4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, CA
Cheapest price
$40
Average price
$40
Fastest journey
4 h 45 m
Average duration
4 h 45 m
Buses per day
1
Distance
95 km
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 $40 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $40.
Of the 1 buses that leave Santa Cruz, CA for San Francisco, CA on Sun, Mar 22, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Mar 22 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, Mar 22 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.
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 bus with prices starting from $38. 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 bus costs an average of $38, and a train costs an average of $28.
Distance: 59 miles (95 km)
Compare bus with
| Bus | Most popular Train |
|---|---|
$38 Average price Cheapest | $40 Average price |
3h 13m Average total duration 2h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 50m Average total duration Fastest 2h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
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 tomorrow, Saturday, March 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2:45 PM Santa Cruz, CA | 4h45 | 7:30 PM 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.
Mar 22
Mar 23
Mar 24
Mar 25
Mar 26
Mar 27
Mar 28
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 12 times per day, taking around 2h 43m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $38 (€31) but you can travel from only $28 (€23) 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 0m.
Distance 59 miles (95 km) |
Average bus duration 2h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $38 (€31) |
Buses per day 12 |
Fastest bus 4h 0m |
First bus 04:55 |
Last bus 20:43 |
Cheapest month Sep |
Cheapest day Sat |
High season Jul - Sep |
Low season Apr - Jun |
Best day to book ahead 49 days |
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.
- 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.
- 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.
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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