San Jose, CA, USA to Santa Cruz, CA, USA from $5: 3 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from San Jose to Santa Cruz: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$5 by carBest price
51 kmDistance
39m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Jose 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.
San Jose - Santa Cruz operators
Explore transport companies operating between San Jose and Santa Cruz, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+1 (831) 425-8600Website
http://www.scmtd.com
Bus from Diridon Station to Soquel Ave & Front
Average Duration
52mEstimated price
$2-7Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html
Bus from San Jose, CA to Santa Cruz, CA
Average Duration
50mEstimated price
0-0Contact phone
+1 408-459-8010Website
http://taxisanjose.com
Other from San Jose to Santa Cruz
Average Duration
39mEstimated price
$110-140San Jose to Santa Cruz: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between San Jose 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 the scenic drive from lively San Jose to the charming coastal town of Santa Cruz, spanning a mere 32 miles across picturesque California landscapes.
💸 With car travel costs ranging from $5 to $9, this budget-friendly journey offers the perfect opportunity to explore the beauty of the Bay Area without breaking the bank.
Average price
$5 - $9
🚂 Hop on the Highway 17 Express bus from San Jose Diridon Station to Santa Cruz, a journey that takes about 52 minutes covering a distance of 33.6 miles. The bus ride is operated by Santa Cruz Metro, and you can contact them at 1 425-8600 or visit http://www.scmtd.com/ for more information.
🌲 Enjoy the scenic route as you travel towards Santa Cruz via Highway 17 Express through Scotts Valley Drive. The trip from San Jose to Santa Cruz takes approximately 57 minutes, spanning a distance of 32.9 miles. The bus service is provided by Santa Cruz Metro, ensuring a comfortable and convenient travel experience.
🏖️ Experience a leisurely journey from San Jose to Santa Cruz aboard the Highway 17 Express bus passing through SVTC. This route covers a distance of 33.6 miles and takes around 1 hour and 3 minutes. Rest assured, Santa Cruz Metro operates this service for a smooth transit to your destination.
🚌 Traveling by bus from San Jose to Santa Cruz is a convenient and affordable option. With services departing hourly, the journey takes approximately 52 minutes.
🚌 Enjoy a scenic ride of about 33.6 miles for a fare ranging from $2 to $7. Sit back, relax, and let the bus take you from San Jose to Santa Cruz in just over an hour.
Departure Point
Diridon Station
Arrival Point
Soquel Ave & Front station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Arrive at Diridon Station at least 15 minutes early to find your bus and ensure you have time to purchase your ticket, either at the kiosk or online via the Santa Cruz Metro website at scmtd.com
• Keep an eye on the bus schedule and be mindful that the Highway 17 Express operates hourly; the approximate travel time is 52 minutes, so plan accordingly to align your arrival in Santa Cruz with any subsequent activities or transfers.
• Upon arriving at the Soquel Ave & Front station in Santa Cruz, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the area; it's a short walk to the downtown district and local eateries. Check out the Santa Cruz Metro stop map online to navigate easily from the station to your destination: scmtd.com
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from San Jose to Santa Cruz.
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The distance between San Jose and Santa Cruz is 41.8 km by air, and the road distance is 50.7 km. By car, it typically takes around 45 minutes to 1 hour to travel from San Jose to Santa Cruz, depending on traffic conditions. Alternatively, by bus, it takes approximately 1 hour to reach Santa Cruz from San Jose.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from San Jose to Santa Cruz is to drive. The road distance is 50.7 km, and it takes approximately 39 minutes to reach Santa Cruz by car. The cost of driving is estimated to be around $5-$9. Taking a taxi is also a quick option, costing around $110-$140 and taking the same amount of time as driving.
When traveling from San Jose to Santa Cruz there are different prices depending on the mode of transportation. For the bus, the prices range from $2 to $7.
To travel from San Jose to Santa Cruz without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of 51.5 km. It takes approximately 39 minutes to drive from San Jose to Santa Cruz. The prices for this journey by car can range from $5 to $9, depending on factors such as gas prices and tolls.
The best way to travel from San Jose to Santa Cruz without a car is by taking the bus. The bus journey takes approximately 1 hour and the cost typically ranges from $2 to $7.
Yes, there is a direct link between San Jose and Santa Cruz. The bus service operated by Santa Cruz Metro departs from Diridon Station in San Jose and arrives at Water & Ocean station in Santa Cruz. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and the buses operate hourly, every day.
There are plenty of accommodation options near Santa Cruz. With over 113 hotels to choose from, you will definitely find one that suits your preferences and budget. Prices start at $72 for a basic room, but there are also options for luxurious resorts and beachfront hotels.
Yes, you can definitely travel from San Jose to Santa Cruz by bicycle. The distance between the two cities is 65 km, and it takes approximately 4 hours and 4 minutes to complete the journey.