Santa Cruz, CA, USA to Los Angeles, CA, USA from $19: 10 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Santa Cruz to Los Angeles: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$19 - Bus, TrainBest price
475 kmDistance
3h 29m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Santa Cruz to Los Angeles 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.
Santa Cruz - Los Angeles operators
Explore transport companies operating between Santa Cruz and Los Angeles, 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 Soquel Ave & Front to Diridon Station
Average Duration
58mEstimated price
$196-198Bus from Ocean & Water to Diridon Station
Average Duration
56mEstimated price
$196-198Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
https://www.greyhound.com/
Bus from San Jose Diridon Station to Los Angeles Union Station
Average Duration
7hEstimated price
$1995-2718Bus from Salinas to Los Angeles
Average Duration
7h 40mEstimated price
$0-0Contact phone
+1 714-839-3500Website
https://xedohoang.com/en
Bus from San Jose - Huong Lan Sandwich to Chinatown Station
Average Duration
Estimated price
$0-0Contact phone
+1 800-660-4287Website
http://www.caltrain.com
Train from San Jose Diridon Caltrain Northbound to Millbrae Caltrain Northbound
Average Duration
1h 12mEstimated price
$198-1970Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html
Train from San Jose to Los Angeles
Average Duration
10h 45mEstimated price
$1977-19760Website
southwest.com
Plane from San Jose (SJC) to Los Angeles (LAX)
Average Duration
1h 19mEstimated price
$5782-5783Website
united.com
Plane from Monterey (MRY) to Los Angeles (LAX)
Average Duration
1h 25mEstimated price
$5787-27170Contact phone
+1 831-423-1234Other from Santa Cruz to Monterey
Average Duration
47mEstimated price
$19750-5787Santa Cruz to Los Angeles: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Santa Cruz and Los Angeles 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 Santa Cruz to Los Angeles, covering a distance of 341 miles. Enjoy the diverse landscapes of California along the way, from coastal views to picturesque mountains.
💸 Budget-friendly options are available for this journey, with car travel costs ranging from $60 to $90. Plan for pit stops at charming towns and eateries to break up the drive and experience the local culture.
🌆 Arrive in the vibrant city of Los Angeles after approximately 5 hours and 51 minutes on the road. Explore iconic attractions like Hollywood Boulevard, the Santa Monica Pier, and indulge in the city's diverse culinary scene.
Average price
$60 - $90
Useful tips for train travellers
• On your train trip from Santa Cruz to Los Angeles, consider taking Amtrak as your operator. Their onboard services include a café car with a range of snacks, sandwiches, and beverages available for purchase. They provide a selection of food items that are ideal for a light meal or snack during your journey.
• Amtrak offers several seating options on this route: Coach Class (Economy), Business Class, and First Class. Coach Class seats are comfortable but more basic, while Business Class offers wider seats and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. First Class provides spacious seating, more privacy, and enhanced services, which can make your trip more enjoyable if you're looking for added comfort.
• After arriving at Los Angeles Union Station, keep in mind that there are facilities available. You can leave your luggage at the Amtrak checked baggage service if you need to explore the city before checking into your accommodation. The station features clean restrooms but no showers. To get to the city center quickly, use the Metro Gold Line—take the train towards the Sierra Madre Villa Station, which takes about 15 minutes.
🛫 The quickest way to travel from Santa Cruz to Los Angeles is by taking a direct flight from Monterey Airport to Los Angeles Airport, which only takes 1 hour and 23 minutes.
Departure Point
Monterey Airport
Arrival Point
Los Angeles Airport
🚌 The journey from Santa Cruz to Los Angeles by bus takes approximately 8 hours and 15 minutes with transfers along the way. There is no direct bus service available for this route.
🛤️ Route 1 involves a total travel time of 9 hours and 3 minutes covering a distance of 382 miles. The first step includes a bus ride on the Highway 17 Express to San Jose via SVTC, followed by a second bus towards Los Angeles with a total duration of 7 hours and 15 minutes.
💰 The prices for a bus ticket between Santa Cruz and Los Angeles range from $53 to $64. Passengers will need to transfer at different stations during the journey, making stops at San Jose Diridon Station and Santa Clara & Delmas before arriving at the final destination of Chinatown Station in Los Angeles.
Departure Point
Soquel Ave & Front station
Arrival Point
Chinatown Station
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Santa Cruz to Los Angeles.
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The distance between Santa Cruz and Los Angeles is approximately 475 km by road. The driving time is approximately 5 hours and 51 minutes. However, if you prefer to fly, it takes about 3 hours and 27 minutes, including a taxi ride to Monterey airport. Taking a bus is the longest option, with a travel time of around 8 hours and 11 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Santa Cruz to Los Angeles is by bus, which takes 8 hours and 11 minutes and costs between $30 and $65. However, if you are looking for a quicker option, the most time-efficient choice is to take a taxi to Monterey and then fly to Los Angeles, which takes 3 hours and 27 minutes and costs between $270 and $600.
The prices for a bus ticket between Santa Cruz and Los Angeles range from $33 to $64.
To travel from Santa Cruz to Los Angeles without using public transportation, you can drive. The road distance is approximately 549 km and it takes about 5 hours and 51 minutes to drive from Santa Cruz to Los Angeles. The cost of driving can vary, but typically ranges from $60 to $90 in fuel expenses.
If you want to travel from Santa Cruz to Los Angeles without a car, the best option is to take a bus. The bus route goes via San Jose and takes approximately 8 hours and 11 minutes. The cost of the bus ticket ranges from $30 to $65.
There is no direct link between Santa Cruz and Los Angeles. However, there are various transportation options available. The quickest option is to take a taxi to Monterey and then fly to Los Angeles, which takes approximately 3 hours and 27 minutes. If driving, it takes around 5 hours and 51 minutes to travel from Santa Cruz to Los Angeles by car. Another option is taking a bus, which takes approximately 8 hours and 11 minutes with transfers.
The flight between Santa Cruz and Los Angeles typically takes 1 hour and 24 minutes. This is the quickest and most convenient way to travel between the two cities. The cost of the flight can vary depending on the airline, time of booking, and other factors, but it is generally affordable and can range from around $100 to $300 for a one-way ticket.
There are numerous options for accommodation near Los Angeles. With over 1604 hotels to choose from, travelers have a wide range of choices to suit their preferences and budgets. Prices start at $87 per night, but can vary depending on the location, amenities, and season.