Santa Cruz, CA, USA to San Rafael, CA, USA from $6: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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How to Get from Santa Cruz to San Rafael: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way

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$6 - Bus, TrainBest price

149 kmDistance

1h 42m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Santa Cruz to San Rafael 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.

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Santa Cruz - San Rafael operators

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

Bus

Contact phone

+1 (831) 425-8600

Website

http://www.scmtd.com

Bus from Soquel Ave & Front to Diridon Station

Average Duration

58m

Estimated price

$1-2

Bus from Ocean & Water to Diridon Station

Average Duration

56m

Estimated price

$1-2

Contact phone

+1 415-921-5858

Website

https://www.goldengatetransit.org

Bus from Mission St & 2nd St to San Rafael Transit Center Platform B

Average Duration

1h 1m

Estimated price

$6-124

Train

Contact phone

+1-510-464-6000

Website

http://www.bart.gov

Train from Berryessa / North San Jose to El Cerrito Del Norte

Average Duration

1h 13m

Estimated price

$122-123

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

$6-12

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from San Jose to Richmond

Average Duration

1h 27m

Estimated price

$16-126

Plane

Website

http://www.united.com

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

Average Duration

56m

Estimated price

$120-121

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Contact phone

+1 831-423-1234

Other from Santa Cruz to Monterey

Average Duration

47m

Estimated price

$304-305

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

Traveling between Santa Cruz and San Rafael 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 picturesque road trip from Santa Cruz to San Rafael, covering a distance of 93 miles through stunning California landscapes. 💰 Enjoy the flexibility of different price options ranging from $16 to $25 for the journey by car, making it a budget-friendly travel choice. 📍 With a smooth drive lasting approximately 1 hour and 42 minutes, you'll arrive in San Rafael ready to explore its charming streets and vibrant atmosphere.

Average price

$16 - $25

🛫 Flying from Santa Cruz to San Rafael typically involves taking a flight from Monterey Airport to San Francisco Airport. The direct flight offered by United Airlines is the quickest option, with a travel time of just 56 minutes. 📍 Upon landing at San Francisco Airport, travelers can easily make their way to San Rafael by car or public transportation. The drive typically takes around 45 minutes, depending on traffic. Alternatively, there are convenient shuttle services available for those who prefer not to drive.

Departure Point

Monterey Airport

Arrival Point

San Francisco Airport

🌉 The bus ride includes a transfer at Mission St & 2nd St before reaching the final destination at San Rafael Transit Center Platform B in San Rafael. ⏰ Overall, the bus trip from Santa Cruz to San Rafael takes approximately 4 hours and 32 minutes, allowing passengers to enjoy the scenic views along the way.

Departure Point

Soquel Ave & Front station

Arrival Point

San Rafael Transit Center Platform B station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between Santa Cruz and San Rafael is 120.7 km or 149.3 km by road. The typical travel times by various modes of transportation are as follows: It takes approximately 3 hours and 53 minutes to travel from Santa Cruz to San Rafael by taking a bus and then BART. By car, it takes around 1 hour and 42 minutes to reach Santa Cruz from San Rafael. Alternatively, taking a bus can take up to 4 hours and 45 minutes to reach San Rafael from Santa Cruz.

The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Santa Cruz to San Rafael is by driving. It takes approximately 1 hour and 42 minutes and costs $16-$25. Taking a bus and BART is also an option, but it takes longer, about 3 hours and 53 minutes.

When traveling from Santa Cruz to San Rafael, the prices of a bus ticket can range from $9 to $71, depending on the specific bus service and any discounts that may be available.

To travel from Santa Cruz to San Rafael without using public transportation, you can drive the distance of 149.7 km. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and 42 minutes by car. The estimated cost for gas and tolls can range from $16 to $25.

To travel from Santa Cruz to San Rafael without a car, the best option is to take a bus and BART. This journey takes approximately 3 hours and 53 minutes and costs between $12 and $30.

Yes, there is a way to travel from Santa Cruz to San Rafael, but it requires transfers. There is no direct bus from Santa Cruz to San Rafael, however, you can take a bus from Santa Cruz to San Jose Diridon Station, then transfer to another bus that will take you to the Salesforce Transit Center in San Francisco. From there, you can catch a bus to the San Rafael Transit Center. The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 4 hours and 45 minutes.

The flight between Santa Cruz and San Rafael typically takes around 49 minutes on a direct flight from Monterey Airport to San Francisco Airport. The cost of the flight can vary depending on factors such as the time of booking, airline, and availability, but it is usually around $100 to $150 for a one-way ticket.

There are plenty of accommodation options near San Rafael. The city offers a wide range of hotels to choose from, with over 421 hotels available. Prices for these hotels start at $74 per night, making it affordable for travelers with different budgets.