Los Angeles, CA, USA to Santa Cruz, CA, USA from $19: 11 ways by bus, train, flight or car
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How to Get from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz: Cheapest, Fastest and Best Way
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$19 by trainBest price
475 kmDistance
3h 41m Fastest
Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options
Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Los Angeles 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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Traveling From Los Angeles to Santa Cruz
Journeying from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz offers a striking contrast between the bustling urban sprawl of LA and the serene coastal atmosphere of Santa Cruz.
Best Neighbourhoods in Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz boasts diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm and vibe.
Downtown Santa Cruz
• Vibrant shops and local eateries abound.
• Home to the historic Del Mar Theatre.
Westside
• Close to stunning beaches and surf spots.
• Features the lush Natural Bridges State Park.
Capitola Village
• Colorful seaside cottages create a picturesque setting.
• Offers charming boutiques and waterfront dining.
Best Times To Visit Santa Cruz's Attractions
Timing your visits to Santa Cruz attractions can enhance your experience and minimize crowds.
Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Visit early in the morning or on weekdays for a quieter experience.
Natural Bridges State Beach
Afternoon visits during low tide reveal tide pools and less foot traffic.
Mysterious Forest
Weekday hikes during mid-morning offer peace and stunning light.
Santa Cruz Weather: What to Expect Year-Round
Santa Cruz enjoys a Mediterranean climate with mild, wet winters and warm, dry summers, making it a pleasant destination year-round. Visiting in late spring or early fall often provides the best weather and fewer crowds, enhancing your travel experience.
Dining Recommendation in Santa Cruz
For a true taste of Santa Cruz, try the clam chowder at The Santa Cruz Wharf, where fresh, locally sourced seafood shines in a comforting bowl. This experience contrasts with the trendy fusion spots in Los Angeles by offering a laid-back, seaside atmosphere that showcases the region's maritime flavors.
Los Angeles - Santa Cruz operators
Explore transport companies operating between Los Angeles and Santa Cruz, with prices starting at . These companies offer competitive pricing, flexible schedules, and comfortable travel experiences.
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100Website
https://www.greyhound.com/
Bus from Los Angeles Union Station to San Jose Diridon Station
Average Duration
6h 20mEstimated price
$5801-5800Bus from Los Angeles to Salinas
Average Duration
8h 10mEstimated price
$0-0Contact phone
+1 (831) 425-8600Website
http://www.scmtd.com
Bus from Diridon Station to Soquel Ave & Front
Average Duration
52mEstimated price
$1507-1504Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html
Train from Los Angeles to Salinas
Average Duration
8h 19mEstimated price
$5803-5804Contact phone
+1 800-660-4287Website
http://www.caltrain.com
Train from Millbrae Caltrain to San Jose Diridon Caltrain
Average Duration
1h 16mEstimated price
$1504-1505Website
https://www.united.com
Plane from Los Angeles Airport to Monterey Airport
Average Duration
1h 21mEstimated price
$191-27090Contact phone
+1 831-424-1234Website
http://www.yellowcab1234.com
Other from Monterey to Santa Cruz
Average Duration
47mEstimated price
$150-191Contact phone
+1-510-464-6000Website
http://www.bart.gov
Other from Coliseum to Berryessa / North San Jose
Average Duration
46mEstimated price
$1502-1503Contact phone
+1-323-466-3876Website
https://www.metro.net/
Other from Historic Broadway Station to Del Amo Station
Average Duration
41mEstimated price
$1507-0Los Angeles to Santa Cruz: Overview of Bus, Train, Flight, and Car Trips
Traveling between Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles to Santa Cruz covering 341 miles in approximately 5 hours and 52 minutes. Enjoy the diverse landscapes of California as you journey towards the charming coastal city.
💰 Get ready for a budget-friendly adventure with prices ranging from $60 to $90 for the drive from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz. Plan your trip wisely to make the most out of your road trip budget while exploring the coastal beauty and attractions along the way.
Average price
$60 - $90
🚂 Experience a scenic journey from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz by train, taking approximately 11 hours and 21 minutes to reach your destination. Sit back and enjoy the picturesque views along the way.
💰 Prices for train tickets between Los Angeles and Santa Cruz range from $19 to $150, offering options for various budgets. Plan your trip ahead to secure the best deal and enjoy a comfortable ride to your coastal destination.
Useful tips for train travellers
• Onboard the Amtrak Coast Starlight, you will find catering services offering a variety of snacks, meals, and beverages. The Dining Car provides sit-down meal services with a rotating menu that includes vegetarian and healthy options. Grab-and-go snacks can be purchased at the Snack Bar, which also serves hot and cold drinks.
• Amtrak offers a few seating options for your journey. Economy Class features comfortable seating with ample legroom and reclining seats. Business Class provides wider seats and more spacious arrangements, along with access to complimentary snacks and beverages. If you're looking for a higher level of comfort, First Class offers larger seats, additional amenities, and premium catering services.
• For your journey from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz, the main train operator is Amtrak. You can find more information and book tickets on their website: Amtrak. Additionally, check for local transport schedules and options in Santa Cruz at the Santa Cruz Metro website: Santa Cruz Metro.
🛫 The quickest way to travel from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz is by taking a direct flight from Los Angeles Airport to Monterey Airport, which only takes 1 hour and 21 minutes.
🌉 Upon arriving at Monterey Airport, travelers can easily rent a car or arrange for ground transportation to Santa Cruz, located approximately 45 minutes away by road.
Departure Point
Los Angeles Airport
Arrival Point
Monterey Airport
🚌 Embark on a scenic journey from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz by bus, with a total travel time of approximately 7 hours and 52 minutes, including transfers. While there is no direct route, you can enjoy the ride through different stops along the way.
🌊 Route options offer diverse experiences, ranging from a 9-hour trip with transfers in San Jose to a more direct 8-hour journey passing through San Francisco. Each route presents an opportunity to explore the beauty of California as you make your way to the coastal town of Santa Cruz.
Departure Point
Los Angeles Union Station
Arrival Point
Soquel Ave & Front station
Frequently asked questions
Find out more about the route from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz.
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The cheapest way to travel from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz is by train. The train ticket prices usually range from $19 to $150, depending on the type of train and seating class. The journey takes approximately 11 hours and 26 minutes. This option allows you to enjoy scenic views along the way and is a more affordable choice compared to flying or driving.
The fastest way to travel from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz is to take a flight from Los Angeles International Airport to San Francisco International Airport, which takes approximately 1 hour. From there, you can take a bus or rent a car to reach Santa Cruz, which is a further drive of around 1.5 to 2 hours. This option allows you to reach your destination in approximately 5 hours and 17 minutes, depending on traffic and transportation connections.
The distance between Los Angeles and Santa Cruz is approximately 295 miles. This distance can be covered by driving in about 6 hours, depending on traffic conditions. The road distance, which refers to the actual distance traveled on the roads, is approximately 342 miles. Keep in mind that road conditions and traffic can affect travel time.
To travel from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz without a car, the best option is to take a bus. There are several bus companies that offer this route, including Greyhound and Megabus. The journey takes approximately 8 hours and 2 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. The prices for bus tickets range from $35 to $95, making it an affordable option for travelers.
The travel time from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz can vary depending on the mode of transportation. If you choose to drive, it takes around 6-7 hours to cover the distance of approximately 345 miles. Taking a bus is another option, and it usually takes around 8-9 hours. If you prefer flying, the flight duration is typically around 1 hour and 20 minutes. However, keep in mind that these times are estimates and can be subject to traffic, weather conditions, and other factors.
There are several options for accommodation near Santa Cruz. There are 113+ hotels available in the area, offering a range of prices and amenities to suit different budgets and preferences. Prices for hotels in Santa Cruz start at $72 per night, though prices may vary depending on the time of year and the location of the hotel. It is recommended to book in advance, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure the best deals and availability.
Yes, you can drive from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 341 miles. It takes around 5 hours and 52 minutes to drive from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz, depending on traffic and the route taken. It is recommended to plan for rest stops and fuel breaks along the way.
Yes, there is a bus route that connects Los Angeles and Santa Cruz. However, there is no direct bus between the two cities. Passengers can take a bus from Los Angeles Union Station to Diridon Station, and then transfer to another bus that will take them to their destination in Santa Cruz. The total journey time, including transfers, is approximately 8 hours and 2 minutes.
To catch the bus from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz you can go to Los Angeles Union Station. Greyhound USA operates bus services from this station. Make sure to arrive at the station early, at least 30 minutes before departure, to ensure a smooth boarding process. Check the schedule and availability of buses in advance to plan your trip accordingly.
The Los Angeles to Santa Cruz bus services, operated by Santa Cruz Metro, arrive at Water & Ocean station in Santa Cruz. Water & Ocean station is located in downtown Santa Cruz, near the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk and the Santa Cruz Wharf. It is a central location that allows easy access to many attractions and amenities in the area.
You can easily get to Santa Cruz from the airport by taking a combination of public transportation. First, take the LAX FlyAway bus from the airport to Union Station in downtown Los Angeles. From Union Station, you can catch an Amtrak train towards Santa Cruz. The train ride takes approximately 11 hours and 26 minutes, and ticket prices range from $19 to $150. Once you arrive in Santa Cruz, you can take a taxi or ride-share service to your final destination.
American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Inc., Delta, and Southwest Airlines are some of the airlines that offer flights between Los Angeles and Santa Cruz. These airlines operate flights from Los Angeles Airport to San Jose Airport, which is the closest major airport to Santa Cruz. It is recommended to check the airlines' websites or use a flight search engine to compare prices and schedules for the best option.
The fastest way to travel from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz is by plane. There are multiple airlines, such as American Airlines, Alaska Airlines, Delta, and Southwest Airlines that offer direct flights from Los Angeles Airport to San Jose Airport. The flight takes approximately 1 hour and 10 minutes. From San Jose Airport, you can then take a shuttle or rent a car to reach Santa Cruz, which is about a 30-minute drive away.
The flight from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz typically takes around 1 hour and 10 minutes. This is based on a direct flight from Los Angeles Airport to San Jose Airport, which is the closest major airport to Santa Cruz. It is important to note that actual flight times may vary depending on factors such as weather conditions and airline schedules. Additionally, it is recommended to check with the airline for the most up-to-date flight information.
The cost of a train ticket from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz can range from $19 to $150, depending on various factors such as the type of train service, time of travel, and availability. It is recommended to book your train ticket in advance to secure the best possible fare. Additionally, be sure to check for any promotions or discounts that may be available to further reduce the cost of your trip.
The cost of a bus ticket from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz ranges from $40 to $94, depending on the bus company and time of travel. Prices can also vary depending on factors such as demand and availability. It is recommended to check with different bus companies, compare prices, and book in advance to secure the best deal.
The cost to drive from Los Angeles to Santa Cruz can vary depending on factors such as the type of vehicle, gas prices, and tolls. On average, it can cost between $60 and $90 for a one-way trip. This estimate includes expenses for fuel and any applicable tolls along the way. It's important to note that these prices are subject to change and may increase during peak travel times or due to fluctuations in gas prices.
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