- Must visit
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Major contemporary art museum with an outstanding modern and contemporary collection, large-scale installations, and strong photography holdings.
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Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $29. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 20m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $29, and a bus costs an average of $37.
Distance: 59 miles (95 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$38 Average price | $35 Average price Cheapest | $15 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 13m Average total duration 2h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 50m Average total duration Fastest 2h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 22m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, CA is a train with an average price of $35 (€29).
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, CA:
A train is $3 (€2) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, CA costing on average $38 (€31).
The fastest way to travel from Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, CA is by train with an average journey time of 2h 20m.
Other travel options to San Francisco, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 43m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Santa Cruz, CA and San Francisco, CA including taking a bus and train.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users.
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 San Francisco, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 12:30AM | Arrival Time 04:30AM | Duration 28h00 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:15AM | Arrival Time 05:10AM | Duration 26h55 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $37 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 06:50AM | Arrival Time 11:30AM | Duration 4h40 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $39 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 11:30PM | Arrival Time 03:30AM | Duration 28h00 | Departure days Sat | Cheapest price $38 |
Live departures
Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, CA buses for today, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 6974 AMTRAK · 724 Capitol Corridor · 6611 AMTRAK | 6:50 AM Santa Cruz, CA | 4h40 | 11:30 AM San Francisco, CA | 2 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 San Francisco, CA by bus or train
Compare bus 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, CA
USAUSA
Buses from Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, CA run on average 10 times per day, taking around 2h 43m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $37 (€31) but you can travel from only $29 (€24) 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 4h 45m.
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 $29 (€24)
Distance 59 miles (95 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $37 (€31) |
Buses per day 10 |
Fastest bus 4h 45m |
First bus 4:55 AM |
Last bus 8:43 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Best time to book 49 days |
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 $29 (€24)
Complete guide to San Francisco
Things to do in San Francisco
Discover the best of San Francisco — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Francisco trip today.
- Must visit
Exploratorium
Interactive science and art museum on the Embarcadero, especially popular for hands-on exhibits and bayfront setting.
- Recommended
de Young Museum
Fine arts museum in Golden Gate Park known for American art, textiles, rotating exhibitions, and its panoramic observation tower.
- Must visit
Lombard Street
The famously crooked block lined with flowers and city views, one of San Francisco's most photographed streets.
- Must visit
Golden Gate Park
Massive urban park with gardens, lakes, museums, and broad walking space that rewards both short visits and full-day exploration.
- Must visit
Twin Peaks
High viewpoint with sweeping panoramic views over the city and bay, especially popular at sunset and on clear mornings.
- Gluten-free
Cioppino
A tomato-based seafood stew created by Italian fishermen in San Francisco, usually filled with crab, clams, mussels, shrimp, and fish. It is one of the city’s signature dishes.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
Sourdough Bread
San Francisco sourdough is famous for its tangy flavor and chewy crust, shaped by the city’s historic baking culture and local wild yeast tradition.
Mission-Style Burrito
A large burrito associated with the Mission District, typically packed with rice, beans, meat, salsa, and extras. It is a defining San Francisco street food.
Sotto Mare
North Beach favorite specializing in cioppino and classic seafood in a lively, casual setting.
La Taqueria
Iconic Mission District taqueria celebrated for Mission-style burritos and tacos with a no-frills local vibe.
The Buena Vista
Classic waterfront cafe famous for Irish Coffee, hearty breakfasts, and historic cable-car-adjacent charm.
United States Dollar
One of the priciest U.S. cities. Hotels, dining, parking, and taxes add up quickly, though transit and casual food can help control costs.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 12-20 for fast casual or food trucks.
- Mid-range
- USD 25-45 per person at a standard restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 90+ per person before drinks and tax.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for drip coffee or a latte.
Tipping culture
Restaurants: 18-22% is standard before or after tax depending on the screen shown. Bars: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshare: 10-15% or round up. Hotel staff: USD 2-5 for porters, a few USD nightly for housekeeping.
FAQs: Bus from Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
Cheap bus tickets from Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, CA can start from as little as $37 (€31) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, CA is $38 (€31) ; 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 San Francisco, CA is 4h 45m 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 San Francisco, CA leaves at 4:55 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, CA leaves at 8:43 PM.
A trip to San Francisco, CA from Santa Cruz, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 4h 45m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, CA is September.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Santa Cruz, CA and San Francisco, CA including taking a bus and train.
No, the bus from Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, CA has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, CA.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in San Francisco, CA are:
- Golden Gate Bridge, an iconic suspension bridge offering panoramic views of the San Francisco Bay
- Alcatraz Island, a historic site featuring the infamous former prison and informative audio tours
- Fisherman's Wharf, a bustling waterfront area known for seafood, shops, and sea lions
- Golden Gate Park, a large urban park with gardens, museums, and recreational activities
- Chinatown, the oldest and one of the largest Chinatowns in North America, offering vibrant culture and cuisine.
The best things to do in San Francisco, CA include:
- Ride a cable car through the steep streets of San Francisco for a classic city experience
- Explore the vibrant murals and street art in the Mission District
- Visit the Exploratorium, an interactive science museum perfect for all ages
- Take a scenic walk along the Embarcadero, offering views of the Bay Bridge and access to the Ferry Building Marketplace
- Enjoy a wine tasting tour in nearby Napa Valley, a short drive from the city.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, CA.
No, luggage for the bus from Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, CA needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, CA.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, CA.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, CA.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, CA.
Since neither Santa Cruz, CA nor San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and petty theft, especially in crowded areas like Fisherman's Wharf and Union Square. Common scams include distraction techniques used by groups to steal wallets and fake charity solicitations. It's advisable to avoid poorly lit or isolated areas at night and be wary of unofficial taxi services to ensure safety.
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 San Francisco, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular buses to and from San Francisco, CA and Santa Cruz, CA
Most popular bus connections to San Francisco, CA
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