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Santa Cruz, CA, USA to San Francisco, CA, USA from $10: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

How to Get from Santa Cruz to San Francisco: 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.

$10 - Bus, BARTBest price
96.56 kmDistance
1h 22m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Santa Cruz to San Francisco 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
Bus
Train
Average Duration
2h  52m
Estimated price
$11-19
Recommended
Company
various
Bus
BART
Average Duration
2h  52m
Estimated price
$10-22
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 96.56 km
Duration: 1h 22m

See more options

Company
various
Bus
Drive
Average Duration
3h  13m
Estimated price
$0-0
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
1h  22m
Estimated price
$13-20
Company
various
Taxi
Plane
Average Duration
2h  14m
Estimated price
$299-599
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Santa Cruz to San Francisco

The journey from Santa Cruz to San Francisco offers a delightful contrast, with Santa Cruz showcasing laid-back beach vibes while San Francisco boasts a vibrant urban landscape filled with iconic sights and cultural experiences.

Best Neighbourhoods in San Francisco

San Francisco's neighborhoods each offer distinct atmospheres and attractions.

Mission District
• Known for vibrant street art and murals.
• Home to many delicious taco joints.
Chinatown
• The oldest Chinatown in North America.
• Offers authentic dining and cultural experiences.
Haight-Ashbury
• Famous for its role in the 1960s counterculture movement.
• Features unique vintage shops and colorful Victorian houses.

Best Times To Visit San Francisco's Attractions

Visit San Francisco and enjoy its attractions at their best with these tips.

Golden Gate Bridge
Early morning or late afternoon offers stunning views with fewer tourists.
Alcatraz Island
Midweek visits typically see lower crowds and a more tranquil experience.
Fisherman's Wharf
Visit early in the morning to enjoy fresh seafood and shop without the rush.

San Francisco Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

San Francisco has a mild climate with cool summers and foggy mornings, making it a year-round destination. Visiting in late summer and early fall usually brings warmer temperatures, while layering is key during cooler months to fully enjoy the city’s outdoor charm.

Dining Recommendation in San Francisco

Try the clam chowder in a sourdough bread bowl at Fisherman’s Wharf, a dish that showcases the city's rich maritime culture and fresh seafood. This dining experience contrasts with Santa Cruz's beachside casualness, offering a bustling atmosphere and bold flavors uniquely tied to San Francisco's culinary heritage.

Santa Cruz - San Francisco operators

Explore transport companies operating between Santa Cruz and San Francisco, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.

Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 (831) 425-8600
Website
http://www.scmtd.com

Bus from Ocean & Water to Diridon Station

Average Duration
56m
Estimated price
$2-7

Bus from Soquel Ave & Front to Diridon Station

Average Duration
58m
Estimated price
$2-7
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Bus from San Jose Diridon Station to San Francisco Salesforce Plaza

Average Duration
1h 15m
Estimated price
$0-0
Train
Contact phone
+1 800-660-4287
Website
http://www.caltrain.com

Train from San Jose Diridon Caltrain Northbound to San Francisco Caltrain Northbound

Average Duration
1h 39m
Estimated price
$9-12
Contact phone
+1-510-464-6000
Website
http://www.bart.gov

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

Average Duration
1h 9m
Estimated price
$7-10
Taxi
Contact phone
+1 831-423-1234

Taxi from Santa Cruz to Monterey

Average Duration
47m
Estimated price
$150-180
Plane Show flights
Website
united.com

Plane from Monterey (MRY) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
56m
Estimated price
$190-420

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

Traveling between Santa Cruz and San Francisco 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.

🚗 Journey from Santa Cruz to San Francisco covers a scenic distance of 119.1 km, offering travelers a mix of coastal and urban landscapes along the way. 💸 Prices for the road trip range from $13 to $20, making it an affordable and convenient option for those looking to explore both cities at their own pace. 🌉 Once you arrive in San Francisco after a smooth 1 hour and 22-minute drive, you can immerse yourself in the vibrant culture, iconic landmarks, and bustling city life awaiting you by the bay.
Average price
$13 - $20
Useful tips for train travellers
• When traveling on the Amtrak Coast Starlight, enjoy the onboard dining services that offer a variety of meals, snacks, and beverages. Reservations are recommended for the dining car, especially during peak travel times. There's also a café car available for grab-and-go options if you prefer a quick bite.
• Amtrak provides different seating options for this route, including Coach Class, Business Class, and First Class. Coach Class offers comfortable seating, while Business Class features larger seats with more legroom and complimentary non-alcoholic beverages. First Class offers the most luxurious experience with premium services and additional comfort.
• The main operator for the Santa Cruz to San Francisco route is Amtrak. You can check their schedule and book tickets at amtrak.com Another option is the California Zephyr, though its route differs and may not be the most direct choice. For local transport schedules, visit sfmta.com for the latest bus and tram schedules, as well as maps.
🛫 Flying from Santa Cruz to San Francisco is a convenient and quick trip, with the fastest direct flight option taking just 56 minutes from Monterey Airport to San Francisco Airport. United Airlines operates flights on this route, ensuring a comfortable journey. 🏖️ Passengers departing from Santa Cruz can easily reach Monterey Airport by car or shuttle service in about 45 minutes, making it a hassle-free start to their air travel experience. Monterey Airport provides modern amenities and services for travelers before they depart for San Francisco. 🌉 Upon landing at San Francisco Airport, travelers can quickly access the city's iconic landmarks, vibrant neighborhoods, and diverse attractions. The efficient flight connection between these two California cities offers a seamless travel experience for visitors looking to explore the Bay Area.
Departure Point
Monterey Airport
Arrival Point
San Francisco Airport
🚌 If you're looking to travel from Santa Cruz to San Francisco by bus, be prepared for a journey with transfers. There are services that depart from Soquel Ave & Front and arrive at San Francisco Salesforce Plaza via San Jose Diridon Station. 🛣️ Route 1 offers a trip that takes approximately 4 hours and 42 minutes to cover the 138.1 km distance. This route includes 2 transfers, with the final leg on a bus operated by SamTrans taking you from SFO Airport to Mission St & 9th St in San Francisco. 🚍 Route 2, slightly longer at 5 hours and 21 minutes, covers 134.5 km and also involves 2 transfers. Expect to switch buses at locations like Autumn & Park and Palo Alto Transit Center before reaching Daly City BART Station in San Francisco.
Departure Point
Soquel Ave & Front station
Arrival Point
San Francisco Salesforce Plaza station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Opt for the Highway 17 Express operated by Santa Cruz Metro to travel directly from Santa Cruz Metro Center to San Jose, which typically takes about 53 minutes; it's crucial to check their schedule in advance to ensure you catch your bus on time. More info can be found at scmtd.com
• After arriving at San Jose Diridon Station, transfer to the Monterey Airbus to continue your journey to San Francisco; ensure you check their arrival and departure points as this service connects directly to SFO Airport Terminal A, making it convenient for onward travel. Visit their website at montereyairbus.com for schedules.
• Upon arriving at Salesforce Plaza in San Francisco, expect a bustling area with numerous dining and transportation options; familiarize yourself with the station map available here to easily navigate to Muni, BART stations, or any preferred local eateries.

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between Santa Cruz and San Francisco is 96.6 km by air or 118.6 km by road. The typical travel time by car is 1 hour and 22 minutes. If you prefer public transportation, taking a bus and then the Caltrain can take around 2 hours and 50 minutes. Alternatively, the bus journey alone can take around 3 hours and 29 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Santa Cruz to San Francisco is by taking the bus and BART, which costs $10-$22 and takes approximately 2 hours and 51 minutes. This is a relatively affordable option for those on a budget. However, if time is a priority, driving is the most time-efficient choice, taking only 1 hour and 22 minutes.
The prices for a bus ticket between San Francisco and Santa Cruz range from $7 to $42, depending on the bus company and the time of travel.
To travel from Santa Cruz to San Francisco without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of approximately 119.1 km. The journey typically takes around 1 hour and 22 minutes by car. The cost of the trip can range from $13 to $20, depending on factors such as fuel prices and toll fees.
The best way to travel from Santa Cruz to San Francisco without a car is by taking a bus and then transferring to the Caltrain. This journey usually takes about 2 hours and 50 minutes. The cost of this transportation option is typically between $11 and $19.
Yes, there is a way to travel directly between Santa Cruz and San Francisco but it involves multiple modes of transportation. First, you would need to take a bus from Santa Cruz to San Jose Diridon Station, which takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes. From there, you would transfer to Caltrain and take the train to San Francisco, which takes around 1 hour and 30 minutes. The total travel time would be approximately 2 hours and 50 minutes. Alternatively, if you prefer to drive, it takes about 1 hour and 22 minutes to travel by car between Santa Cruz and San Francisco.
The flight between Santa Cruz and San Francisco typically takes 49 minutes.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near San Francisco. With over 835 hotels to choose from, travelers can find a range of options suitable for their preferences and budgets. Prices for hotels start at $74 per night, though they may vary depending on the location, amenities, and time of the year.