1map logoGo to main page

Seattle, WA, USA to Santa Cruz, CA, USA from $42: 8 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
Seattle, United States of America
to
Santa Cruz, United States of America

How to Get from Seattle 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.

$42 - Train, busBest price
1189 kmDistance
4h 32m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

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

Company
various
Plane
Taxi
Average Duration
4h  32m
Estimated price
$283-833
Recommended
Company
Amtrak, various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
25h  54m
Estimated price
$42-288
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 1189 km
Duration: 4h 32m

See more options

Company
various
Plane
BART
Bus
Average Duration
6h  38m
Estimated price
$168-270
Company
various
Plane
Train
Bus
Average Duration
6h  58m
Estimated price
$189-2830
Company
various
Plane
Bus
Average Duration
6h  2m
Estimated price
$227-318
Company
various
Plane
Train
Bus
Average Duration
7h  14m
Estimated price
$2831-2832
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
14h  53m
Estimated price
$2833-2834
Company
Flixbus USA
Bus
Average Duration
21h  46m
Estimated price
$2881-2882
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Seattle to Santa Cruz

This journey from Seattle's vibrant cityscape and lush mountains to Santa Cruz's stunning beaches and laid-back vibe promises a striking contrast in experiences.

Best Neighbourhoods in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz features a vibrant mix of neighborhoods, each offering unique experiences.

Downtown Santa Cruz
• Bustling shops and local eateries abound.
• Home to lively cultural events and festivals.
Westside
• Scenic beaches and beautiful coastal trails.
• Enjoy great local breweries and coffee shops.
Seabright
• Charming beachside atmosphere and ocean views.
• Close to the iconic Santa Cruz Boardwalk.

Best Times To Visit Santa Cruz's Attractions

Planning your visits around peak times can enhance your Santa Cruz experience.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Visit early weekday mornings for fewer crowds and easy access to rides.
Natural Bridges State Beach
Early afternoon during low tide offers unobstructed views of tide pools.
Downtown Santa Cruz
Explore on weekdays to enjoy quieter streets and local shops.

Santa Cruz Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Santa Cruz experiences a mild Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters, making it inviting for year-round visits. If you're planning your trip, late spring and early fall offer the most pleasant weather, enhancing your enjoyment of the beaches and outdoor activities.

Dining in Santa Cruz: A Culinary Experience

For a true taste of Santa Cruz, don't miss out on the fresh fish tacos at The Picnic Basket, where locally sourced ingredients create vibrant flavors that differ from Seattle's seafood scene. The casual beachside atmosphere enhances your meal, offering a laid-back vibe that invites relaxation as you savor unique California-fusion dishes.

Seattle - Santa Cruz operators

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

Plane Show flights
Website
alaskaair.com

Plane from Seattle (SEA) to Monterey (MRY)

Average Duration
2h 12m
Estimated price
$283-833

Plane from Seattle (SEA) to San Jose (SJC)

Average Duration
2h 10m
Estimated price
$8331-8332

Plane from Seattle (SEA) to Oakland (OAK)

Average Duration
2h 8m
Estimated price
$2834-8333

Plane from Seattle (SEA) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
2h 12m
Estimated price
$2834-8333
Website
southwest.com

Plane from Seattle (SEA) to San Jose (SJC)

Average Duration
2h 7m
Estimated price
$8338-8339

Plane from Seattle (SEA) to Oakland (OAK)

Average Duration
2h 5m
Estimated price
$2833-420
Website
delta.com

Plane from Seattle (SEA) to San Jose (SJC)

Average Duration
2h 13m
Estimated price
$2835-421

Plane from Seattle (SEA) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
2h 14m
Estimated price
$422-423
Website
united.com

Plane from Seattle (SEA) to Monterey (MRY)

Average Duration
4h 23m
Estimated price
$8338-8337

Plane from Seattle (SEA) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
2h 18m
Estimated price
$2834-424
Train
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
amtrak.com

Train from Seattle to San Jose

Average Duration
24h 24m
Estimated price
$2835-2836
Contact phone
+1 800-660-4287
Website
caltrain.com

Train from Millbrae to San Jose Diridon

Average Duration
1h 16m
Estimated price
$427-428
Contact phone
+1-510-464-6000
Website
bart.gov

Train from Coliseum to Berryessa / North San Jose

Average Duration
46m
Estimated price
$425-426
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 (855) 626-8585
Website
flixbus.com

Bus from Seattle Bus Station to Sacramento

Average Duration
16h 10m
Estimated price
$2881-2882
Contact phone
+1 (831) 425-8600
Website
scmtd.com

Bus from Diridon Station to Soquel Ave & Front

Average Duration
52m
Estimated price
$2883-427

Bus from Diridon Station to Ocean & Water

Average Duration
50m
Estimated price
$2883-427
Taxi
Contact phone
+1 831-424-1234
Website
yellowcab1234.com

Taxi from Monterey to Santa Cruz

Average Duration
47m
Estimated price
$2833-2884
Contact phone
+1 831-422-7276

Taxi from Monterey to Santa Cruz

Average Duration
47m
Estimated price
$2833-2884

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

Traveling between Seattle 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 Seattle to Santa Cruz covering a distance of 872 miles. Enjoy the changing landscapes as you drive through the Pacific Northwest down to the sunny shores of California. 💰 The cost of this journey by car ranges from $150 to $230, offering flexibility for different budgets. With careful planning, you can explore the vibrant city of Santa Cruz without breaking the bank. 🏖️ Arrive in Santa Cruz after approximately 14 hours and 53 minutes of driving, ready to relax on its beautiful beaches and explore its charming coastal atmosphere.
Average price
$150 - $230
🛫 Flying from Seattle Airport to Monterey Airport in Santa Cruz is a convenient option with the quickest direct flight taking only 2 hours and 12 minutes. Both Alaska Airlines, Inc. and United Airlines operate flights on this route. 🏞 Upon landing in Monterey, travelers can easily explore the picturesque coastal city of Santa Cruz located about 45 minutes away by car. With its iconic Boardwalk, beautiful beaches, and vibrant downtown area, Santa Cruz offers a mix of relaxation and entertainment for visitors.
Departure Point
Seattle Airport
Arrival Point
Monterey Airport
🚌 The journey from Seattle to Santa Cruz by bus is an approximately 21-hour and 46-minute trip with multiple transfers along the way. There is no direct bus route available, so passengers will need to change buses at various stations.
Departure Point
Seattle Bus Station
Arrival Point
Soquel Ave & Front station

Frequently asked questions

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

Or choose the category:
The distance between Seattle and Santa Cruz is approximately 739 miles by air. The recommended mode of transportation is to fly from Seattle to San Jose, which takes about 6 hours and 12 minutes, followed by a bus ride to Santa Cruz. Alternatively, driving from Seattle to Santa Cruz takes approximately 14 hours and 53 minutes. Taking a bus from Seattle to Santa Cruz is the longest option, with a travel time of 24 hours and 53 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Seattle to Santa Cruz is by train and bus, which typically costs between $40 and $290. However, this option is also the most time-consuming, with a travel time of approximately 25 hours and 56 minutes. If time is a priority, the quickest option is to fly from Seattle to San Jose, then take a bus to Santa Cruz, with a total travel time of around 6 hours and 12 minutes. However, this option can be more expensive, ranging from $45 to $440.
To travel from Seattle to Santa Cruz without using public transportation, you can consider driving. The road distance between the two cities is approximately 872 miles, and it takes around 14 hours and 53 minutes to drive from Seattle to Santa Cruz. The prices for the trip by car range from $150 to $230, depending on factors such as fuel costs and tolls.
To travel from Seattle to Santa Cruz without a car, the best option is to take a bus. The journey takes approximately 24 hours and 53 minutes. However, there are no direct bus routes between the two cities, so you may have to transfer buses at different stops along the way. The cost of the bus ticket will vary depending on the bus company and the time of travel.
No, there is no direct link between Seattle and Santa Cruz. However, there are bus services available with transfers. The journey takes approximately 24 hours and 53 minutes, with transfers at Sacramento Bus Station, Stockton, and Diridon Station. The bus services are operated by Greyhound USA and Santa Cruz Metro.
The flight between Seattle and Santa Cruz typically takes around 2 hours and 5 minutes. However, it's important to note that this is just the flight duration and doesn't take into account additional travel time to and from the airports. The cost of the flight can vary depending on the airline, time of booking, and other factors. It is recommended to check with different airlines or travel websites to get an accurate and up-to-date price for the flight.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Santa Cruz. With over 113 hotels to choose from, visitors have a wide range of choices depending on their budget and preferences. Prices for hotels in Santa Cruz start at $72 per night, offering affordability for travelers. It is recommended to book in advance to secure the best options and rates.

Trips from Seattle

Trips to Santa Cruz