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How to get fromSan Diego to Santa Cruz Islandby train, ferry, bus, or plane

Find Transport to Santa Cruz Island

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There are 5 ways to get from San Diego to Santa Cruz Island by train, ferry, bus, or plane

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Train, ferry

    best
    1. Take the train from San Diego to Oxnardtrain train Pacific Surfliner
    2. Take the ferry from Ventura Harbor to Santa Cruz Islandferry ferry
    7h 33m
    $137–232

  2. Bus, train, ferry

    cheapest
    1. Take the bus from San Diego to Los Angeles Downtownbus bus
    2. Take the train from L.A. Union Station to Ventura - Easttrain train
    3. Take the ferry from Ventura Harbor to Santa Cruz Islandferry ferry
    10h 2m
    $93–133

  3. Bus, ferry

    1. Take the bus from San Diego to LAX Terminal 3 Shared Rides Stopbus bus
    2. Take the bus from Los Angeles Airport, CA to Ventura, CAbus bus
    3. Take the ferry from Ventura Harbor to Santa Cruz Islandferry ferry
    8h 18m
    $166–244

  4. Fly to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport, bus, ferry

    1. Fly from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA)plane plane SAN - SBA
    2. Take the bus from Santa Barbara Airport to Ventura, CAbus bus
    3. Take the ferry from Ventura Harbor to Santa Cruz Islandferry ferry
    4h 56m
    $258–351

  5. Fly to Los Angeles International Airport, bus, ferry

    1. Fly from San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)plane plane SAN - LAX
    2. Take the bus from Los Angeles Airport, CA to Ventura, CAbus bus
    3. Take the ferry from Ventura Harbor to Santa Cruz Islandferry ferry
    5h 32m
    $271–770

San Diego International Airport (SAN) to Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) flights

Calendar21Weekly Planes
Duration1h 5mAverage Duration
Ticket$32Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from San Diego to Santa Cruz Island.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 223.3 mi
  • Duration: 7h 33m

What companies run services between San Diego, CA, USA and Santa Cruz Island, CA, USA?

There is no direct connection from San Diego to Santa Cruz Island. However, you can take the train to Oxnard, take the taxi to Ventura Harbor, then take the ferry to Santa Cruz Island. Alternatively, you can take a vehicle from Civic Center Station to Santa Cruz Island via Old Town Station, San Diego, LAX Terminal 3 Shared Rides Stop, Los Angeles Airport, CA, Ventura, CA, and Ventura Harbor in around 8h 18m.

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