- Must visit
The Getty Center
Hilltop art museum with European paintings, sculpture, gardens, and striking architecture plus sweeping city views.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 20
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$88
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$93
Fastest journey on Sep 20
11 h 5 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
12 h 7 m
Buses on Sep 20
3
Distance
472 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA will cost around $93 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $88.
Fast buses
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 3 buses from Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA, including 3 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct buses cover the 472 km distance in an average of 12 h 7 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 11 h 5 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest buses will take 13 h 50 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.
8:45 PM11h25Santa Cruz, CA8:10 AMLos Angeles, CA$881One-way0 transfers- 5:25 PM13h50Santa Cruz, CA7:15 AMLos Angeles, CA$921One-way0 transfers
- 8:50 PM11h05Santa Cruz, CA7:55 AMLos Angeles, CA$1011One-way0 transfers
- 8:50 PM11h05Santa Cruz, CA7:55 AMLos Angeles, CA$1011One-way0 transfers
- 8:45 PM11h25Santa Cruz, CA8:10 AMLos Angeles, CA$881One-way0 transfers
- 5:25 PM13h50Santa Cruz, CA7:15 AMLos Angeles, CA$921One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the flight, with an average ticket price of $1206 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 16h 20m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $1206, while a flight costs an average of $1206.
Distance: 293 miles (472 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$1206 Average price Cheapest | $70 Average price (fuel + tolls) | ||
16h 20m Average total duration Fastest 14h 20m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 5h 16m Average total duration (door-to-door) | ||
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA is a flight with an average price of $1206.
The fastest way to travel from Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 14h 20m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Santa Cruz, CA and Los Angeles, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA among Omio's users.
Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:25AM | Arrival Time 05:46PM | Duration 13h21 | Departure days Tue, Sat | Cheapest price $121 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 05:25PM | Arrival Time 07:15AM | Duration 13h50 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $92 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:45PM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 11h25 | Departure days Sat, Sun | Cheapest price $88 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:50PM | Arrival Time 07:55AM | Duration 11h05 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $101 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 08:55PM | Arrival Time 08:10AM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Mon, Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $86 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 09:55PM | Arrival Time 09:10AM | Duration 11h15 | Departure days Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $87 |
Live departures
Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA buses for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 8:45 PM Santa Cruz, CA | 11h25 | 8:10 AM Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last bus of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA
USAUSA
Take a bus from Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA and enjoy the approximately 293 miles (472 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest bus runs at 00:50, the last at 20:37.
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 $450
Distance 293 miles (472 km) |
First bus 12:50 AM |
Last bus 8:37 PM |
Cheapest Month Jun |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
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 $450
Complete guide to Los Angeles, CA
Things to do in Los Angeles, CA
Discover the best of Los Angeles, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Los Angeles, CA trip today.
- Must visit
The Broad
Major contemporary art museum in Downtown LA, known for broad collections, special shows, and bold architecture.
- Must visit
Los Angeles County Museum of Art
World-class encyclopedic museum on Wilshire Boulevard, famous for diverse collections and the Urban Light installation.
- Must visit
Hollywood Boulevard
Legendary boulevard known for the Walk of Fame, theaters, neon, and classic Hollywood atmosphere mixed with tourist energy.
- Must visit
Venice Beach Boardwalk
Lively beachside promenade with street performers, Muscle Beach, and easy access to the Venice Boardwalk scene.
- Must visit
Griffith Park
Major urban park with trails, the observatory, picnic areas, and some of the best public views in Los Angeles.
Danger Dog
A bacon-wrapped hot dog grilled on a street cart and topped with peppers, onions, mustard, ketchup, and mayo. A late-night Los Angeles street food classic.
French Dip Sandwich
A French dip sandwich of thin-sliced roast beef on a roll, often dipped in meat jus. Los Angeles claims the original and locals still debate the best version.
- Gluten-free
Birria Tacos
Double corn tortillas filled with stewed beef, birria broth, onions, and cilantro. A beloved Los Angeles Mexican staple, especially popular from trucks and taquerias.
n/naka
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant serving a seasonal California tasting menu. Refined, intimate, and one of Los Angeles's most respected special-occasion venues.
Sonoratown
Legendary taqueria known for charcoal-grilled carne asada tacos. Casual, fast-paced, and widely considered one of Los Angeles's essential taco stops.
Philippe The Original
Historic downtown deli linked to the French dip. Old-school counter service and classic sandwiches in a landmark Los Angeles setting.
United States dollar ($)
Los Angeles is pricier than many U.S. cities for hotels, dining, parking, and rides. Budget options exist, but tourist areas and transport costs raise daily spend.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $12-20 for fast food or casual takeaway.
- Mid-range
- $25-45 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- $80+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- $4-7 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 at cafes for counter service or coffee.
FAQs: Bus from Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
More options for your journey from Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from Los Angeles, CA and Santa Cruz, CA
Most popular bus connections to Los Angeles, CA
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