The crowning jewel of California’s Central Coast, Santa Cruz County is Silicon Valley’s playground, where redwood forests meet sunny beaches along 29 miles of coastline. Whether you plan to travel to the Santa Cruz region by bus or by car, here is what you need to know:
Distance to Santa Cruz from:
Levi’s Stadium: 35 miles/56 km
Downtown San Jose: 32 miles/51 km
San Jose Mineta International Airport: 33 miles/53 km
Oakland International Airport: 65 miles/105 km
San Francisco International Airport: 66 miles/106 km
Los Angeles International Airport: 348 miles/560 km
Yosemite National Park: 186 miles/299 km
Lake Tahoe: 263 miles/423 km
By Car:
The most direct way to travel to Santa Cruz from Silicon Valley is by car via Highway 17. This route will take you through the Santa Cruz Mountains into town.
If traveling northbound from southern California, take U.S. Route 101 or Interstate 5 and then travel westbound to California’s State Route 1.
Local Highways
Highway 1
Highway 9
Highway 17
Highway 129
Highway 152
By Bus:
Local bus service to and from Santa Cruz from San Jose’s Diridon Station, 65 Cahill Street is provided by the Highway 17 Express, seven days a week. Click here for schedule times.
By Private Shuttle:
Early Bird Airport Shuttle
Phone: +1.831.462.3933
From Santa Cruz to Levi’s Stadium:
With major crowds, traffic, street closures, and parking demand expected around Levi’s Stadium during FIFA World Cup matches, taking transit is a convenient and stress-free way to travel.
Riders can take METRO’s Highway 17 Express from Santa Cruz County to San Jose Diridon Station, then connect to rail service to Great America Station, located a short walk from Levi’s Stadium.
Key Trip Details:
- Take the Highway 17 Express to San Jose Diridon Station
- Connect to rail service to Great America Station
- Walk from Great America Station to Levi’s Stadium
- Highway 17 Express buses include Wi-Fi
- Travel time from Santa Cruz County to San Jose Diridon is approximately 1 hour to 1 hour and 20 minutes, depending on traffic and road conditions
- $7.00 exact cash or download Metro Splash Pass.
Where To Board The Highway 17 Express
- The Highway 17 Express serves key Santa Cruz County locations with direct service to San Jose Diridon Station.
Boarding locations:- River Front Transit Center Area on Front Street in downtown Santa Cruz
- Cavallaro Transit Center in Scotts Valley
Special late-night northbound service from Santa Cruz for FIFA matches will depart from River Front Transit Center at 11:30 PM and will not serve Scotts Valley.
- Drops directly at San Jose Diridon Station
- Amtrak is $5.00 to Levi’s Stadium and is purchasable at the Amtrak kiosk, Amtrak App or Amtrak.com website.
- A 14-minute ride to Great America Station which is a 6-minute walk to Levi’s Stadium.
- Includes a cafe and restroom on board the train.
Special Late-Night FIFA World Cup Service:
- METRO is adding special late-night Highway 17 Express service for select evening FIFA World Cup matches at Levi’s Stadium to help riders return to Santa Cruz County after the games.
Special Service Dates:- Tuesday, June 16, 2026 – Added return trip from San Jose Diridon Station at 12:30 A.M. and 1:50 A.M.
- Friday, June 19, 2026 – Added return trip from San Jose Diridon Station at 12:30 A.M.
- Monday, June 22, 2026 – Added return trip from San Jose Diridon Station at 12:30 A.M.
More information:
Electric Vehicle Charging Stations Across the U.S. and Canada
California Department of Transportation Road and Highway Conditions or 1.800.427.ROAD
City of Santa Cruz parking lot facilities and bicycle parking information
