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Santa Cruz, CA, USA to Salinas, CA, USA from $6: 3 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

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

How to Get from Santa Cruz to Salinas: 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.

$6 by carBest price
59 kmDistance
42m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Santa Cruz to Salinas 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
Bus
Average Duration
2h  39m
Estimated price
$4-11
Recommended
Company
Various
Drive
Average Duration
42m
Estimated price
$6-10
Cheapest
route map
Distance: 59 km
Duration: 42m

See more options

Company
Various
Taxi
Average Duration
42m
Estimated price
$120-160
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Traveling From Santa Cruz to Salinas

Traveling from Santa Cruz to Salinas offers a captivating shift from the vibrant beach vibes and artistic spirit of the coastal town to the agricultural heartland known for its rich culinary scene and historical charm.

Best Neighbourhoods in Salinas

Salinas offers diverse neighborhoods, each with its own charm and character.

Downtown Salinas
• Bustling with shops and local eateries.
• Hosts cultural events and festivals throughout the year.
Alisal Village
• Rich in Latino culture and community spirit.
• Known for vibrant art murals and unique dining options.
North Salinas
• Expansive parks and outdoor recreation areas.
• Family-friendly atmosphere with great schools nearby.

Best Times To Visit Salinas's Attractions

Explore Salinas’s major attractions at times that enhance your experience and avoid crowds.

National Steinbeck Center
Visit on weekdays, particularly in the morning, for a quieter experience.
Salinas Valley Fairgrounds
Check event calendars to attend during less crowded weekday events.
Toro Park
Early mornings or weekdays provide a serene environment for outdoor activities.

Salinas Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Salinas enjoys a Mediterranean climate characterized by mild, wet winters and dry, warm summers, making it a pleasant destination throughout the year. Visit in late spring or early fall for the best weather, as temperatures are comfortable and crowds tend to be lighter.

Dining Recommendation

In Salinas, the vibrant flavors of a traditional carne asada dish at El Riconcito offer a satisfying contrast to the seafood-centric meals you might find in Santa Cruz. This cozy restaurant highlights locally sourced ingredients and delivers an authentic, homey atmosphere that speaks to the agricultural richness of the region.

Santa Cruz - Salinas operators

Explore transport companies operating between Santa Cruz and Salinas, 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 Water & Ocean to Watsonville Transit Center

Average Duration
58m
Estimated price
$2-7
Contact phone
1-888-678-2871
Website
http://www.mst.org

Bus from Watsonville Transit Center / Lane 2 to Salinas Transit Center / Gate 1

Average Duration
46m
Estimated price
$2-4
Taxi
Contact phone
+1 831-423-1234

Taxi from Santa Cruz to Salinas

Average Duration
42m
Estimated price
$120-160
Contact phone
+1 831-246-1234

Taxi from Santa Cruz to Salinas

Average Duration
42m
Estimated price
$120-160
Contact phone
+1 831-475-3232

Taxi from Santa Cruz to Salinas

Average Duration
42m
Estimated price
$120-160

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

Traveling between Santa Cruz and Salinas 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 Santa Cruz to Salinas, covering a distance of 36 miles through the picturesque California landscape. The journey typically takes around 42 minutes, offering a pleasant drive filled with beautiful sights along the way. 💸 Prices for traveling by car from Santa Cruz to Salinas are budget-friendly, ranging from $6 to $10 depending on factors such as gas prices and vehicle efficiency. This affordable transportation option makes it convenient for travelers to explore the charming city of Salinas without breaking the bank.
Average price
$6 - $10
🚂 Embark on a scenic train journey from Santa Cruz to Salinas, covering a distance of 39.9 miles in just 2 hours and 0 minutes. 🌁 Your adventure begins with a bus ride towards Watsonville, where you'll transfer to another bus heading to Salinas via Prunedale. 🌟 Enjoy a smooth transit experience with Santa Cruz Metro for the first step of your trip, departing from Santa Cruz Metro Center and arriving at Watsonville Transit Center. 🚍 Then, seamlessly transition to Monterey-Salinas Transit for the second leg of your journey, taking you from Watsonville to Salinas via Prunedale in approximately 58 minutes.
🚌 Although there isn't a direct bus from Santa Cruz to Salinas, you can reach your destination in approximately 2 hours and 39 minutes with transfers along the way. 🛤️ The journey involves taking a bus from Water & Ocean station in Santa Cruz to Watsonville Transit Center, then transferring to another bus towards Salinas, covering a total distance of about 40 miles. 💰 Ticket prices for the Santa Cruz to Salinas bus route typically range from $4 to $11, providing an affordable and convenient way to travel between these two California cities.
Departure Point
Water & Ocean station
Arrival Point
Salinas Transit Center / Gate 1 station
Useful tips for bus travellers
• Begin your bus journey at the Santa Cruz Metro Center (Water & Ocean), and check the schedule on the Santa Cruz Metro website for real-time departures: scmtd.com to ensure your timing aligns with the bus to Watsonville.
• During your transfer at the Watsonville Transit Center, consider grabbing a quick bite at the nearby restaurants, such as El Globo Bakery or The Sandwich Shop, to recharge before continuing on your way to Salinas.
• Upon arrival at the Salinas Transit Center (Gate 1), familiarize yourself with the layout by reviewing the station map available at mst.org this will help you navigate the area more efficiently, especially if you need to transfer to another bus or find local transport options.

Frequently asked questions

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

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The distance between Santa Cruz and Salinas is 29 miles, with a road distance of 36.5 miles. By car, it typically takes about 45 minutes to reach Santa Cruz from Salinas. Alternatively, it takes approximately 2 hours and 34 minutes to travel from Salinas to Santa Cruz by bus.
The most cost-effective and time-efficient transportation option for traveling from Santa Cruz to Salinas is to drive. It is the cheapest option, costing around $6 to $10, and takes approximately 42 minutes. Alternatively, taking a taxi is also a quick option, taking the same amount of time but costing around $120 to $160. Both options are the most cost-effective and time-efficient for traveling between Santa Cruz and Salinas.
The prices of a bus ticket between Salinas and Santa Cruz vary from $4 to $11. These prices may depend on factors such as the chosen bus company, time of travel, and whether it is a one-way or round trip ticket. It is recommended to check with the different bus operators to get the most accurate and up-to-date pricing information for your specific travel dates and preferences.
To travel from Santa Cruz to Salinas without using public transportation, you can drive. The distance between the two cities is 36 miles, and it takes approximately 42 minutes to drive from Santa Cruz to Salinas. The cost of the trip by car can vary between $6 and $10, depending on factors such as gas prices and vehicle efficiency.
The best way to travel from Santa Cruz to Salinas without a car is by taking a bus. The journey typically takes 2 hours and 34 minutes, and the cost can range from $4 to $11. You can catch a bus from Santa Cruz to Salinas and then transfer to a line 28 bus to reach your destination. This public transportation option is both affordable and convenient for travelers without a car.
There is no direct bus link between Santa Cruz and Salinas. However, there are services available with transfers. The journey starts at Soquel Ave & Ocean in Santa Cruz and ends at Salinas Transit Center / Gate 1 in Salinas, with a transfer at Watsonville Transit Center / Lane 2. The total travel time, including transfers, is approximately 2 hours and 34 minutes. The bus services are operated by Santa Cruz Metro and Monterey-Salinas Transit.
There are plenty of accommodation options available near Salinas. With over 163 hotels to choose from, visitors can find a range of options to suit their preferences and budget. Prices for hotels in Salinas start at $53 per night, offering affordable options for travelers. Whether you prefer luxury hotels or budget-friendly options, you can easily find a suitable place to stay near Salinas.
Yes, you can definitely get from Santa Cruz to Salinas by bicycle. Cycling between the two cities offers a scenic route with beautiful views along the way. Make sure to plan your route and check for any bike-friendly paths or trails to enhance your cycling experience.

Trips from Santa Cruz