Santa Rosa, CA, USA to Santa Cruz, CA, USA from $23: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

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

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$23 - OtherBest price

208 kmDistance

2h 20m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Santa Rosa 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.

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Santa Rosa - Santa Cruz operators

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

Bus Show bus routes

Contact phone

+1 214-849-8100

Website

https://www.greyhound.com/

Bus from Santa Rosa Bus Stop to Oakland

Average Duration

1h 30m

Estimated price

$12-35

Bus from Oakland to San Jose Diridon Station

Average Duration

1h 10m

Estimated price

$12-35

Contact phone

+1 (831) 425-8600

Website

http://www.scmtd.com

Bus from Diridon Station to Soquel Ave & Front

Average Duration

52m

Estimated price

$12-12

Bus from Diridon Station to Ocean & Water

Average Duration

50m

Estimated price

$12-12

Train

Contact phone

+1 707-794-3330

Website

https://sonomamarintrain.org

Train from Santa Rosa Downtown SMART to Larkspur SMART

Average Duration

1h 8m

Estimated price

$122-123

Contact phone

+1-510-464-6000

Website

http://www.bart.gov

Train from Embarcadero to Berryessa / North San Jose

Average Duration

1h 5m

Estimated price

$122-123

Contact phone

+1 800-660-4287

Website

http://www.caltrain.com

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

Average Duration

1h 41m

Estimated price

$12-12

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

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

Train from San Jose, CA to Santa Cruz, CA

Average Duration

50m

Estimated price

0-0

Ferry

Contact phone

+1 415-455-2000

Website

https://www.goldengate.org

Ferry from Larkspur Ferry Terminal to San Francisco Ferry Terminal

Average Duration

30m

Estimated price

$12-12

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

Traveling between Santa Rosa 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.

🚗 The scenic journey from Santa Rosa to Santa Cruz spans 129 miles of California beauty, offering a mix of coastal views and lush green landscapes. 🌊 As you drive for approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, you'll find yourself amidst the laid-back vibe of Santa Cruz, known for its iconic boardwalk and stunning beaches. 💰 Prices for making the trip by car can range from $23 to $35, providing an affordable and convenient way to explore the coastal delights between these two vibrant California cities.

Average price

$23 - $35

🚌 Starting from Santa Rosa Bus Stop, you will need to make transfers in Oakland and Diridon Station before reaching Santa Cruz. The journey by bus takes approximately 5 hours and 12 minutes. 🛣️ The distance between Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz is 138 miles, with bus ticket prices ranging from $12 to $77. Different routes offer varying travel times, with 2 transfers required to complete the journey. 🌉 Enjoy the scenic views on the way, with options to travel via routes that include stops in San Francisco, San Jose, and Highway 17 Express to eventually arrive at Soquel Ave & Front in Santa Cruz.

Departure Point

Santa Rosa Bus Stop station

Arrival Point

Soquel Ave & Front station

Frequently asked questions

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The cheapest way to get from Santa Rosa to Santa Cruz is by driving. The estimated cost of gas for the round trip is between $23 and $35, depending on the fuel efficiency of your vehicle. The journey takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

The fastest way to travel from Santa Rosa to Santa Cruz is by driving. The journey typically takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes.

The distance from Santa Rosa to Santa Cruz is approximately 175 kilometers. The road distance is slightly longer, measuring about 208 kilometers. When driving, the journey typically takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions and the specific route taken.

One option to travel from Santa Rosa to Santa Cruz without a car is to take a combination of bus and Caltrain. Start by taking the Sonoma County Transit bus to the SMART Train Station in Santa Rosa. From there, take the SMART Train to San Rafael and transfer to a Golden Gate Transit bus to San Francisco. Once in San Francisco, take Caltrain to San Mateo and transfer to an Amtrak Thruway bus which will take you to Santa Cruz. This route takes approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes and costs between $45 and $60.

The most cost-effective way to travel from Santa Rosa to Santa Cruz is by driving. The journey typically takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes, with an estimated cost of $23-$35 for gas and tolls.

There are numerous options for accommodation near Santa Cruz. There are over 113 hotels available in the area, offering a range of prices and amenities to suit different budgets and preferences. Prices for hotels start at around $72 per night.

Yes, you can drive from Santa Rosa to Santa Cruz. The driving distance is approximately 208 km and it usually takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Yes, there is no direct bus between Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz. However, you can take a bus from Santa Rosa Transit Mall to San Francisco, then transfer to another bus that goes to Santa Cruz. The journey, including transfers, takes approximately 6 hours and 14 minutes.

To catch the bus from Santa Rosa to Santa Cruz you will need to go to the Santa Rosa Transit Mall station. This is where the bus services, operated by Golden Gate Transit, depart from.

The Santa Rosa to Santa Cruz bus services, operated by Santa Cruz Metro, arrive at the Water & Ocean station. This station is located in downtown Santa Cruz, near the popular Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the Santa Cruz Wharf.

The cost to drive from Santa Rosa to Santa Cruz ranges from $23 to $35.