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San Jose, CA, USA to Santa Cruz, CA, USA from $5: 3 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

from
San Jose, United States of America
to
Santa Cruz, United States of America

How to Get from San Jose 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.

$5 by carBest price
51 kmDistance
39m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from San Jose 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
Santa Cruz Metro
Bus
Average Duration
52m
Estimated price
$2-7
Recommended
Company
various
Drive
Average Duration
39m
Estimated price
$5-9
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 51 km
Duration: 39m

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Company
various
Taxi
Average Duration
39m
Estimated price
$110-140
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Traveling From San Jose to Santa Cruz

This journey from San Jose to Santa Cruz offers a fascinating contrast between the bustling tech hub and the serene coastal vibes of a beach town.

Best Neighborhoods in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz offers a variety of neighborhoods, each with distinct charm.

Downtown Santa Cruz
• Vibrant shopping and dining options abound.
• Home to local art galleries and theaters.
Westside
• Boasts beautiful beaches like Natural Bridges.
• Features trendy cafes and surf shops.
Seabright
• Close proximity to the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk.
• Scenic walking paths along the shore.

Best Times To Visit Santa Cruz's Attractions

Timing your visit can elevate your experience in Santa Cruz's attractions.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Weekdays in early June or September mean fewer crowds and nice weather.
Natural Bridges State Beach
Visit in the late afternoon for stunning sunsets and quieter spaces.
Mystery Spot
Opt for weekdays in spring to enjoy tours without long waits.

Santa Cruz Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Santa Cruz enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, characterized by warm summers and cool, rainy winters, making it inviting for year-round visitors. The best times to explore are late spring and early fall, when the weather is pleasantly warm and crowds are lighter, enhancing your travel experience.

Dining Recommendation in Santa Cruz

Try the fish tacos at The Fish Hopper, where the fresh catch is sourced daily from local waters, creating a vibrant flavor profile that’s a departure from the more diverse culinary scene in San Jose. The laid-back, seaside atmosphere enhances the experience, allowing you to savor your meal with stunning ocean views.

San Jose - Santa Cruz operators

Explore transport companies operating between San Jose 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 (831) 425-8600
Website
http://www.scmtd.com

Bus from Diridon Station to Soquel Ave & Front

Average Duration
52m
Estimated price
$2-7
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Bus from San Jose, CA to Santa Cruz, CA

Average Duration
50m
Estimated price
0-0
all-pages.other Show other routes
Contact phone
+1 408-459-8010
Website
http://taxisanjose.com

Other from San Jose to Santa Cruz

Average Duration
39m
Estimated price
$110-140

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

Traveling between San Jose 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.

🚗 Experience the scenic drive from lively San Jose to the charming coastal town of Santa Cruz, spanning a mere 32 miles across picturesque California landscapes. 💸 With car travel costs ranging from $5 to $9, this budget-friendly journey offers the perfect opportunity to explore the beauty of the Bay Area without breaking the bank.
Average price
$5 - $9
🚂 Hop on the Highway 17 Express bus from San Jose Diridon Station to Santa Cruz, a journey that takes about 52 minutes covering a distance of 33.6 miles. The bus ride is operated by Santa Cruz Metro, and you can contact them at 1 425-8600 or visit http://www.scmtd.com/ for more information. 🌲 Enjoy the scenic route as you travel towards Santa Cruz via Highway 17 Express through Scotts Valley Drive. The trip from San Jose to Santa Cruz takes approximately 57 minutes, spanning a distance of 32.9 miles. The bus service is provided by Santa Cruz Metro, ensuring a comfortable and convenient travel experience. 🏖️ Experience a leisurely journey from San Jose to Santa Cruz aboard the Highway 17 Express bus passing through SVTC. This route covers a distance of 33.6 miles and takes around 1 hour and 3 minutes. Rest assured, Santa Cruz Metro operates this service for a smooth transit to your destination.
🚌 Traveling by bus from San Jose to Santa Cruz is a convenient and affordable option. With services departing hourly, the journey takes approximately 52 minutes. 🚌 Enjoy a scenic ride of about 33.6 miles for a fare ranging from $2 to $7. Sit back, relax, and let the bus take you from San Jose to Santa Cruz in just over an hour.
Departure Point
Diridon Station
Arrival Point
Soquel Ave & Front station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Arrive at Diridon Station at least 15 minutes early to find your bus and ensure you have time to purchase your ticket, either at the kiosk or online via the Santa Cruz Metro website at scmtd.com
• Keep an eye on the bus schedule and be mindful that the Highway 17 Express operates hourly; the approximate travel time is 52 minutes, so plan accordingly to align your arrival in Santa Cruz with any subsequent activities or transfers.
• Upon arriving at the Soquel Ave & Front station in Santa Cruz, take a moment to familiarize yourself with the area; it's a short walk to the downtown district and local eateries. Check out the Santa Cruz Metro stop map online to navigate easily from the station to your destination: scmtd.com

Frequently asked questions

Find out more about the route from San Jose to Santa Cruz.

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The distance between San Jose and Santa Cruz is approximately 26 miles, with a road distance of 31.5 miles. By car, the typical travel time is around 30 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. Alternatively, taking a bus from San Jose to Santa Cruz typically takes around 1 hour.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from San Jose to Santa Cruz is to drive. It takes approximately 39 minutes and costs around $5-$9. Alternatively, taking a taxi is the quickest way to reach Santa Cruz, with a similar travel time of 39 minutes, but it is more expensive with costs ranging from $110 to $140. Both options provide a convenient and direct route between the two cities.
The prices for a bus between Santa Cruz and San Jose can range from $2 to $7, depending on the specific bus company and any discounts that may be available. It is recommended to check with multiple bus operators to compare prices and find the best deal. Additionally, it is worth noting that prices may vary based on factors such as peak travel times and advance booking.
To get from San Jose to Santa Cruz without using public transportation, you can travel by car. The driving distance between the two cities is 32 miles, and it typically takes around 39 minutes to drive from San Jose to Santa Cruz. There are various car rental services available in San Jose, and the prices for a one-way trip to Santa Cruz range from $5 to $9, depending on the rental company and vehicle type.
The best way to travel from San Jose to Santa Cruz without a car is by taking the bus. The bus journey takes approximately 1 hour and costs between $2 and $7. There are regular bus services that operate between the two cities, making it convenient for travelers who don't have access to a car.
Yes, there is a direct link between San Jose and Santa Cruz. Santa Cruz Metro operates bus services that depart from Diridon Station in San Jose and arrive at Water & Ocean in Santa Cruz. The journey takes approximately 1 hour and buses run hourly, 7 days a week. This provides a convenient and direct mode of transportation between the two cities.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Santa Cruz with over 113 hotels to choose from. Prices for hotels in Santa Cruz start at $72 per night, offering a range of options to suit different budgets. From luxury resorts to budget-friendly motels, visitors can find a place to stay that meets their preferences and needs when visiting Santa Cruz.
Yes, you can travel from San Jose to Santa Cruz by bicycle. The distance of the route is 26 miles. The travel time by bike would depend on individual fitness level and cycling speed, but it generally takes around 2-3 hours to complete the journey. The route includes scenic trails and a mix of flat and hilly terrains, making it a popular choice for cyclists looking for a challenging and enjoyable ride.

Trips from San Jose

Trips to Santa Cruz