Santa Cruz, CA to Riverside, CA bus with Santa Cruz Metro

Wed, Aug 05
+ Add return
Santa Cruz Metro
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Rede Expressos
2,000+ travel companies
Santa Cruz Metro
FlixBus
Alsa
BlaBlaCar Bus
Rede Expressos
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Cruz, CA to Riverside, CA

Showing times and prices for Aug 05

Cheapest price

$92

Average price

$92

Fastest journey

1 d 4 h 58 m

Average duration

1 d 8 h 58 m

Buses per day

2

Distance

537 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Cruz, CA to Riverside, 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 Riverside, CA will cost around $92 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $92.

Fast buses

It's difficult to get from Santa Cruz, CA to Riverside, CA without transferring at least 5 times.

  • Santa Cruz Metro
    6:30 AM28h58
    Santa Cruz, CA
    11:28 AMRiverside, CA
    $921One-way
    5 transfers
  • Santa Cruz Metro
    10:30 PM36h58
    Santa Cruz, CA
    11:28 AMRiverside, CA
    $921One-way
    5 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and flight for Santa Cruz, CA to Riverside, CA

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Santa Cruz, CA to Riverside, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $97. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 11h 35m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $97, and a flight costs an average of $503.

Distance: 333 miles (537 km)

Compare bus with

Most popular
Bus
Flight
Driving

$97

Average price

Cheapest

$503

Average price

$80

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

12h 5m

Average total duration

Fastest

11h 35m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

29h 9m

Average total duration

26h 9m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

6h 3m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Santa Cruz, CA to Riverside, CA is a bus with an average price of $97.

This is compared to other travel options from Santa Cruz, CA to Riverside, CA:

A bus is $405 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Cruz, CA to Riverside, CA costing on average $503.

The fastest way to travel from Santa Cruz, CA to Riverside, CA is by bus with an average journey time of 11h 35m.

Other travel options to Riverside, CA take longer:

Flight takes on average 26h 9m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Santa Cruz, CA and Riverside, CA including taking a bus and flight.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.

You'll arrive about {timeSavings} sooner ({durationInMinutes} by bus vs {drivingDurationInMinutes} by car) and save roughly {savingsAmount} compared to fuel and tolls ({cheapestPrice} vs {drivingPriceInCents}). 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 {directProviders}.

Driving is still worth considering if you're travelling with bulky luggage, need flexibility on departure times, or plan to stop along the way.

Santa Cruz, CA to Riverside, CA Bus Timetables

OperatorDeparture TimeArrival TimeDurationDeparture daysCheapest price
Operator
Santa Cruz Metro
Departure Time
06:30AM
Arrival Time
11:28AM
Duration
28h58
Departure days
Tue, Wed
Cheapest price
$92
Operator
Amtrak
Departure Time
01:00PM
Arrival Time
12:35AM
Duration
11h35
Departure days
Thu
Cheapest price
$97
Operator
Santa Cruz Metro
Departure Time
10:30PM
Arrival Time
11:28AM
Duration
36h58
Departure days
Wed
Cheapest price
$92

Live departures

Santa Cruz, CA to Riverside, CA bus times

The table below shows live departures for Santa Cruz, CA to Riverside, CA buses for today, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Santa Cruz Metro6:30 AM Santa Cruz, CA
28h58
11:28 AM Riverside, CA5 transfers

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 Riverside, CA by bus or flight

Compare bus 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.

Wed
Aug 05
Thu
Aug 06
Fri
Aug 07
Sat
Aug 08
Sun
Aug 09
Mon
Aug 10
Tue
Aug 11

Journey information

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

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Icon of bus

Buses from Santa Cruz, CA to Riverside, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 11h 35m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $97 if you book in advance.

The earliest bus runs at 05:00, the last at 11:35. The fastest bus covers the 333 miles (537 km) distance in 11h 35m.

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
Distance
333 miles (537 km)
Average bus duration
11h 35m
Cheapest ticket price
$97
Buses per day
1
Fastest bus
11h 35m
First bus
5:00 AM
Last bus
11:35 AM
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Thu
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

Bus providers: Santa Cruz Metro from Santa Cruz, CA to Riverside, CAYou can travel by bus between Santa Cruz, CA to Riverside, CA with Santa Cruz Metro for as low as $97. When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey

Santa Cruz Metro

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
28h 58m
Cheapest Price
$92
Santa Cruz Metro frequency
1 a day

FAQs: Bus from Santa Cruz, CA to Riverside, CA

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Cruz, CA to Riverside, 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 Riverside, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap bus tickets from Santa Cruz, CA to Riverside, CA can start from as little as $97 when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Santa Cruz, CA to Riverside, CA is $97 ; 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 Riverside, CA is 11h 35m to travel the 333 miles (537 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 Riverside, CA leaves at 5:00 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Santa Cruz, CA to Riverside, CA leaves at 11:35 AM.
There are 1 buses a day from Santa Cruz, CA to Riverside, CA which require at least one change with Santa Cruz Metro. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer buses.
When taking a bus from Santa Cruz, CA to Riverside, CA, you can count on Santa Cruz Metro for the best way to get you to Riverside, CA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Santa Cruz, CA and Riverside, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to Riverside, CA from Santa Cruz, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 11h 35m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Santa Cruz, CA to Riverside, CA is February.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Santa Cruz, CA and Riverside, CA including taking a bus and flight.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Santa Cruz, CA to Riverside, CA.
No, the bus from Santa Cruz, CA to Riverside, CA has no accessibility options.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Santa Cruz, CA to Riverside, 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 Riverside, CA.
No, luggage for the bus from Santa Cruz, CA to Riverside, CA needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Santa Cruz, CA to Riverside, CA.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Santa Cruz, CA to Riverside, CA.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Santa Cruz, CA to Riverside, CA.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Santa Cruz, CA to Riverside, CA.
Since neither Santa Cruz, CA nor Riverside, 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.
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 Riverside, CA, travelers should be cautious of petty crimes such as pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins, especially in crowded or tourist-heavy areas. Common scams include overpriced parking fees and unauthorized street vendors. It's advisable to stay aware of surroundings, use secure transportation options, and avoid displaying valuables openly to ensure a safe visit.
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 Riverside, CA

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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Tickets and more information for coaches to Riverside, CA

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