San Diego, CA to Santa Cruz, CA bus

Tue, Feb 24
+ Add return
FlixBus
Costa Verde
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
1,000+ travel companies
FlixBus
Costa Verde
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from San Diego, CA to Santa Cruz, CA

Showing times and prices for Feb 25

Cheapest price

$116

Average price

$122

Fastest journey

14 h 59 m

Average duration

15 h 20 m

Buses per day

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 $122 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $116.

Fast buses

Of the 2 buses that leave San Diego, CA for Santa Cruz, CA on Wed, Feb 25, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Wed, Feb 25 the direct buses cover the 649 km distance in an average of 15 h 20 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 14 h 59 m .

On Wed, Feb 25 the slowest buses will take 15 h 41 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.

Amtrak
05:25AM15h41
San Diego, CA
09:06PMSanta Cruz, CA
$1161One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak
06:10AM14h59
San Diego, CA
09:09PMSanta Cruz, CA
$1281One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and flight for San Diego, CA to Santa Cruz, CA

Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to Santa Cruz, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €91. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 18h 48m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €91, and a flight costs an average of €906.

Distance: 403 miles (649 km)

Compare bus with

Bus
Most popular
Flight

€96

Average price

Cheapest

€1044

Average price

19h 48m

Average total duration

19h 18m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

21h 48m

Average total duration

Fastest

18h 48m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

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, Tuesday, February 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at 3:36 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak5:25 AM San Diego, CA
15h41
9:06 PM Santa Cruz, CA0 transfersDirect
amtrak6:10 AM San Diego, CA
14h59
9:09 PM Santa Cruz, CA0 transfersDirect

This is the last bus of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets San Diego, CA to Santa Cruz, CA by bus or flight

Compare bus and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.

Tue
Feb 24
Wed
Feb 25
Thu
Feb 26
Fri
Feb 27
Sat
Feb 28
Sun
Mar 01
Mon
Mar 02

Journey information

Overview: Bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Cruz, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of bus

Buses from San Diego, CA to Santa Cruz, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 19h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $114 (€91) if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 13:20, the last at 22:10. The fastest bus covers the 403 miles (649 km) distance in 14h 59m.

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
Distance
403 miles (649 km)
Average bus duration
19h 18m
Cheapest ticket price
$114 (€91)
Buses per day
1
Fastest bus
14h 59m
First bus
13:20
Last bus
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

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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from San Diego, CA to Santa Cruz, CA can start from as little as $114 (€91) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for San Diego, CA to Santa Cruz, CA is $120 (€96) ; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Cruz, CA is 14h 59m to travel the 403 miles (649 km) long journey. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
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.
A trip to Santa Cruz, CA from San Diego, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 14h 59m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Cruz, CA is June.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between San Diego, CA and Santa Cruz, CA including taking a bus and flight.
No, the bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Cruz, CA has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Cruz, CA.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from San Diego, CA to 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.
No, there is no food available to purchase on board the bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Cruz, CA.
No, luggage for the bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Cruz, CA needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Cruz, CA.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Cruz, CA.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Cruz, CA.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Cruz, CA.

More options for your journey from San Diego, CA to Santa Cruz, CA

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Most popular bus connections to Santa Cruz, CA

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