4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest buses from San Jose, CA to Santa Cruz, CA
Cheapest price
$15
Average price
$15
Fastest journey
1 h 33 m
Average duration
1 h 39 m
Buses per day
3
Distance
42 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from San Jose, 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 Jose, CA to Santa Cruz, CA will cost around $15 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $15.
Of the 3 buses that leave San Jose, CA for Santa Cruz, CA on Mon, Jun 01, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 01 the direct buses cover the 42 km distance in an average of 1 h 39 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 1 h 33 m .
On Mon, Jun 01 the slowest buses will take 1 h 42 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.
4:17 PM1h42San Jose, CA5:59 PMSanta Cruz, CA$151One-way0 transfers- 3:17 PM1h42San Jose, CA4:59 PMSanta Cruz, CA$151One-way0 transfers
- 2:55 AM1h33San Jose, CA4:28 AMSanta Cruz, CA$151One-way0 transfers
- 2:55 AM1h33San Jose, CA4:28 AMSanta Cruz, CA$151One-way0 transfers
- 4:17 PM1h42San Jose, CA5:59 PMSanta Cruz, CA$151One-way0 transfers
- 3:17 PM1h42San Jose, CA4:59 PMSanta Cruz, CA$151One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus for San Jose, CA to Santa Cruz, CA
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from San Jose, CA to Santa Cruz, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $13. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 1h 14m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $13, and a bus costs an average of $13.
Distance: 26 miles (42 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|
$15 Average price Cheapest | $7 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 44m Average total duration Fastest 1h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 41m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
You'll arrive about -1h -33m sooner (1h 14m by bus vs 41m by car) and save roughly $-7.91 (€-6.37) compared to fuel and tolls ($15 (€12) vs $7 (€5)). You also skip the drive itself — no traffic stress, no parking, and you can use the time to work, nap, or catch up on a series with the onboard Wi-Fi.
Direct coaches are operated by Santa Cruz Metro.
Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.
San Jose, CA to Santa Cruz, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:55AM | Arrival Time 04:28AM | Duration 1h33 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Sat | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:55AM | Arrival Time 05:28AM | Duration 1h33 | Departure days Fri | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:57AM | Arrival Time 10:41AM | Duration 1h44 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:47AM | Arrival Time 01:38PM | Duration 1h51 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:17PM | Arrival Time 04:59PM | Duration 1h42 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 03:47PM | Arrival Time 05:19PM | Duration 1h32 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:17PM | Arrival Time 05:59PM | Duration 1h42 | Departure days Mon, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $14 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:47PM | Arrival Time 08:38PM | Duration 1h51 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 07:57PM | Arrival Time 10:13PM | Duration 2h16 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $15 |
Live departures
San Jose, CA to Santa Cruz, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for San Jose, CA to Santa Cruz, CA buses for today, Sunday, May 31. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 729 Capitol Corridor · 6979 AMTRAK | 11:47 AM Santa Clara Station, Santa Clara, CA | 1h51 | 1:38 PM Santa Cruz, CA | 1 transfer | |
| 741 Capitol Corridor · 6987 AMTRAK | 3:47 PM Santa Clara Station, Santa Clara, CA | 1h32 | 5:19 PM Santa Cruz, CA | 1 transfer | |
| Monday, June 1 | |||||
| 2:55 AM San Jose, CA | 1h33 | 4:28 AM Santa Cruz, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, May 31 | |||||
| 747 Capitol Corridor · 6967 AMTRAK | 7:57 PM Santa Clara Station, Santa Clara, CA | 2h16 | 10:13 PM Santa Cruz, CA | 1 transfer | |
| Monday, June 1 | |||||
| 3:17 PM San Jose, CA | 1h42 | 4:59 PM Santa Cruz, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 4:17 PM San Jose, CA | 1h42 | 5:59 PM Santa Cruz, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets San Jose, CA to Santa Cruz, CA by bus
Compare bus 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.
Jun 01
Jun 02
Jun 03
Jun 04
Jun 05
Jun 06
Jun 07
Journey information
Overview: Bus from San Jose, CA to Santa Cruz, CA
USAUSA
Buses from San Jose, CA to Santa Cruz, CA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 1h 14m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $13 (€11) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 04:55, the last at 19:58. The fastest bus covers the 26 miles (42 km) distance in 1h 33m.
Distance 26 miles (42 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price $13 (€11) |
Buses per day 5 |
Fastest bus 1h 33m |
First bus 4:55 AM |
Last bus 7:58 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 28 days |
Bus providers: Santa Cruz Metro from San Jose, CA to Santa Cruz, CAYou can travel by bus between San Jose, CA to Santa Cruz, CA with Santa Cruz Metro for as low as $13 (€11). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Santa Cruz Metro
FAQs: Bus from San Jose, CA to Santa Cruz, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Jose, 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.
Most popular bus connections from San Jose, CA
More options for your journey from San Jose, 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 Jose, 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.
