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Cheap bus tickets from San Francisco to Santa Cruz

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San Francisco to Santa Cruz Bus Schedule

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Bus from San Francisco to Santa Cruz: Journey Information

There is one daily bus from San Francisco to Santa Cruz. Traveling by bus from San Francisco to Santa Cruz usually takes around 3 hours and 38 minutes, but the fastest FlixBus US bus can make the trip in 3 hours and 30 minutes.

Distance59 mi (95 km)
Shortest duration3h 30m
Cheapest price$19.69
Most frequent serviceFlixBus US
Bus lines1

What bus companies travel from San Francisco to Santa Cruz?

There is one intercity bus company available to search and book on Wanderu that operates from San Francisco to Santa Cruz. 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 38m$19.94
  • 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 San Francisco to Santa Cruz, and the average ticket for this route costs only .

Frequently asked questions about traveling by bus from San Francisco to Santa Cruz

The bus takes an average of 3 hours and 38 minutes to cover the 59 miles from San Francisco to Santa Cruz. However, the fastest bus only takes 3 hours and 30 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.

Travel trends tend to vary greatly for bus trips from San Francisco to Santa Cruz.

There is usually only one bus per day from San Francisco to Santa Cruz. It leaves the station in San Francisco at 1:00pm 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 San Francisco to Santa Cruz. 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 San Francisco to Santa Cruz; ticket prices start at $33.00.

City Information

San Francisco

San Francisco, CA - SFO-0

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San Francisco, CA - SFO-1

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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 San Francisco?

Main departure station: Salesforce Transit Center

Most buses depart from the main station in San Francisco.

All bus stations in San Francisco:

  • Salesforce Transit Center

Where does the bus arrive in Santa Cruz?

Main arrival station: Santa Cruz, California

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

All bus stations in Santa Cruz:

  • Santa Cruz, California

Get around town with Moovit

Find the best way to get to and from any station in Santa Cruz by public transit, courtesy of Moovit. Search now

Need a return trip from Santa Cruz to San Francisco?

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