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Merced, CA, USA to Santa Cruz, CA, USA from $8: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

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

How to Get from Merced 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.

$8 - Train, bus via Ocean & WaterBest price
192 kmDistance
2h 22m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Merced 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
Train
Bus
Average Duration
4h  39m
Estimated price
$0-0
Recommended
Company
various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
5h  50m
Estimated price
$8-151
Cheapest
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
2h  22m
Estimated price
$21-35
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route map
Distance: 192 km
Duration: 2h 22m

See more options

Company
various
Train
Bus
Average Duration
4h  53m
Estimated price
$0-0
Company
various
Bus
Average Duration
5h  14m
Estimated price
$0-0
Company
Greyhound USA
Bus
Average Duration
5h  20m
Estimated price
$19-62
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Traveling From Merced to Santa Cruz

The journey from Merced to Santa Cruz takes you from the serene charm of the Central Valley to the vibrant coastal atmosphere, offering a blend of agricultural landscapes and breathtaking beach scenery.

Best Neighbourhoods in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz boasts diverse neighborhoods, each offering its own charm and attractions.

Downtown Santa Cruz
• Vibrant shopping and dining options available.
• Hosts numerous cultural events year-round.
Westside
• Close to popular beaches and surf spots.
• Features delicious local breweries and cafes.
Eastside
• Home to serene parks and scenic views.
• Offers family-friendly community atmosphere.

Best Times To Visit Santa Cruz's Attractions

Timing your visit to Santa Cruz's attractions can significantly enhance your experience.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Visit on weekdays during early mornings to enjoy fewer crowds and shorter lines.
Natural Bridges State Beach
Go in the late afternoon for stunning sunset views and a quieter atmosphere.
Mystery Spot
Book your tour for weekdays in the off-peak season to explore with smaller groups.

Santa Cruz Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Santa Cruz enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate with warm, dry summers and cooler, wetter winters, making it inviting year-round. Visiting in late spring or early fall offers pleasant temperatures and fewer visitors, enhancing your travel experience.

Dining Recommendation

Try the fish tacos at The Picnic Basket in Santa Cruz, where the fresh, local ingredients showcase the coastal flavors that contrast with Merced's hearty, farm-to-table styles. Dining here feels invigorating, as the ocean breeze enhances the experience, offering a vibrant atmosphere that brings the taste of the Pacific to your plate.

Merced - Santa Cruz operators

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

Train
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from Merced to Stockton

Average Duration
1h 8m
Estimated price
$2-70

Train from Stockton- Robert J Cabral Amtrak Station to San Jose Amtrak Station

Average Duration
2h 12m
Estimated price
$13-1512

Train from Stockton to San Jose

Average Duration
1h 55m
Estimated price
$0-0
Bus Show bus routes
Contact phone
+1 855-626-8585
Website
https://www.flixbus.com

Bus from Merced to Stockton

Average Duration
1h 25m
Estimated price
$8-84
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
https://www.greyhound.com/

Bus from Merced Bus Stop to Hayward Bus Station

Average Duration
2h 40m
Estimated price
$80-84
Contact phone
+1 (831) 425-8600
Website
http://www.scmtd.com

Bus from Diridon Station to Soquel Ave & Front

Average Duration
52m
Estimated price
$2-1514

Bus from Diridon Station to Ocean & Water

Average Duration
50m
Estimated price
$2-1514
all-pages.other Show other routes
Contact phone
1800-411-7245
Website
http://acerail.com

Other from Stockton- Robert J Cabral Amtrak Station to San Jose Amtrak Station

Average Duration
2h 12m
Estimated price
$13-1512

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

Traveling between Merced 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 Merced to Santa Cruz, covering a distance of 119 miles. The journey offers a perfect blend of countryside landscapes and coastal views. 💸 Explore budget-friendly options to reach Santa Cruz from Merced by car, with prices ranging from $21 to $35. Plan your trip accordingly to enjoy a cost-effective yet enjoyable drive. 🏖️ Arrive in Santa Cruz after approximately 2 hours and 22 minutes of driving, ready to soak up the sun on its beautiful beaches and indulge in the laid-back California coastal vibes.
Average price
$21 - $35
🕒 The total travel time from Merced to Santa Cruz by bus, including transfers, is approximately 5 hours and 14 minutes. Whether for leisure or business, this route offers a cost-effective and eco-friendly transportation option for travelers.
Departure Point
Merced station
Arrival Point
Soquel Ave & Front station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between Merced and Santa Cruz is 89 miles, or 119.3 miles by road. The typical travel time by train and bus from Merced to Santa Cruz is 4 hours and 49 minutes. If traveling by car, it takes approximately 2 hours and 22 minutes to reach Merced from Santa Cruz. Alternatively, taking the bus from Merced to Santa Cruz will generally take around 5 hours and 23 minutes.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Merced to Santa Cruz is by driving. It takes approximately 2 hours and 22 minutes to drive the distance of 89 miles. Driving also offers the flexibility to stop along the way and explore different attractions. Additionally, driving is cheaper compared to other options such as taking a train or bus.
To get from Merced to Santa Cruz without using public transportation, you can drive. The distance between the two cities is approximately 119 miles, and it takes about 2 hours and 22 minutes to drive from Merced to Santa Cruz. The prices to drive vary, but they typically range from $21 to $35, depending on factors such as fuel consumption and vehicle type.
To travel from Merced to Santa Cruz without a car, the best option is to take a train to Gilroy and then transfer to a bus that goes to Santa Cruz. This journey takes approximately 4 hours and 49 minutes. The cost will vary depending on the train and bus fares, but it is a convenient and efficient way to reach Santa Cruz without driving.
There is no direct link between Merced and Santa Cruz by bus. However, there are bus services available that require transfers. The journey takes approximately 5h 23m, including transfers at Stockton and Diridon Station. The buses are operated by Tufesa and Santa Cruz Metro, with the final destination being Water & Ocean station in Santa Cruz.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Santa Cruz with over 113 hotels to choose from. Prices for hotels in the area start at $72 per night. Whether you're looking for a budget-friendly option or a more luxurious stay, there are various choices to suit every traveler's preferences. It is advisable to book in advance to secure the best rates and availability.

Trips to Santa Cruz