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Santa Cruz to San Francisco bus

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Santa Cruz - San Francisco Bus Schedule

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Journey Information

There is one daily bus from Santa Cruz to San Francisco. Traveling by bus from Santa Cruz to San Francisco usually takes around 3 hours and 17 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 3 hours and 14 minutes.

Distance59 mi (95 km)
Shortest duration3h 14m
Cheapest price$25.41
Most frequent serviceFlixBus US
Bus lines1

How much is a bus ticket from Santa Cruz to San Francisco?

$25.41 is the average price of a bus ticket from Santa Cruz to San Francisco. This is currently one of the best deals in bus travel. It’s easy to find a bus ticket at this price or lower when you use Wanderu to book your trip online in advance of your travel date.

Prices as travel date approaches

$68$54$41$27$143020100

Most bus companies charge higher ticket prices the closer you book to the date of travel, so it’s a good idea to buy your bus tickets as early as possible. The best way to find cheap bus tickets is to book at least 24 days in advance. By doing so, you can expect to save C$7.48 on your bus ticket compared to booking at the last minute.

What bus companies travel from Santa Cruz to San Francisco?

There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from Santa Cruz to San Francisco. FlixBus US is the only company that has bus schedules available to search and book at the moment. It only makes the trip once a day on most days.

BusDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
FlixBus US13h 17m$31.49
  • FlixBus US is the American branch of German bus company FlixBus, known for providing sustainable, affordable, and modern bus travel. The company offers cheap bus tickets to popular urban destinations throughout the United States. FlixBus US buses include many amenities, including comfortable seats, free WiFi, power outlets at every seat, and an online portal for free entertainment. On average, FlixBus US operates 1 trips per day from Santa Cruz to San Francisco, and the average ticket for this route costs only .

Frequently Asked Questions

The bus takes an average of 3 hours and 17 minutes to cover the 95 kilometers from Santa Cruz to San Francisco. However, the fastest bus only takes 3 hours and 14 minutes. It's the perfect amount of time to take a nap, get some work done, or watch a movie. Keep in mind that your actual bus may arrive earlier or later than scheduled, depending on whether there is more or less traffic than usual.

"Friday is the busiest travel day for buses as people head from Santa Cruz to San Francisco for the weekend. If you are planning to travel on a Friday, you should make sure to book tickets well in advance as they may sell out.

On the other hand, Saturday is typically the least busy day for bus travel on this route. If you’re looking for a little extra space, a Saturday ticket is the way to go."

There is usually only one bus per day from Santa Cruz to San Francisco. It leaves the station in Santa Cruz at 6:00pm each day. The time might vary for specific dates, so be sure to search on Wanderu for the most up-to-date information.

There is usually only one bus per day from Santa Cruz to San Francisco. However, it is not a direct bus, so you will have to get off your original vehicle to change buses during the trip.

Need more travel options? Consider taking the train from Santa Cruz to San Francisco; ticket prices start at $39.43.

City Information

San Francisco

San Francisco, CA - SFO-0

Image credit: Unsplash

San Francisco, CA - SFO-1

Image credit: Unsplash

San Francisco, CA - SFO-2

Image credit: Unsplash

Located in the heart of Northern California's Bay Area, San Francisco is a geographically small but culturally huge city known for its historic cable cars, active waterfront, and the eclectic mix of hippies and techies who call it home. While it might be one of the most expensive U.S. cities to live in, San Fran can actually be very cheap to visit, and there is no shortage of unique sights to see.

If the city's omnipresent fog (nicknamed "Karl the Fog" by locals) takes a break, the best views and Instagram photo ops of the world-famous Golden Gate Bridge are found in Golden Gate Park. Stroll through the oldest Chinatown in North America to find the perfect dim sum, or if you and your boo prefer a little Full House moment, try a romantic picnic at Alamo Square Park in front of the Victorian "Painted Ladies." After all, San Francisco is one of the best vacation destinations for couples.

Since the city is condensed onto a small peninsula, exploring by bike is an efficient and scenic way to get around. When you’re ready to travel beyond city limits, San Francisco is a convenient hub for trips throughout Northern California. It's actually the first stop on Wanderu's West Coast Wine Tour, with the next stop, obviously, in Napa Valley. Whether traveling by bus, train, or through either of the two nearby airports, San Francisco is a can't-miss destination.

Station Information

Where does the bus leave from in Santa Cruz?

Main departure station: Santa Cruz Bus Stop

Most buses depart from the main station in Santa Cruz.

All bus stations in Santa Cruz:

  • Santa Cruz Bus Stop

Where does the bus arrive in San Francisco?

Main arrival station: Salesforce Transit Center

All buses from Santa Cruz arrive at one main station in San Francisco.

Bus stations in San Francisco:

  • Salesforce Transit Center

Get around town with Moovit

Download Moovit to see all of your local transit options in San Francisco. Download here

Need a return trip from San Francisco to Santa Cruz?

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