- Must visit
The Tech Interactive
Interactive science center with hands-on exhibits, an IMAX dome theater, and family-friendly displays in the heart of downtown.
No buses found
We are not able to find a bus between these two places.
The cheapest and fastest busesfrom Santa Cruz, CA to San Jose, CAShowing times and prices for Jul 15
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Santa Cruz, CA to San Jose, CA bus with Santa Cruz Metro
Travel Information
Compare bus for Santa Cruz, CA to San Jose, CA
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Santa Cruz, CA to San Jose, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $14. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 1h 0m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $14, and a bus costs an average of $14.
Distance: 26 miles (42 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Driving |
|---|---|
$15 Average price Cheapest | $7 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 30m Average total duration Fastest 1h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 37m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Santa Cruz, CA to San Jose, CA is a bus with an average price of $15 (€12).
The fastest way to travel from Santa Cruz, CA to San Jose, CA is by bus with an average journey time of 1h 0m.
Yes, you can take a bus between Santa Cruz, CA and San Jose, CA.
Take the bus. On this route, it's both cheaper and quicker than driving.
You'll arrive about -1h -23m sooner (1h 0m by bus vs 37m by car) and save roughly $-8.00 (€-6.57) compared to fuel and tolls ($15 (€12) vs $7 (€5)). 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 Santa Cruz Metro.
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 Jose, CA Bus Timetables
| Operator | Departure Time | Arrival Time | Duration | Departure days | Cheapest price |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 12:00AM | Arrival Time 02:02AM | Duration 2h02 | Departure days Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat | Cheapest price $15 |
Operator Amtrak | Departure Time 01:00AM | Arrival Time 03:02AM | Duration 2h02 | Departure days Tue, Wed | Cheapest price $15 |
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, Thursday, July 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated bus journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 12:00 AM Santa Cruz, CA | 2h02 | 2:02 AM San Jose, 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 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Bus from Santa Cruz, CA to San Jose, CA
USAUSA
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 $14 (€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 2h 2m.
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 26 miles (42 km) |
Average bus duration 1h 0m |
Cheapest ticket price $14 (€12) |
Buses per day 7 |
Fastest bus 2h 2m |
First bus 4:55 AM |
Last bus 9:51 PM |
Cheapest Month Apr |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 San Jose, CAYou can travel by bus between Santa Cruz, CA to San Jose, CA with Santa Cruz Metro for as low as $14 (€12). When you search for schedules and tickets, Omio will show you the best journey
Santa Cruz Metro
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
44m
Cheapest Price
$7 (€6)
Santa Cruz Metro frequency
25 a day
Complete guide to San Jose
Things to do in San Jose
Discover the best of San Jose — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Jose trip today.
- Must visit
San Jose Museum of Art
Large art museum known for modern and contemporary works, strong West Coast focus, and thoughtful rotating exhibitions.
- Must visit
Computer History Museum
A vast collection of restored computer history, from early machines to supercomputers, popular with tech enthusiasts.
- Must visit
Plaza de César Chávez
Signature downtown plaza for festivals, concerts, and civic life, surrounded by museums, hotels, and historic buildings.
- Must visit
Japantown
A vibrant historic district with Japanese shops, temples, murals, and a strong sense of local community and heritage.
- Must visit
SoFA District
Lively arts district centered on galleries, murals, and monthly South First Fridays, ideal for an evening walk downtown.
Pho
A Vietnamese noodle soup with beef or chicken in a fragrant broth. San Jose's large Vietnamese community makes it a defining local comfort food.
Banh Mi
A Vietnamese sandwich on a crisp baguette, often filled with grilled pork, pickled vegetables, herbs, and pate. A staple tied to San Jose's Little Saigon.
- Vegetarian
- Vegan
- Gluten-free
Dosa
A South Indian rice and lentil crepe served with chutney and sambar. It is a local favorite thanks to San Jose's strong South Asian community.
Le Papillon
Refined fine dining destination offering modern French cuisine, polished service, and an elegant special-occasion atmosphere.
Henry's Hi-Life
Beloved San Jose institution serving smoked meats, ribs, and classic sides in a casual, old-school barbecue setting.
Pupuseria Los Dubon
Casual neighborhood favorite for handcrafted pupusas and Salvadoran comfort food with a warm, family-run feel.
US Dollar ($)
San Jose is pricier than many US cities. Hotels, dining, and parking add up fast, though public transit and casual food can help control daily costs.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $12-18 for fast food or casual takeout.
- Mid-range
- $25-45 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- $80+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- $4-6 for a coffee drink.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 at cafes for good service. Tax is usually added separately.
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.
Cheap bus tickets from Santa Cruz, CA to San Jose, CA can start from as little as $14 (€12) when you book in advance. The average bus ticket price for Santa Cruz, CA to San Jose, CA is $15 (€12) ; 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 Jose, CA is 2h 2m to travel the 26 miles (42 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 Jose, CA leaves at 4:55 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner from Omio.
The latest bus from Santa Cruz, CA to San Jose, CA leaves at 9:51 PM.
There are 7 buses a day from Santa Cruz, CA to San Jose, 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 San Jose, CA, you can count on Santa Cruz Metro for the best way to get you to San Jose, CA. You can also check all possible bus companies who offer a service between Santa Cruz, CA and San Jose, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a bus ticket.
A trip to San Jose, CA from Santa Cruz, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 2h 2m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
The cheapest month for a bus from Santa Cruz, CA to San Jose, CA is April.
Yes, you can take a bus between Santa Cruz, CA and San Jose, CA.
No, the bus from Santa Cruz, CA to San Jose, CA has no accessibility options.
No, there are no bathrooms on board the bus from Santa Cruz, CA to San Jose, CA.
Some of the most interesting sights to explore in San Jose, CA are:
- 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.
The best things to do in San Jose, CA include:
- 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.
No, bikes are not allowed on board the bus from Santa Cruz, CA to San Jose, 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 Jose, CA.
No, luggage for the bus from Santa Cruz, CA to San Jose, CA needs to be booked in addition.
No, there are no additional luggage options for the bus from Santa Cruz, CA to San Jose, CA.
Unfortunately, pets are not allowed on the bus from Santa Cruz, CA to San Jose, CA.
No, there are no USB plugs on board the bus from Santa Cruz, CA to San Jose, CA.
No, there is no WiFi on board the bus from Santa Cruz, CA to San Jose, CA.
Since neither Santa Cruz, CA nor San Jose, 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 San Jose, CA, travelers should be aware of pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins, especially in crowded areas and parking lots. Common scams include fake charity requests and overcharging by unauthorized taxi or ride-share drivers. Staying alert in busy districts and using official transportation services helps 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 Jose, CA
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Most popular buses to and from San Jose, CA and Santa Cruz, CA
Most popular bus connections to San Jose, CA
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