Santa Cruz, CA, USA to Salinas, CA, USA from $6:ย 3 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Santa Cruz to Salinas: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$6 by carBest price
59 kmDistance
42m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Santa Cruz to Salinas 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 - Salinas operators
Explore transport companies operating between Santa Cruz and Salinas, 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 Water & Ocean to Watsonville Transit Center
Average Duration
58mEstimated price
$2-7Contact phone
1-888-678-2871Website
http://www.mst.org
Bus from Watsonville Transit Center / Lane 2 to Salinas Transit Center / Gate 1
Average Duration
46mEstimated price
$2-4Contact phone
+1 831-423-1234Taxi from Santa Cruz to Salinas
Average Duration
42mEstimated price
$120-160Contact phone
+1 831-246-1234Taxi from Santa Cruz to Salinas
Average Duration
42mEstimated price
$120-160Contact phone
+1 831-475-3232Taxi from Santa Cruz to Salinas
Average Duration
42mEstimated price
$120-160Santa Cruz to Salinas: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Santa Cruz and Salinas offers a variety of convenient options to suit your preferences, schedule, and budget. Whether you prioritize affordability, speed, or comfort, youโre sure to find the perfect way to travel without compromising on quality or convenience.
๐ Embark on a scenic road trip from Santa Cruz to Salinas, covering a distance of 36 miles through the picturesque California landscape. The journey typically takes around 42 minutes, offering a pleasant drive filled with beautiful sights along the way.
๐ธ Prices for traveling by car from Santa Cruz to Salinas are budget-friendly, ranging from $6 to $10 depending on factors such as gas prices and vehicle efficiency. This affordable transportation option makes it convenient for travelers to explore the charming city of Salinas without breaking the bank.
Average price
$6 - $10
๐ Embark on a scenic train journey from Santa Cruz to Salinas, covering a distance of 39.9 miles in just 2 hours and 0 minutes. ๐ Your adventure begins with a bus ride towards Watsonville, where you'll transfer to another bus heading to Salinas via Prunedale.
๐ Enjoy a smooth transit experience with Santa Cruz Metro for the first step of your trip, departing from Santa Cruz Metro Center and arriving at Watsonville Transit Center. ๐ Then, seamlessly transition to Monterey-Salinas Transit for the second leg of your journey, taking you from Watsonville to Salinas via Prunedale in approximately 58 minutes.
๐ Although there isn't a direct bus from Santa Cruz to Salinas, you can reach your destination in approximately 2 hours and 39 minutes with transfers along the way.
๐ค๏ธ The journey involves taking a bus from Water & Ocean station in Santa Cruz to Watsonville Transit Center, then transferring to another bus towards Salinas, covering a total distance of about 40 miles.
๐ฐ Ticket prices for the Santa Cruz to Salinas bus route typically range from $4 to $11, providing an affordable and convenient way to travel between these two California cities.
Departure Point
Water & Ocean station
Arrival Point
Salinas Transit Center / Gate 1 station
Useful tips for bus travellers
โข Begin your bus journey at the Santa Cruz Metro Center (Water & Ocean), and check the schedule on the Santa Cruz Metro website for real-time departures: scmtd.com to ensure your timing aligns with the bus to Watsonville.
โข During your transfer at the Watsonville Transit Center, consider grabbing a quick bite at the nearby restaurants, such as El Globo Bakery or The Sandwich Shop, to recharge before continuing on your way to Salinas.
โข Upon arrival at the Salinas Transit Center (Gate 1), familiarize yourself with the layout by reviewing the station map available at mst.org this will help you navigate the area more efficiently, especially if you need to transfer to another bus or find local transport options.
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Santa Cruz to Salinas.
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The distance between Santa Cruz and Salinas is approximately 47 km, with a road distance of 59 km. By car, it typically takes around 45 minutes to reach Santa Cruz from Salinas, depending on traffic conditions. Alternatively, if you prefer taking the bus, the travel time between the two cities is approximately 2 hours and 34 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Santa Cruz to Salinas is driving, which costs around $6 to $10 and takes approximately 42 minutes. This option offers both affordability and a relatively short travel time. However, if time is of the essence and cost is less of a concern, taking a taxi is the quickest option, taking around 42 minutes as well. Although more expensive with fares ranging from $120 to $160, it provides a convenient and time-efficient way to reach Salinas.
The prices of a bus ticket between Santa Cruz and Salinas vary between $4 and $11.
To travel from Santa Cruz to Salinas without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of 58 km which takes around 42 minutes. The road route between the two cities is straightforward and there are no major obstacles or detours. The cost of gas for this journey would be around $6 to $10 depending on the current fuel prices.
The best way to travel from Santa Cruz to Salinas without a car is by taking a bus. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 34 minutes and costs between $4 and $11. You can catch a bus from Santa Cruz to Salinas and then transfer to line 28 bus which will take you to your destination.
There is no direct link between Santa Cruz and Salinas by bus. However, there are services available that include transfers at Watsonville Transit Center. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 34 minutes.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Salinas. With over 163 hotels to choose from, travelers can find a range of options to fit their budget and preferences. Prices start at $53, making it affordable for different types of travelers.
Yes, you can definitely travel from Santa Cruz to Salinas by bicycle.