✈ How to get from San Jose Airport to Santa Cruz

You can travel from San Jose Airport to Santa Cruz in three ways: taxi, private shuttle, or bus.

San Jose Airport taxis are readily available, and the journey takes around 45 minutes.

Taking a private San Jose Airport shuttle to Santa Cruz is another popular option, as you’ll get to skip the taxi queue.

If you’d rather take public transport, you can take the bus. However, sadly, there is no direct bus from San Jose Airport to Santa Cruz. Instead, you’ll need to take a combination of 3 bus services, so the journey may take 1 hour and 45 minutes.

Read on for the full breakdown!

Welcome Pickups offers meet and greet services and a friendly introduction to San Jose (CA) at the same price as a regular taxi. Click here to see the cost.

Comparison of the options

PRICE FOR 2 PASSENGERS

OPTION	PRICE	DURATION	AVAILABILITY
Taxi	€104	45min	24/7
No.60 + No.22 + No.17 Express Bus	€24	105min	07:52–18:20
Welcome Airport Transfer	€140	45min	24/7

How to get from San Jose Airport to Santa Cruz by taxi

Taking a San Jose Airport taxi to Santa Cruz is one of the quickest and easiest ways to travel. You can find a cab 24/7, and there are also different vehicle options to choose from, depending on how large your group is or how many pieces of luggage you carry. The journey shouldn’t take longer than 45 minutes in normal traffic conditions. However, during rush hour, your journey can take much longer.

San Jose Airport to Santa Cruz taxi prices

If you get a quote from different operators for a ride from San Jose to Santa Cruz, you’ll see that the total fare can differ significantly. The average price for a standard taxi for up to 4 passengers is about $110 (€104) and depends on the exact pickup and drop-off locations as well as traffic conditions.

Photos (1)

Official San Jose taxi

Cost

$110 (€104)

Trip Duration

45 Min.

The total fare might vary depending on the operator so consider pre-booking your transfer.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

Taxis are available at San Jose Airport 24/7.

Where do I get a taxi from?

You’ll find taxis available at San Jose Airport all day long for on-demand service. They’re lined up outside Terminal A at Stop 2 and Terminal B at Stop 1.

Convenience

Although you may need to queue for your taxi, it is still a great choice for traveling to Santa Cruz from San Jose Airport. In the busier holiday period, there may be a short wait for a taxi. If you want an extra level of convenience, efficiency, and comfort, consider booking a transfer in advance instead.

Editor’s Note

Great for a convenient travel solution on demand.

Useful Tips

Different rates apply among the various taxi companies, so ask the driver what the rate is before you start the ride.

Most taxis in San Jose accept card payments but it’s best to check with your driver before entering the vehicle.

Leaving your driver a 10% tip or more is customary in San Jose, CA - especially when it comes to longer routes.

How to get from San Jose Airport to Santa Cruz by bus (Indirect)

If you’re traveling on a budget, then you can reach Santa Cruz by bus. There is no direct connection from San Jose Airport to Santa Cruz so you’ll need to find the best itinerary for you. The fastest option is to switch three buses, as follows:

VTA bus line 60

from San Jose Airport Terminal A/B to El Camino & Lafayette

VTA bus line 22

from El Camino & Lafayette to Santa Clara & Montgomery

Amtrak Highway 17 Express

from San Jose Diridon Station to Santa Cruz Metro Center

Keep in mind that Amtrak Highway 17 Express operates only on weekdays, so if you’re arriving at San Jose Airport during the weekend, this is not an option.

How much does the bus ticket from San Jose Airport to Santa Cruz cost?

Since you’ll need to switch three different bus lines, three different tickets are required. A single adult fare for the VTA bus lines is $2.50 (€2.30), and for the Amtrak Highway 17 Express is $7 (€6.70); the total cost for the whole trip is $12 (€11.30) per traveler.

Photos (2)

VTA bus lines 60 and 22

Cost

$12 (€11.30)

Trip Duration

1 Hr. 45 Min.

The cost and trip duration refer to the whole trip and might vary depending on the itinerary you choose.

Convenience

Safety

Value for Money

VTA bus lines 60 and 22 are available multiple times per day from early in the morning until midnight; Amtrak Highway 17 Express is available only on weekdays from 07:52 until 18:20 every 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Where do I get the bus from?

The first bus you’ll need to catch is Line 60, which departs frequently from both Terminals A and B. The bus stop is located on Airport Blvd in front of each Terminal. Then you’ll need to disembark at El Camino & Lafayette and switch to bus line 22 until you reach the bus stop at Santa Clara & Montgomery. From there, you’ll need to continue on foot for about 3 minutes to reach San Jose Diridon Station. There, you’ll find the Amtrak Highway 17 Express.

Convenience

Getting from San Jose Airport to Santa Cruz by bus might seem appealing due to the much lower cost than taking an airport taxi. If you’re not in a hurry and traveling light, go for it. For larger groups, families, or travelers with many pieces of luggage, it can be a rather stressful and slow transportation option.

Timetables

Trip Planner

From San Jose Airport to Santa Cruz

Bus line 60

Stops & Timetable

Bus line 22

Stops & Timetable

Editor’s Note

Decent option for travelers on a tight budget.

Useful Tips

You can purchase your ticket on the bus only in cash; make sure to have the exact change ready when boarding.

There is a 50% youth, seniors, and disabled discount on VTA buses; children up to 5 years old travel free of charge.

All buses in San Jose are fully accessible to wheelchair users.

How to get from San Jose Airport to Santa Cruz by private transfer

The best way to travel from San Jose Airport to Santa Cruz is to take a private transfer. That way, you get all of the convenience of a taxi, but you can skip the taxi queue. Instead, your driver will meet you in the Arrivals Hall.

Booking your San Jose Airport transfer from an international company like Welcome Pickups ensures that you receive top-quality personalized service from beginning to end. We also include great perks for our customers, like:

Customized meet&greet service
Guaranteed on-time pickups with flight monitoring
Professionally trained English-speaking drivers
Fixed fares with online payment
24/7 customer support

Once you’ve booked your transfer, you can relax knowing that everything will be handled on your behalf, including finding the right vehicle for your group and the best driver for the job.

How much is a private transfer from San Jose Airport to Santa Cruz?

The price for a private airport shuttle from San Jose Airport to Santa Cruz starts at €140 for a sedan. The full breakdown of our rates is as follows:

Sedan (1-3 passengers) – €140
Minivan (4-6 passengers) – €167
Minibus (7-12 passengers) – €280

To get your personalized quote, all you need to do is put in your contact details, flight number, number of passengers, and desired pickup time on our online form or mobile app (App Store || Google Play). The quote we present to you is fixed and not subject to change. That means no nasty surprises on the day. You can pay using our secure online payment system, and that’s it! Your transfer is booked, and we’ll take care of the rest.

Cost

€140

Trip Duration

45 Min.

*Booking your private transfer from SJC Airport in advance is the best way to ensure a seamless experience.

Convenience

Safety

Value for money

Private transfers are available 24/7 from San Jose Mineta Airport.

Where do I get a private transfer from?

Your friendly local driver will be waiting in the Arrivals Hall for you when you land. If your flight is delayed, your driver will be monitoring your flight so they know when to meet you. After greeting you at the airport, they’ll help you with your luggage as they guide you to your pre-selected vehicle.

Convenience

There’s no greater convenience than having a professional, highly-trained driver waiting for you in the Arrivals Hall. You’ll save so much time by skipping the taxi stand. Plus, with 24/7 5-star customer support, we’re here to answer any questions or concerns so that you have the best trip possible.

Editor’s Note

Ideal for couples, families, business, and solo travelers who want a convenient, safe, reliable journey.

Useful Tips

You can download the Welcome Pickups app to keep useful information about your transfer handy or contact your driver.

We recommend setting your pickup time at least 30-60 minutes after your predicted flight arrival time to give you time to get through passport control, baggage reclaim, and customs.

Sedans can accommodate up to 3 passengers, minivans up to 6, and minibusses up to 12.

Before your transfer, you will receive an email including your driver's name, contact information, photo, and vehicle information so that you know who to expect on the day.

You will have 60 minutes of complimentary waiting time after your scheduled pickup to go through passport control and baggage claim.

You can request a baby/child seat during the booking process and your driver will provide one for you.

Welcome Pickups transfer

Book a trained, English-speaking taxi driver to pick you up at the same price as a regular cab from the line

If you feel more relaxed knowing that somebody is waiting for you, you may as well book a Welcome Pickups transfer. As soon as you arrive at the airport you will be greeted by your driver. He will be waiting for you at the terminal of your arrival with a sign that has your name on it. Your driver will help you out with your luggage and together you will make your way to the vehicle. While he is driving you to your accommodation, the driver can give you some tips and recommendations on what to do during your holidays in San jose (ca). Our drivers are hand-picked and speak fluent English. No need to worry about miscommunication issues that you may face with the local taxi drivers regarding your destination. Relax and enjoy your ride.

Best drivers

Hand-picked english-speaking drivers

Flight monitoring

Drivers are always on time

Quality support

24/7 email & phone support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Edit or cancel transfers

DAYTIME

€135.0

NIGHTTIME

€162.0

Same price as a regular taxi from the line

PRICES FOR

Sedan Car

4 pax, 4 pieces of luggage

Book Welcome Pickups transfer

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Santa Cruz from the airport?

There are three transportation options to Santa Cruz CA from San Jose Airport: taxi, private transfer, and bus. The easiest ways to travel is by taxi or shuttle, as the journey will take just 45 minutes. There isn’t a direct bus. Instead, you’ll need to combine three services to reach Santa Cruz.

Is there a bus that goes from San Jose to Santa Cruz?

The Amtrak Highway 17 Express from San Jose Diridon Station will take you directly to Santa Cruz. However, there isn’t a direct bus from SJC to Santa Cruz at present.

How far is Santa Cruz from the airport?

Santa Cruz is located approximately 53 kilometers south of San Jose Airport; getting there by car or taxi takes about 45 minutes, depending on traffic conditions.

Olivia De Santos

Olivia De Santos is a seasoned travel writer and adventurer with bylines in Lonely Planet and A Way Abroad. With over ten years of professional writing experience and a degree in Linguistics, she blends cultural insight and personal storytelling to help travelers see the world in a new light.

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The best way to arrive in San Jose (CA)

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How to get from San Jose Airport to Santa Cruz by taxi

San Jose Airport to Santa Cruz taxi prices

Photos (1)

$110 (€104)

45 Min.

Taxis are available at San Jose Airport 24/7.

Where do I get a taxi from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from San Jose Airport to Santa Cruz by bus (Indirect)

How much does the bus ticket from San Jose Airport to Santa Cruz cost?

Photos (2)

$12 (€11.30)

1 Hr. 45 Min.

VTA bus lines 60 and 22 are available multiple times per day from early in the morning until midnight; Amtrak Highway 17 Express is available only on weekdays from 07:52 until 18:20 every 1 hour and 40 minutes.

Where do I get the bus from?

Convenience

Timetables

Trip Planner

From San Jose Airport to Santa Cruz

Bus line 60

Stops & Timetable

Bus line 22

Stops & Timetable

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

How to get from San Jose Airport to Santa Cruz by private transfer

How much is a private transfer from San Jose Airport to Santa Cruz?

€140

45 Min.

Private transfers are available 24/7 from San Jose Mineta Airport.

Where do I get a private transfer from?

Convenience

Editor’s Note

Useful Tips

Welcome Pickups transfer

Best drivers

Flight monitoring

Quality support

Cancel up to 24 hours before the pickup and get an 80% refund

Prices

DAYTIME

NIGHTTIME

Sedan Car

Frequently asked questions

How do I get to Santa Cruz from the airport?

Is there a bus that goes from San Jose to Santa Cruz?

How far is Santa Cruz from the airport?

Olivia De Santos

The best way to arrive in San Jose (CA)

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