Santa Cruz, CA to Oakland, CA bus

Sun, Jun 21
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Alsa
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Rede Expressos
Costa Verde
2,000+ travel companies
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
Costa Verde
2,000+ travel companies
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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

The cheapest way to travel from Santa Cruz, CA to Oakland, CA is a bus with an average price of $27 (€22).

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).

The fastest way to travel from Santa Cruz, CA to Oakland, CA is by train with an average journey time of 2h 3m.

Other travel options to Oakland, CA take longer:

Bus takes on average 2h 18m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Santa Cruz, CA and Oakland, CA including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Santa Cruz, CA to Oakland, CA among Omio's users.

Santa Cruz, CA to Oakland, CA Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest 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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Amtrak6998 AMTRAK · 748 Capitol Corridor6:05 PM Santa Cruz, CA
3h04
9:09 PM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA1 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.

Sun
Jun 21
Mon
Jun 22
Tue
Jun 23
Wed
Jun 24
Thu
Jun 25
Fri
Jun 26
Sat
Jun 27

Journey information

Overview: Bus from Santa Cruz, CA to Oakland, CA

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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.

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
Train from $25 (€20)
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
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
Train from $25 (€20)

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.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Santa Cruz, CA to Oakland, CA can start from as little as $25 (€20) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Santa Cruz, CA to Oakland, CA is $27 (€22) ; 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 Santa Cruz, CA to Oakland, CA is 3h 3m to travel the 59 miles (95 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 Santa Cruz, CA to Oakland, CA leaves at 4:55 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Santa Cruz, CA to Oakland, CA leaves at 8:43 PM.
A trip to Oakland, CA from Santa Cruz, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 3h 3m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Santa Cruz, CA to Oakland, CA is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Santa Cruz, CA and Oakland, CA including taking a train and bus.
No, the bus from Santa Cruz, CA to Oakland, CA has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Santa Cruz, CA to Oakland, CA.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in Oakland, CA are:
  • 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.
The best things to do in Oakland, CA include:
  • 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.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Santa Cruz, CA to Oakland, 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 Santa Cruz, CA to Oakland, CA.
No, luggage for the bus from Santa Cruz, CA to Oakland, CA needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Santa Cruz, CA to Oakland, CA.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Santa Cruz, CA to Oakland, CA.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Santa Cruz, CA to Oakland, CA.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Santa Cruz, CA to Oakland, CA.
Since neither Santa Cruz, CA nor Oakland, CA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Santa Cruz, CA to Oakland, CA among Omio's users.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Oakland, CA, travelers should be cautious of petty theft, including pickpocketing and car break-ins, especially in crowded areas and public transportation hubs. Avoid displaying valuables openly and park in well-lit, secure areas. Scams such as fake ticket sellers or overcharging by unlicensed taxi or rideshare drivers have been reported. Staying alert, using official transportation services, and verifying ticket purchases online can help ensure a safer experience.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

More options for your journey from Santa Cruz, CA to Oakland, CA

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