Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Santa Cruz, CA to Oakland, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Cruz, CA to Oakland, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $25. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 3m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $25, and a train costs an average of $25.
Distance: 59 miles (95 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
$27 Average price Cheapest | $27 Average price |
2h 48m Average total duration 2h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 33m Average total duration Fastest 2h 3m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Cruz, CA to Oakland, CA:
A bus is $0.40 (€0.33) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santa Cruz, CA to Oakland, CA costing on average $27 (€22).
Other travel options to Oakland, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 18m.
Santa Cruz, CA to Oakland, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 12:00AM | Arrival Time 03:03AM | Duration 3h03 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $25 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 04:03AM | Duration 3h03 | Departure days Tue, Thu, Fri | Cheapest price $26 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 04:25PM | Arrival Time 05:56PM | Duration 25h31 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:05PM | Arrival Time 09:09PM | Duration 3h04 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $27 |
Live departures
Santa Cruz, CA to Oakland, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Santa Cruz, CA to Oakland, CA buses for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
6998 AMTRAK · 748 Capitol Corridor | 6:05 PM Santa Cruz, CA | 3h04 | 9:09 PM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 1 transfer | |
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 Oakland, CA by train or bus
Compare train and 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 21
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Jun 27
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santa Cruz, CA to Oakland, CA
Buses from Santa Cruz, CA to Oakland, CA run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 18m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $25 (€20) but you can travel from only $25 (€20) by train.
The earliest bus runs at 04:55, the last at 20:43. The fastest bus covers the 59 miles (95 km) distance in 3h 3m.
Distance 59 miles (95 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $25 (€20) |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 3h 3m |
First bus 4:55 AM |
Last bus 8:43 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
FAQs: Bus from Santa Cruz, CA to Oakland, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Cruz, CA to Oakland, 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 Oakland, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- Lake Merritt, a large tidal lagoon offering scenic walking paths and boating activities
- Oakland Museum of California, a museum dedicated to the art, history, and natural sciences of California
- Jack London Square, a waterfront area with dining, shopping, and entertainment options
- Redwood Regional Park, a vast park with hiking trails through towering redwood trees
- Chabot Space and Science Center, an interactive museum with planetarium shows and telescopes for stargazing.
- Visit the vibrant Temescal Alley, known for its unique shops and eateries
- Explore the historic USS Potomac, Franklin D. Roosevelt's "Floating White House"
- Enjoy a performance at the Fox Theater, a beautifully restored 1920s movie palace
- Discover the diverse flavors at the Oakland First Fridays street festival
- Take a scenic bike ride along the Bay Trail, offering stunning views of the San Francisco Bay.
More options for your journey from Santa Cruz, CA to Oakland, CA
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