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Chico, CA, USA to Santa Cruz, CA, USA from $11: 5 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

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

How to Get from Chico 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.

$11 - Train, BusBest price
358 kmDistance
4h 3m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Chico 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
Amtrak, Santa Cruz Metro
Bus
Average Duration
6h  56m
Estimated price
$0-0
Recommended
Company
Amtrak, Santa Cruz Metro
Train
Bus
Average Duration
7h  32m
Estimated price
$11-112
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 358 km
Duration: 4h 3m

See more options

Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
4h  3m
Estimated price
$40-60
Company
Various
Drive
Plane
Train
Bus
Average Duration
5h  53m
Estimated price
$118-383
Company
Various
Train
Plane
Train
Bus
Average Duration
8h  18m
Estimated price
$142-504
Browse car rentalsExplore flights

Traveling From Chico to Santa Cruz

The journey from Chico to Santa Cruz takes you from a charming college town surrounded by natural beauty to a vibrant coastal city bustling with beach life and cultural experiences.

Best Neighborhoods in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz offers diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm and attractions.

Downtown Santa Cruz
• Vibrant atmosphere with shops and eateries.
• Home to live music and events year-round.
Capitola Village
• Picturesque seaside charm with colorful buildings.
• Excellent dining options right by the beach.
Westside Santa Cruz
• Known for beautiful beaches and surf spots.
• Trendy cafes and local breweries line the streets.

Best Times To Visit Santa Cruz's Attractions

Timing your visits can elevate your Santa Cruz experience significantly.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Visit early on weekdays during summer to avoid large crowds.
Natural Bridges State Beach
Ideal in late afternoon for stunning sunsets and fewer visitors.
Downtown Santa Cruz
Explore in the early morning for a quieter, more relaxed vibe.

Santa Cruz Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Santa Cruz enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and cool, wet winters. Visiting during late spring or early fall typically offers pleasant temperatures and fewer crowds, enhancing your travel experience.

Dining in Santa Cruz: A Culinary Adventure

Try the fresh fish tacos at The Fish Hopper, where the coastal atmosphere and locally-sourced seafood create a vibrant dining experience. This contrasts with Chico's farm-to-table offerings by showcasing the bold flavors of the ocean, highlighting Santa Cruz's unique coastal identity.

Chico - Santa Cruz operators

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

Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Bus from Chico Amtrak to Stockton

Average Duration
3h 25m
Estimated price
0-0

Bus from Stockton to San Jose

Average Duration
1h 55m
Estimated price
0-0
Contact phone
+1 (831) 425-8600
Website
http://www.scmtd.com

Bus from Diridon Station to Soquel Ave & Front

Average Duration
52m
Estimated price
$6.01-40.8

Bus from Diridon Station to Ocean & Water

Average Duration
50m
Estimated price
$6.01-40.8
Train
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from Chico Amtrak to San Jose

Average Duration
6h 2m
Estimated price
$11-120

Train from Chico Amtrak to Sacramento

Average Duration
2h 16m
Estimated price
$11-0
Contact phone
+1 800-660-4287
Website
http://www.caltrain.com

Train from Millbrae Caltrain to San Jose Diridon

Average Duration
1h 16m
Estimated price
$4.08-4.09
Plane Show flights
Website
https://www.united.com

Plane from Redding Airport (RDD) to San Francisco Airport (SFO)

Average Duration
1h 15m
Estimated price
$90-340

Plane from Sacramento (SMF) to San Francisco (SFO)

Average Duration
1h 11m
Estimated price
$110-111

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

Traveling between Chico 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 an scenic 223-mile road trip from Chico to Santa Cruz, enjoying the diverse landscapes of Northern California along the way. ⏰ The journey typically takes around 4 hours and 3 minutes by car, offering plenty of opportunities to stop and explore charming towns and breathtaking viewpoints. 💸 Travel costs to reach Santa Cruz from Chico by car fall within the range of $40 to $60, making it an affordable and rewarding adventure for all travelers.
Average price
$40 - $60
🛫 Travelers flying from Chico can easily reach Santa Cruz by taking a connecting flight from Redding Airport to San Francisco Airport. The quickest direct flight option with United Airlines takes just 1 hour and 14 minutes. 🌊 Once in San Francisco, travelers can enjoy a smooth and scenic journey to Santa Cruz by road or public transportation. The drive from San Francisco to Santa Cruz typically takes around 1.5 to 2 hours, offering picturesque views of the California coastline along the way.
Departure Point
Redding Airport
Arrival Point
San Francisco Airport
🌊 The route typically involves departing from Chico Amtrak station, making stops in Stockton and Diridon Station, before finally arriving at Soquel Ave & Front in Santa Cruz. The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 6 hours and 56 minutes.
Departure Point
Chico Amtrak station
Arrival Point
Soquel Ave & Front station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between Chico and Santa Cruz is approximately 192 miles. If you choose to travel by train and then bus, it can take around 7 hours and 34 minutes to reach Santa Cruz from Chico. By car, the travel time is shorter, at around 4 hours and 3 minutes. Alternatively, taking a bus can take approximately 7 hours and 6 minutes.
The most cost-effective option for traveling from Chico to Santa Cruz is by taking the train and bus combination, which typically costs between $11 and $120. Although it takes 7 hours and 34 minutes, it offers a cheaper alternative for budget-conscious travelers. However, if time efficiency is a priority, driving is the fastest option, taking around 4 hours and 3 minutes and costing between $40 and $60.
To get from Chico to Santa Cruz without using public transportation, you can drive the approximately 223-mile distance. The journey typically takes around 4 hours and 3 minutes by car. The price for this mode of transportation can vary between $40 and $60, depending on factors such as fuel costs and tolls.
The most convenient way to travel from Chico to Santa Cruz without a car is by taking a bus. The journey takes around 7 hours and 6 minutes and the cost may vary. You can easily find bus routes and schedules from Chico to Santa Cruz through various transportation websites or by contacting local bus operators.
There is no direct bus link between Chico and Santa Cruz. However, there are alternative options for traveling between the two cities. One option is to take a combination of train and bus, which takes approximately 7 hours and 34 minutes. Another option is to drive, which typically takes around 4 hours and 3 minutes. It is important to note that these travel times may vary depending on traffic conditions and other factors.
The flight between Chico and Santa Cruz typically involves a connecting flight from Redding Airport to San Francisco Airport. The quickest flight from Redding to San Francisco is a direct flight that takes about 1 hour and 3 minutes. As for the cost, it can vary depending on factors such as the airline, time of year, and availability, so it is best to check with airlines for current prices.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Santa Cruz. With over 113 hotels to choose from, visitors can find a range of options to suit their preferences and budget. Prices for hotels in Santa Cruz start at $72 per night, ensuring that travelers can find a place to stay that fits their budget. Whether you prefer a luxury resort, a cozy bed and breakfast, or a budget-friendly motel, there is something for everyone in Santa Cruz.

Trips to Santa Cruz