Reno, NV, USA to Santa Cruz, CA, USA from $13: 10 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

How to Get from Reno to Santa Cruz: 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.

$13 - Train, bus via SacramentoBest price

346 kmDistance

4h 48m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

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

See more options

Sort by

Browse car rentals Explore flights

Reno - Santa Cruz operators

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

Bus

Contact phone

+1 (855) 626-8585

Website

flixbus.com

Bus from Reno Downtown to Sacramento

Average Duration

2h 35m

Estimated price

$13-15035

Bus from Diridon Station to Soquel Ave & Front

Average Duration

52m

Estimated price

$1872-1870

Train

Contact phone

+1 800-872-7245

Website

amtrak.com

Train from Reno to Sacramento

Average Duration

5h 37m

Estimated price

$131-209

Train from Sacramento to San Jose

Average Duration

3h 6m

Estimated price

$1503-209

Train from Reno to Roseville Amtrak

Average Duration

4h 19m

Estimated price

$131-209

Train from Roseville Amtrak to San Jose

Average Duration

3h 38m

Estimated price

$131-209

Contact phone

+1-510-464-6000

Website

bart.gov

Train from West Oakland to Berryessa / North San Jose

Average Duration

58m

Estimated price

$131-139

Train from Coliseum to Berryessa / North San Jose

Average Duration

46m

Estimated price

$1503-137

Contact phone

+1 800-660-4287

Website

caltrain.com

Train from Millbrae Caltrain to San Jose Diridon

Average Duration

1h 16m

Estimated price

$1870-1360

Taxi

Taxi from San Carlos to Santa Cruz

Average Duration

56m

Estimated price

$15070-187210

Plane

Website

united.com

Plane from Reno (RNO) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration

1h 22m

Estimated price

$150-208

Plane from Reno (RNO) to San Jose (SJC)

Average Duration

1h 11m

Estimated price

$209-1500

Website

southwest.com

Plane from Reno Airport to San Jose Airport

Average Duration

1h 11m

Estimated price

$209-1500

Website

iflysouthern.com

Plane from Truckee (TKF) to San Carlos (SQL)

Average Duration

1h 10m

Estimated price

$1502-200

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

Traveling between Reno 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.

🚗 Embark on a scenic road trip from Reno to Santa Cruz covering a picturesque distance of 279 miles. As you cruise along the highways, enjoy the diverse landscapes that unfold before you. 💰 The cost of driving from Reno to Santa Cruz ranges from $50 to $75, offering an affordable option for those looking to explore the coastal beauty of California. With flexibility in pricing, you can plan your trip according to your budget. 🏖️ Arrive in Santa Cruz after a comfortable 4 hours and 48 minutes of driving, ready to indulge in the sun, sand, and surf that this charming beach town has to offer.

Average price

$50 - $75

🛫 Flying from Reno to Santa Cruz is a convenient and quick journey by plane. The quickest flight from Reno Airport to San Jose Airport is a direct flight lasting just 1 hour and 10 minutes with Southwest Airlines. 🚗 Upon landing at San Jose Airport, you can opt for a rental car or take a shuttle to complete the remaining 30-mile drive to Santa Cruz. The scenic drive typically takes around 45 minutes, giving you a chance to enjoy the California landscape.

Departure Point

Reno Airport

Arrival Point

San Jose Airport

🚌 Although there is no direct bus from Reno to Santa Cruz, travelers can take a route with 3 transfers and a total journey time of 17 hours 48 minutes covering a distance of 358 miles.

Departure Point

Reno Downtown station

Arrival Point

Soquel Ave & Front station

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from Reno to Santa Cruz.

Or choose the category:

The distance between Reno and Santa Cruz is approximately 346.0 km by direct route. The road distance is slightly longer at 448.7 km. If traveling from Reno to Santa Cruz, the typical travel time by train and bus via Sacramento is approximately 11 hours and 15 minutes. Alternatively, driving by car from Santa Cruz to Reno typically takes around 4 hours and 48 minutes, while the bus journey from Reno to Santa Cruz is around 8 hours and 17 minutes.

The most cost-effective option for traveling from Reno to Santa Cruz is by bus, which can cost between $25 and $120 and takes 8 hours and 17 minutes. This is a good choice for budget-conscious travelers who don't mind the longer travel time. However, if time is of the essence, driving is the fastest option, taking only 4 hours and 48 minutes and costing between $50 and $75.

The prices for a bus ticket between Santa Cruz and Reno can range from $25 to $112, depending on the specific bus company and the time of travel.

To get from Reno to Santa Cruz without using public transportation, you can drive. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 449.0 km, and it takes around 4 hours and 48 minutes to complete the journey by car. The cost of driving from Reno to Santa Cruz can vary depending on factors such as fuel prices and vehicle type, but it is typically estimated to be between $50 and $75.

If you don't have a car, the best way to travel from Reno to Santa Cruz is by bus. The bus journey takes around 8 hours and 17 minutes and the ticket prices range from $25 to $120.

Yes, there is a link between Reno and Santa Cruz although it requires transferring between different modes of transportation. The most common route is to take a train from Reno to Sacramento and then a bus from Sacramento to Santa Cruz, which takes approximately 11 hours and 15 minutes. Alternatively, you can drive between the two cities, which takes about 4 hours and 48 minutes. There is also a bus service available, which takes approximately 8 hours and 17 minutes with transfers.

The flight between Reno and Santa Cruz typically takes 1 hour. The cost of the flight can vary depending on factors such as the airline and time of booking. Once you arrive at San Jose Airport, which is the closest major airport to Santa Cruz, you can choose to take a taxi, rent a car, or use a shuttle service to reach your destination in Santa Cruz. The distance between San Jose Airport and Santa Cruz is approximately 50 miles, and the journey can take around 1-1.5 hours depending on traffic conditions.

There are plenty of accommodation options near Santa Cruz. With over 113 hotels to choose from, you will be able to find something suitable for your budget and preferences. Prices start at around $72, offering a range of options from budget-friendly hotels to luxury resorts.