- Must visit
California Academy of Sciences
Renowned science museum with rainforest dome, aquarium, and planetarium. Interactive exhibits make it a standout for all ages.
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The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, CA
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 20
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$38
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$39
Fastest journey on Sep 20
4 h 45 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
4 h 45 m
Buses on Sep 20
2
Distance
95 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, CA will cost around $39 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $38.
Fast buses
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 2 buses from Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, CA, including 2 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct buses cover the 95 km distance in an average of 4 h 45 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 4 h 45 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest buses will take 4 h 45 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.
2:45 PM4h45Santa Cruz, CA7:30 PMSan Francisco, CA$381One-way0 transfers- 1:45 PM4h45Santa Cruz, CA6:30 PMSan Francisco, CA$401One-way0 transfers
- 2:45 PM4h45Santa Cruz, CA7:30 PMSan Francisco, CA$381One-way0 transfers
- 1:45 PM4h45Santa Cruz, CA6:30 PMSan Francisco, CA$401One-way0 transfers
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.
Distance: 59 miles (95 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$16 Average price (fuel + tolls) | ||
1h 22m Average total duration (door-to-door) | ||
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
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 01:45PM | Arrival Time 06:30PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $40 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 02:45PM | Arrival Time 07:30PM | Duration 4h45 | Departure days Sun | Cheapest price $38 |
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, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11:30 PM Santa Cruz, CA | 28h00 | 3:30 AM San Francisco, 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 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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Sep 20
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, CA
USAUSA
Take a bus from Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, CA and enjoy the approximately 59 miles (95 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest bus runs at 04:55, the last at 20:43.
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 59 miles (95 km) |
First bus 4:55 AM |
Last bus 8:43 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Apr - Jun |
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
Complete guide to San Francisco, CA
Things to do in San Francisco, CA
Discover the best of San Francisco, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Francisco, CA trip today.
- Must visit
de Young Museum
Major fine arts museum in Golden Gate Park with American art, textiles, and a panoramic tower. A classic cultural highlight.
- Must visit
San Francisco Museum of Modern Art
Leading modern and contemporary art museum with landmark architecture and strong global collections. Essential for art-focused visitors.
- Must visit
Golden Gate Park
Large urban park with gardens, lakes, museums, and trails. It is a must for relaxing, walking, and seeing several major attractions.
- Must visit
Lombard Street
Steeply curving block lined with flowers and grand homes. This famous street offers classic photos and a quintessential San Francisco scene.
- Must visit
The Embarcadero
Popular waterfront promenade with bay views, piers, and ferries. Great for walking, people-watching, and connecting to nearby sights.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
San Francisco Sourdough
A crusty loaf with a tangy flavor shaped by the city’s historic wild yeast culture. It is one of San Francisco’s most iconic foods.
- Gluten-free
Dungeness Crab
Fresh local Dungeness crab, often cracked and served simply or in cioppino. It is a Bay Area seasonal specialty tied to the fishing waterfront.
Cioppino
A tomato-based seafood stew created by Italian American fishermen in North Beach. It is a classic San Francisco dish built from the day’s catch.
Benu
Celebrated fine dining destination known for inventive tasting menus and polished service in an elegant, intimate setting.
Sotto Mare
Historic North Beach seafood house famous for cioppino, crab, and old-school San Francisco waterfront charm.
La Taqueria
Legendary Mission taqueria known for large Mission-style burritos and a lively, no-frills local atmosphere.
US Dollar ($)
Very high hotel, dining, and transport costs make San Francisco pricier than most US cities and many major tourist destinations.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $12-20 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- $25-45 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- $90+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- $4-7 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis, and round up or tip $1 at cafes for good service.
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.
More options for your journey from Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, CA
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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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