The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA
Cheapest price
$88
Average price
$88
Fastest journey
13 h 10 m
Average duration
13 h 10 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
472 km
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 $88 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $88.
Of the 1 buses that leave Santa Cruz, CA for Los Angeles, CA on Sun, Mar 22, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Mar 22 the direct buses cover the 472 km distance in an average of 13 h 10 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 13 h 10 m .
On Sun, Mar 22 the slowest buses will take 13 h 10 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.


Travel Information
Compare bus, flight, and train 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 bus with prices starting from $87. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 10h 36m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $87, and a flight costs an average of $402.
Distance: 293 miles (472 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$114 Average price Cheapest | $147 Average price | $655 Average price |
11h 6m Average total duration Fastest 10h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 45m Average total duration 11h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 24h 35m Average total duration 21h 35m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
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, March 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:25 PM Santa Cruz, CA | 12h50 | 6:15 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, flight, or train
Compare bus, flight, and train 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.
Mar 22
Mar 23
Mar 24
Mar 25
Mar 26
Mar 27
Mar 28
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA
Buses from Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 10h 36m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $87 (€71) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 00:50, the last at 20:37. The fastest bus covers the 293 miles (472 km) distance in 11h 5m.
Distance 293 miles (472 km) |
Average bus duration 10h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $87 (€71) |
Buses per day 3 |
Fastest bus 11h 5m |
First bus 00:50 |
Last bus 20:37 |
Cheapest month Apr |
Cheapest day Sun |
High season Oct - Dec |
Low season Apr - Jun |
Best day to book ahead 35 days |
Bus providers: Santa Cruz Metro from Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CAYou can travel by bus between Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA with Santa Cruz Metro for as low as $87 (€71). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Santa Cruz Metro
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.

- Griffith Observatory, an iconic facility offering stunning views of Los Angeles and exhibits on astronomy
- The Getty Center, a renowned art museum with impressive architecture and beautiful gardens
- Santa Monica Pier, a historic landmark featuring an amusement park, aquarium, and scenic ocean views
- Hollywood Walk of Fame, a famous sidewalk celebrating entertainment industry icons with star plaques
- Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA), the largest art museum in the western United States with diverse collections.
- Explore the vibrant Venice Beach Boardwalk, known for its eclectic shops, street performers, and skate park
- Visit the historic El Capitan Theatre for a classic movie experience
- Take a scenic hike in Runyon Canyon Park, offering panoramic views of the city
- Enjoy a live performance at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, known for its stunning architecture and acoustics
- Discover the unique exhibits at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County.
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
