Rome2Rio

How to get fromSan Rafael to Santa Cruzby bus, train, car, subway, or bus (Flixbus, Amtrak)

Find Transport to Santa Cruz

See all options

There are 4 ways to get from San Rafael to Santa Cruz by bus, train, car, subway, or bus (Flixbus, Amtrak)

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

  1. Line 101 bus, Caltrain, bus

    best
    1. Take the bus from San Rafael Transit Center-Platform A to Mission St & 4th Stbus bus 101
    2. Take the train from San Francisco Caltrain Southbound to San Jose Diridon Caltrain Southboundtrain train
    3. Take the bus from Diridon Station to Soquel Ave & Frontbus bus 17
    3h 30m
    $27–38

  2. Drive 89.8 mi

    cheapest
    1. Drive from San Rafael to Santa Cruzcar car 89.8 mi
    1h 47m
    $17–24

  3. Line 101 bus, BART, bus

    1. Take the bus from San Rafael Transit Center-Platform A to Mission St & 2nd Stbus bus 101
    2. Take the subway from Montgomery Street to Berryessa / North San Josesubway subway
    3. Take the bus from Diridon Station to Soquel Ave & Frontbus bus 17
    3h 42m
    $26–41

  4. Line 101 bus, bus

    1. Take the bus from San Rafael Transit Center-Platform A to Mission St & 4th Stbus bus 101
    2. Take the bus from San Francisco to San Jose Diridon Stationbus bus
    3. Take the bus from Diridon Station to Soquel Ave & Frontbus bus 17
    3h 57m
    $25–39

San Rafael to Santa Cruz by bus and train

Calendar297Weekly Services
Duration3h 30mAverage Duration
Ticket$27Cheapest Price
See schedules

Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from San Rafael to Santa Cruz.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 97 mi
  • Duration: 3h 30m

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

You can take a bus from San Rafael Transit Center-Platform A to Soquel Ave & Front via Mission St & 4th St, 4th St & Market St, 5th St & Brannan St, San Francisco, San Jose Diridon Station, and Diridon Station in around 3h 57m.

Train operators
Bus operators

Want to know more about travelling around United States

Rome2Rio's Travel Guide series provide vital information for the global traveller. Filled with useful and timely travel information, the guides answer all the hard questions - such as 'How do I buy a ticket?', 'Should I book online before I travel? ', 'How much should I expect to pay?', 'Do the trains and buses have Wifi?' - to help you get the most out of your next trip.

Related travel guides