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Santa Rosa, CA, USA to Santa Cruz, CA, USA from $23: 6 ways by bus, train, flight or car

Compare Travel Options and Prices

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

How to Get from Santa Rosa 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.

$23 - OtherBest price
208 kmDistance
2h 20m Fastest

Compare Train, Bus, Flight, and Driving Options

Get detailed, step-by-step directions below for your trip from Santa Rosa 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
Greyhound USA
Bus
Average Duration
5h  12m
Estimated price
$12-77
Recommended
Company
N/A
Drive
Average Duration
2h  20m
Estimated price
$23-35
Fastest
route map
Distance: 208 km
Duration: 2h 20m

See more options

Company
various
Train
Drive
BART
Bus
Average Duration
6h  9m
Estimated price
$17-43
Company
various
Bus
Train
Average Duration
6h  6m
Estimated price
$20-36
Company
various
Bus
Train
Drive
Average Duration
6h  14m
Estimated price
$21-43
Company
various
Train
Drive
Train
Bus
Average Duration
6h  36m
Estimated price
$21-43
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Traveling From Santa Rosa to Santa Cruz

Traveling from Santa Rosa to Santa Cruz offers a fascinating contrast between the wine country’s serene landscapes and the vibrant coastal atmosphere of the beach town.

Best Neighborhoods in Santa Cruz

Santa Cruz features diverse neighborhoods that cater to various interests.

Downtown Santa Cruz
• Vibrant shopping scene with local boutiques.
• Eclectic dining options highlight farm-to-table cuisine.
Westside
• Home to iconic Natural Bridges State Beach.
• Charming coffee shops and breweries abound.
Capitola Village
• Picturesque seaside village with colorful houses.
• Relaxed atmosphere, perfect for beachside strolls.

Best Times To Visit Santa Cruz's Attractions

Maximize your experience in Santa Cruz by timing your visits right.

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk
Visit early in the morning or on weekdays for smaller crowds.
Mystery Spot
Late afternoon tours often have fewer visitors and stunning light.
Natural Bridges State Beach
Go during weekdays in early fall for serene beach walks.

Santa Cruz Weather: What to Expect Year-Round

Santa Cruz enjoys a mild Mediterranean climate, making it a pleasant destination year-round with warm summers and cool winters. Visiting during the late spring or early fall enhances your experience, as the weather is typically sunny while crowds are minimized.

Dining Recommendation in Santa Cruz

At The Picnic Basket, don't miss the seasonal avocado toast topped with local produce, offering a fresh, beachy vibe that beautifully contrasts with Santa Rosa's vineyard-inspired cuisine. The casual atmosphere and emphasis on sustainable ingredients create a unique dining experience that captures the essence of coastal California.

Santa Rosa - Santa Cruz operators

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

Bus
Contact phone
+1 214-849-8100
Website
https://www.greyhound.com/

Bus from Santa Rosa Bus Stop to Oakland

Average Duration
1h 30m
Estimated price
$12-35

Bus from Oakland to San Jose Diridon Station

Average Duration
1h 10m
Estimated price
$12-35
Contact phone
+1 (831) 425-8600
Website
http://www.scmtd.com

Bus from Diridon Station to Soquel Ave & Front

Average Duration
52m
Estimated price
$12-12

Bus from Diridon Station to Ocean & Water

Average Duration
50m
Estimated price
$12-12
Train
Contact phone
+1 707-794-3330
Website
https://sonomamarintrain.org

Train from Santa Rosa Downtown SMART to Larkspur SMART

Average Duration
1h 8m
Estimated price
$122-123
Contact phone
+1-510-464-6000
Website
http://www.bart.gov

Train from Embarcadero to Berryessa / North San Jose

Average Duration
1h 5m
Estimated price
$122-123
Contact phone
+1 800-660-4287
Website
http://www.caltrain.com

Train from San Francisco Caltrain Southbound to San Jose Diridon Caltrain Southbound

Average Duration
1h 41m
Estimated price
$12-12
Contact phone
+1 800-872-7245
Website
https://www.amtrak.com/home.html

Train from San Jose, CA to Santa Cruz, CA

Average Duration
50m
Estimated price
0-0
Ferry
Contact phone
+1 415-455-2000
Website
https://www.goldengate.org

Ferry from Larkspur Ferry Terminal to San Francisco Ferry Terminal

Average Duration
30m
Estimated price
$12-12

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

Traveling between Santa Rosa 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.

🚗 The scenic journey from Santa Rosa to Santa Cruz spans 129 miles of California beauty, offering a mix of coastal views and lush green landscapes. 🌊 As you drive for approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes, you'll find yourself amidst the laid-back vibe of Santa Cruz, known for its iconic boardwalk and stunning beaches. 💰 Prices for making the trip by car can range from $23 to $35, providing an affordable and convenient way to explore the coastal delights between these two vibrant California cities.
Average price
$23 - $35
🚌 Starting from Santa Rosa Bus Stop, you will need to make transfers in Oakland and Diridon Station before reaching Santa Cruz. The journey by bus takes approximately 5 hours and 12 minutes. 🛣️ The distance between Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz is 138 miles, with bus ticket prices ranging from $12 to $77. Different routes offer varying travel times, with 2 transfers required to complete the journey. 🌉 Enjoy the scenic views on the way, with options to travel via routes that include stops in San Francisco, San Jose, and Highway 17 Express to eventually arrive at Soquel Ave & Front in Santa Cruz.
Departure Point
Santa Rosa Bus Stop station
Arrival Point
Soquel Ave & Front station

Frequently asked questions

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

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The cheapest way to get from Santa Rosa to Santa Cruz is by driving. The approximate cost for fuel and tolls ranges from $23 to $35, depending on the vehicle's fuel efficiency and current gas prices. The journey takes approximately 2 hours and 20 minutes via US-101 South and CA-1 South. It is recommended to plan the trip during off-peak hours to avoid heavy traffic.
The fastest way to travel from Santa Rosa to Santa Cruz is by driving. The journey usually takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes, depending on traffic conditions. This option allows you to have more flexibility and control over your travel time compared to other modes of transportation like public transportation or rideshare services. It is recommended to check for any traffic updates before departing to ensure a smooth and efficient journey.
The distance from Santa Rosa to Santa Cruz is approximately 109 miles. If you choose to drive, the road distance is around 129.5 miles. The travel time can vary depending on traffic conditions and the route taken, but it usually takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes. It's recommended to plan your journey accordingly and consider any potential delays.
To travel from Santa Rosa to Santa Cruz without a car, you can take a combination of bus and Caltrain via San Mateo. First, take the Route 60 bus from Santa Rosa Transit Mall to San Rafael Transit Center. From there, transfer to the Caltrain and travel to San Mateo Station. Finally, catch the Route 17 bus from San Mateo Station to Santa Cruz Metro Center. The journey takes approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes and costs around $45 to $60.
The estimated travel time from Santa Rosa to Santa Cruz is approximately 5 hours and 45 minutes, which includes transfers. The exact duration may vary depending on the chosen mode of transportation and traffic conditions. The most convenient route is to drive, taking highways like US-101 S and CA-17 S. However, it is advisable to check for any potential construction or traffic delays beforehand to plan your journey accordingly.
There are numerous accommodation options available in Santa Cruz. Some popular hotels in the area include the Dream Inn Santa Cruz and the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk. Prices for hotels in Santa Cruz start at around $72 per night and can vary depending on the location and amenities offered. It is recommended to book in advance to secure the best rates and availability.
Yes, you can drive from Santa Rosa to Santa Cruz. The driving distance between the two cities is approximately 129 miles. Depending on traffic conditions and specific routes, it usually takes around 2 hours and 20 minutes to drive from Santa Rosa to Santa Cruz. Keep in mind that the travel time may vary based on factors such as traffic and road conditions.
No, there is no direct bus between Santa Rosa and Santa Cruz. However, there are bus services available with transfers. You can take a bus from Santa Rosa Transit Mall to San Francisco, then transfer to another bus that goes to Diridon Station in San Jose. From there, you can take a bus to Santa Cruz. The total travel time would be approximately 6 hours and 14 minutes.
To catch the bus from Santa Rosa to Santa Cruz you will need to go to the Santa Rosa Transit Mall station. This is where the bus services operated by Golden Gate Transit depart from. Make sure to check the schedule and arrive at the station a few minutes early to ensure a smooth departure. The bus journey will take approximately 3 hours, so plan your travel accordingly.
The Santa Rosa to Santa Cruz bus services, operated by Santa Cruz Metro, arrive at Water & Ocean station in Santa Cruz. The exact location may vary based on the specific bus route, but Water & Ocean station is a common arrival point for bus travelers from Santa Rosa. Once you arrive at Water & Ocean station, you can easily access various attractions and amenities in Santa Cruz.
The cost to drive from Santa Rosa to Santa Cruz typically ranges from $23 to $35. This estimate takes into account factors such as fuel consumption and toll fees. However, please note that actual costs may vary depending on the specific vehicle, current gas prices, and any additional expenses along the way.

Trips from Santa Rosa

Trips to San Francisco