich your Santa Cruz experience significantly.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Early mornings or weekdays provide a quieter atmosphere and shorter lines.
Natural Bridges State Beach
Visit during weekdays in the spring for fewer crowds and vibrant wildlife.
Mystery Spot
Afternoons on weekdays are best to avoid large tour groups.

Santa Cruz Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Santa Cruz enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, with warm summers and cool, wet winters, making it pleasant throughout the year. Late spring to early fall is ideal for outdoor activities, while winter can bring rain, influencing your travel plans.

Dining Recommendation in Santa Cruz

Try the local favorite, fish tacos from The Fish Hopper, where fresh ingredients blend beautifully with a coastal flair that sets it apart from San Francisco's fusion cuisine. The casual beachfront atmosphere and emphasis on sustainable seafood create a dining experience that celebrates Santa Cruz's laid-back lifestyle.

San Francisco - Santa Cruz operators

Explore transport companies operating between San Francisco 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 San Francisco Caltrain to San Jose Diridon

Average Duration
1h 41m
Estimated price
$9-12
Subway
Contact phone
+1-510-464-6000
Website
http://www.bart.gov

Subway from Civic Center / UN Plaza to Berryessa / North San Jose

Average Duration
1h 10m
Estimated price
$7-10
Bus Show bus routes
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
+1 214-849-8100
Website
https://www.greyhound.com/

Bus from San Francisco Bus Station to San Jose Diridon Station

Average Duration
1h 50m
Estimated price
$5-35
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

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

Traveling between San Francisco 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.

🚗 Experience a picturesque journey as you drive approximately 117.5 km from San Francisco to Santa Cruz, taking about 1 hour and 21 minutes to reach your destination. 💸 Enjoy the flexibility of pricing options, with costs ranging from $13 to $20 for a car trip between these two enchanting California cities.
Average price
$13 - $20
Useful tips for train travellers
On your train journey from San Francisco to Santa Cruz, check for onboard catering services provided by Amtrak. They typically offer a café car featuring a selection of snacks, beverages, and light meals. Grab a local favorite like a burrito or some coffee to enjoy while taking in the scenic views along the coast.
For this route, you have the option of traveling with multiple operators like Amtrak's Coast Starlight service and Greyhound. Amtrak provides comfortable seating options including Coach Class (economy), with larger windows for scenic views, and Business Class, which offers more spacious seating and complimentary snacks. You can find more information at Amtrak's website. Greyhound also services this route; their seating is standard bus seating, and you can explore options at Greyhound's website.
When you arrive in Santa Cruz, the train station is centrally located. While there are no luggage storage facilities, you can easily grab a taxi or rideshare. For public transportation, the quickest route to downtown Santa Cruz is to take the Santa Cruz Metro Line 10 right outside the station, which connects directly to the city center. For further travel options, refer to the Santa Cruz Metro website at Santa Cruz Metro.
🚌 The journey from San Francisco to Santa Cruz by bus takes approximately 3 hours and 22 minutes, with transfers along the way. Greyhound USA operates the service from San Francisco Bus Station to Santa Cruz Metro Center. 🚌 Route options vary slightly in terms of duration and transfers, with typical travel times ranging from 4 hours 9 minutes to 4 hours 22 minutes. Passengers can expect to pay between $12 to $19 for this trip, depending on the route chosen.
Departure Point
San Francisco Bus Station
Arrival Point
Soquel Ave & Front station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Plan your trip well, as there are no direct bus services from San Francisco to Santa Cruz; instead, you'll need to transfer at San Jose Diridon Station, where you can connect to the Highway 17 Express operated by Santa Cruz Metro, which offers a scenic ride to Santa Cruz.
• If you're looking for a quick meal or snack before your journey, consider stopping at one of the cafes or food options in the San Francisco Bus Station, or grab a bite at the San Jose Diridon Station during your layover as there are several eateries nearby.
• Upon arrival at Soquel Ave & Front in Santa Cruz, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the Santa Cruz Metro Center, as it not only serves as a transit hub but also provides easy access to local attractions, shopping, and dining options, making it a convenient starting point for your adventures.

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from San Francisco to Santa Cruz.

Or choose the category:
The distance between San Francisco and Santa Cruz is approximately 96.6 km by road. The typical travel time by car is 1 hour and 21 minutes. If you prefer public transportation, it takes approximately 3 hours and 11 minutes to reach Santa Cruz from San Francisco by taking BART and then a bus. Alternatively, taking a bus directly from San Francisco to Santa Cruz takes around 2 hours and 52 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient option for traveling from San Francisco to Santa Cruz is by driving. It takes approximately 1 hour and 21 minutes and costs around $13-$20 in fuel expenses.
To travel from San Francisco to Santa Cruz without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of 117.5 km which takes approximately 1 hour and 21 minutes. The route between the two cities is well connected with highways, making it convenient and straightforward to drive. The cost of driving from San Francisco to Santa Cruz can range from $13 to $20, depending on factors such as fuel prices and toll fees.
The best way to travel from San Francisco to Santa Cruz without a car is by taking the bus. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 52 minutes.
No, there is no direct link between San Francisco and Santa Cruz by bus. However, there are bus services available that involve transfers. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 52 minutes, including the transfers at Diridon Station. The bus services are operated by Amtrak and Santa Cruz Metro.
There are plenty of accommodation options near Santa Cruz. There are over 113 hotels to choose from, with prices starting at $72 per night.