- Recommended
Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
Compact museum inside the lighthouse with exhibits on local surf culture, boards, and legends. An easy stop beside one of the city's best viewpoints.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
The cheapest and fastest buses from San Diego, CA to Santa Cruz, CA
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Oct 30
Cheapest price on Oct 30
€93
Average ticket price on Oct 30
€93
Fastest journey on Oct 30
14 h 59 m
Average journey duration on Oct 30
14 h 59 m
Buses on Oct 30
2
Distance
649 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Diego, CA to Santa Cruz, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from San Diego, CA to Santa Cruz, CA will cost around €93 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €93.
Fast buses
On Fri, Oct 30, we found 2 buses from San Diego, CA to Santa Cruz, CA, including 2 direct services.
On Fri, Oct 30 the direct buses cover the 649 km distance in an average of 14 h 59 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 14 h 59 m .
On Fri, Oct 30 the slowest buses will take 14 h 59 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.
5:10 AM 14h59 San Diego, CA 8:09 PM Santa Cruz, CA €93 1 One-way 0 transfers6:10 AM 14h59 San Diego, CA 9:09 PM Santa Cruz, CA €94 1 One-way 0 transfers
6:10 AM 14h59 San Diego, CA 9:09 PM Santa Cruz, CA €94 1 One-way 0 transfers5:10 AM 14h59 San Diego, CA 8:09 PM Santa Cruz, CA €93 1 One-way 0 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Cruz, CA
USAUSA
Take a bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Cruz, CA and enjoy the approximately 403 miles (649 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest bus runs at 13:20, the last at 22:10.
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from €1,063
Distance 403 miles (649 km) |
First bus 1:20 PM |
Last bus 10:10 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from €1,063
Frequently asked questions about your San Diego, CA to Santa Cruz, CA trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from San Diego, CA to Santa Cruz, CA.
The earliest bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Cruz, CA leaves at 1:20 PM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Cruz, CA leaves at 10:10 PM.
San Diego, CA to Santa Cruz, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:25AM | Arrival Time 08:33PM | Duration 16h08 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €87 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:10AM | Arrival Time 08:38PM | Duration 15h28 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun | Cheapest price €91 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:25AM | Arrival Time 09:06PM | Duration 39h41 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price €94 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:10AM | Arrival Time 09:09PM | Duration 14h59 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price €92 |
Live departures
San Diego, CA to Santa Cruz, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Santa Cruz, CA buses for tomorrow, Thursday, October 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5:10 AM San Diego, CA | 14h59 | 8:09 PM Santa Cruz, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 6:10 AM San Diego, CA | 14h59 | 9:09 PM Santa Cruz, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Complete guide to Santa Cruz, CA
Things to do in Santa Cruz, CA
Discover the best of Santa Cruz, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Santa Cruz, CA trip today.
- Recommended
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Museum and research center focused on natural history and Monterey Bay ecology. Good for families, trails, and understanding local wildlife.
- Recommended
Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
Downtown history museum covering Santa Cruz County through photographs, artifacts, and rotating exhibits in a restored library building.
- Must visit
West Cliff Drive
Iconic surfing viewpoint with a cliffside path, benches, and frequent wave action. One of the best places to watch surfers and sunsets.
- Must visit
Natural Bridges State Beach
Oceanfront natural bridge and tide-pool area known for coastal scenery and seasonal monarch butterflies. A scenic stop on the west side.
- Recommended
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Redwood grove in the city with easy trails, ponds, and picnic areas. Popular for a calm nature walk close to downtown and the beach.
- Gluten-free
Cioppino
Cioppino is a tomato-based seafood stew tied to Northern California coast fishing, often made with crab, clams, mussels, shrimp, and fish.
- Gluten-free
Dungeness Crab
Dungeness crab is a regional Pacific delicacy, served cracked or in simple preparations that highlight the sweet meat of the Central California coast.
Fish Tacos
Fish tacos reflect Santa Cruz surf-town dining, usually featuring local fish, cabbage, salsa, and crema in tortillas near the beach or wharf.
John's Fish House
Casual harbor seafood spot known for very fresh fish, oysters, and cioppino with a relaxed working-waterfront feel.
Taqueria Vallarta
Beloved local Mexican restaurant known for fresh tortillas, tacos, and traditional plates in a lively, longstanding downtown setting.
Stagnaro Bros Seafood
Historic wharf restaurant serving seafood, steaks, and chowder with broad bay views and a classic Santa Cruz atmosphere.
United States Dollar ($)
Santa Cruz is pricier than many U.S. beach towns, with higher hotel rates, dining costs, and parking; transit is limited, so visitors often spend more on driving.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $10-18 for fast food or casual takeaway.
- Mid-range
- $20-40 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- $50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- $4-7 for coffee or a basic latte.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and round up or tip about 10% for taxis. Cafes often have tip jars or card prompts for small tips.
Plan your visit to Santa Cruz, CA
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Santa Cruz, CA.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Santa Cruz, CA, travelers should be cautious of petty theft, especially in crowded areas like the beach and downtown. Car break-ins and bike thefts are common, so it's important to secure belongings and vehicles. Additionally, some travelers report scams involving overcharging by unofficial taxi or ride-share drivers. Staying aware of surroundings and using reputable transportation services can help ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
FAQs: Bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Cruz, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, CA to Santa Cruz, CA by bus. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest bus, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Santa Cruz, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Yes, you can take a between San Diego, CA and Santa Cruz, CA.
Tickets are often cheaper when booked early. Traveling during off-peak hours or on weekdays can help you save money. Sort results by price to quickly identify the most affordable options. Check for promotions or discounts available on our website and app.
Most popular bus connections from San Diego, CA
More options for your journey from San Diego, CA to Santa Cruz, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Santa Cruz, CA and San Diego, CA
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
