The cheapest and fastest buses from Santa Cruz, CA to San Jose, CA
Cheapest price
$8
Average price
$9
Fastest journey
45 m
Average duration
47 m
Buses per day
26
Distance
42 km
The best way to find a cheap bus ticket from Santa Cruz, CA to San Jose, 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 Jose, CA will cost around $9 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $8.
Of the 26 buses that leave Santa Cruz, CA for San Jose, CA on Wed, May 13, 22 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, May 13 the direct buses cover the 42 km distance in an average of 47 m but if you time it right, some buses will get you there in just 45 m .
On Wed, May 13 the slowest buses will take 48 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.
5:00 AM0h53Santa Cruz, CA5:53 AMSan Jose, CA$81One-way0 transfers
5:25 AM0h45Santa Cruz, CA6:10 AMSan Jose, CA$81One-way0 transfers
5:35 AM0h56Santa Cruz, CA6:31 AMSan Jose, CA$81One-way0 transfers
6:20 AM0h48Santa Cruz, CA7:08 AMSan Jose, CA$81One-way0 transfers
6:30 AM1h01Santa Cruz, CA7:31 AMSan Jose, CA$81One-way0 transfers
5:25 AM0h45Santa Cruz, CA6:10 AMSan Jose, CA$81One-way0 transfers
12:00 PM0h47Santa Cruz, CA12:47 PMSan Jose, CA$81One-way0 transfers
1:25 PM0h47Santa Cruz, CA2:12 PMSan Jose, CA$81One-way0 transfers
1:55 PM0h47Santa Cruz, CA2:42 PMSan Jose, CA$81One-way0 transfers
6:20 AM0h48Santa Cruz, CA7:08 AMSan Jose, CA$81One-way0 transfers
Live departures
Santa Cruz, CA to San Jose, CA bus times
The table below shows live departures for Santa Cruz, CA to San Jose, CA buses for tomorrow, Wednesday, May 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 5:00 AM Santa Cruz, CA | 0h53 | 5:53 AM San Jose, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:25 AM Santa Cruz, CA | 0h45 | 6:10 AM San Jose, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 5:35 AM Santa Cruz, CA | 0h56 | 6:31 AM San Jose, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:20 AM Santa Cruz, CA | 0h48 | 7:08 AM San Jose, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:30 AM Santa Cruz, CA | 1h01 | 7:31 AM San Jose, CA | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Santa Cruz, CA to San Jose, CA by bus
Compare 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.
May 13
May 14
May 15
May 16
May 17
May 18
May 19
Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santa Cruz, CA to San Jose, CA
Buses from Santa Cruz, CA to San Jose, CA run on average 7 times per day, taking around 1h 0m. Cheap bus tickets for this journey start at $15 (€12) if you book in advance.
The earliest bus runs at 04:55, the last at 21:51. The fastest bus covers the 26 miles (42 km) distance in 1h 25m.
Distance 26 miles (42 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $15 (€12) |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 1h 25m |
First bus 4:55 AM |
Last bus 9:51 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 1 day |
Bus providers: Santa Cruz Metro from Santa Cruz, CA to San Jose, CAYou can travel by bus between Santa Cruz, CA to San Jose, CA with Santa Cruz Metro for as low as $15 (€12). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Santa Cruz Metro
FAQs: Bus from Santa Cruz, CA to San Jose, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Cruz, CA to San Jose, 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 Jose, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

- Winchester Mystery House, an architectural curiosity with a maze-like design and historical significance
- The Tech Interactive, an engaging science and technology center with hands-on exhibits
- San Jose Museum of Art, a contemporary art museum featuring works from the 20th and 21st centuries
- Rosicrucian Egyptian Museum, a museum dedicated to ancient Egyptian artifacts and culture
- Municipal Rose Garden, a beautiful and serene garden featuring over 3,500 rose bushes.
- Explore the Japanese Friendship Garden, a tranquil space inspired by Japanese landscape design
- Visit the Children's Discovery Museum, offering interactive exhibits for families and children
- Enjoy a performance at the San Jose Center for the Performing Arts, hosting a variety of shows and events
- Discover the history of Silicon Valley at the Computer History Museum
- Take a scenic hike in Alum Rock Park, offering trails and natural beauty.
More options for your journey from Santa Cruz, CA to San Jose, CA
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