Getting around Santa Cruz, CA
Planning to travel in Santa Cruz? Whether you’re a visitor or a resident, let this guide help you make the most of your Santa Cruz experience. Travel from the airport to a hotel using Uber and discover popular routes and destinations.
Ways to get around Santa Cruz
Walking
Santa Cruz provides a generally walkable environment, particularly in its downtown area and along the scenic coastline. Sidewalks and pedestrian crossings are well-maintained in many parts of the city, making it easy to explore on foot. The mild coastal climate is comfortable for walking year-round, though some areas may involve hilly terrain that could be challenging for longer walks. While walking is a convenient option for accessing shops, restaurants, and beaches in central areas, distances to more outlying attractions may require additional transportation.
Biking
Biking in Santa Cruz is made easy with a network of bike lanes and paths that make many areas accessible by bicycle. The city’s compact layout and relatively mild terrain are conducive to biking, though some hilly areas may require extra effort. The weather is generally favorable for cycling, with conditions that support year-round riding. Additionally, electric bike options are available through the Uber app, providing an easy way to explore the city. Biking can be an efficient and enjoyable way to navigate Santa Cruz, especially for shorter distances or trips along designated bike routes.
Car
Traveling by car in Santa Cruz can be a practical way to get around, as many destinations are accessible by road. However, traffic congestion, especially during peak hours or tourist seasons, can slow travel times. Parking can also be challenging in popular areas, particularly downtown and near the beach. The city’s infrastructure supports car travel, but drivers should be prepared for occasional delays. Weather conditions are generally mild, making driving manageable year-round.
Public Transit
Public transit in Santa Cruz is available through a local bus system operated by the transit district, which provides routes throughout the county. The buses connect key areas, including downtown Santa Cruz, Soquel, and Scotts Valley, with additional service to San Jose via the Highway 17 Express. Public transit can be a practical option for getting around, especially for those traveling between major hubs. However, the ease of use may depend on the distance to your destination and the availability of nearby bus stops. The region’s infrastructure supports public transit, but individual travel needs may influence its convenience.
Popular destinations in Santa Cruz
Uber makes Santa Cruz travel easy. While riders can use Uber to request a ride to pretty much anywhere, some destinations are more popular than others. Uber riders getting around Santa Cruz request rides to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk more than any other spot.Here, you can explore popular routes requested by riders near you—with dropoff locations and average route prices.
Popular destinations in Santa Cruz
Uber makes Santa Cruz travel easy. While riders can use Uber to request a ride to pretty much anywhere, some destinations are more popular than others. Uber riders getting around Santa Cruz request rides to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk more than any other spot.Here, you can explore popular routes requested by riders near you—with dropoff locations and average route prices.
Popular destinations in Santa Cruz
Uber makes Santa Cruz travel easy. While riders can use Uber to request a ride to pretty much anywhere, some destinations are more popular than others. Uber riders getting around Santa Cruz request rides to Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk more than any other spot.Here, you can explore popular routes requested by riders near you—with dropoff locations and average route prices.
Reserve a ride in Santa Cruz with Uber
Arrange your car service needs in advance with Uber in Santa Cruz. Request a ride anytime up to 90 days ahead, whether you need transportation to San Francisco International Airport, you have plans to visit your favorite restaurant, or you’re going somewhere else.
Rideshare and other services in Santa Cruz, California
Getting around Santa Cruz without a car is easy with Uber. Find places to visit in the area, then request a ride on any day and at any time of the week. You can request a ride in real-time or request a ride in advance so your ride is ready when you are. Whether you’re traveling in a group or alone, you can use the app to find a ride option for your needs.
Open the Uber app and enter your destination to begin exploring Santa Cruz.
Santa Cruz-area airport car service
When your travel in Santa Cruz takes you to an airport from a neighborhood, or elsewhere, open the app and request a ride at any time of day. Tap below on the name of a nearby airport to learn how to use Uber to get car service to arrivals and departures. On the linked airport page, you’ll find out where to meet your driver for pickup, how much the trip will cost, and more.
Choose the best ways to get around Santa Cruz
Taxi in Santa Cruz
Consider Uber as an alternative to taxis when getting around Santa Cruz. With Uber, you can trade flagging down cabs for requesting rides on demand, no matter the time of day. Request a ride from an airport to a hotel, head to a restaurant, or visit another place. The choice is yours. Open the app and enter a destination to get started.
Electric scooters in Santa Cruz
Renting a scooter is a fun, affordable way to get around the city. With electric power, you'll get to where you need to go with ease.
Santa Cruz taxis and other ride options
Frequently asked questions
- Is Uber available in Santa Cruz?
Yes. The Uber app gives you the power to request a ride to get around Santa Cruz anytime, 24/7.
- What’s the most affordable way to travel in Santa Cruz?
With Uber, you can choose the ride option that works best for your budget when you travel in Santa Cruz. To get an estimated cost, sign in online or open the app and input your destination in the “Where to?” box. The price estimate for each ride option will appear. Scroll to explore what’s currently available.
- Can I get around Santa Cruz without a car?
Yes. Sign in online or open your Uber app to request a ride in Santa Cruz, and let your driver take you where you want to go. (You might see other Santa Cruz transportation options available in your app, too.)
- Can I rent a car in Santa Cruz?
Sign in to your Uber account on Uber.com or open your Uber app to find out if car rentals are available in your city. If so, choose Rent and complete your reservation with a rental provider on Uber.com or using the Uber app. Then travel in Santa Cruz or wherever the road takes you.
- How does Uber in Santa Cruz help keep riders safe?
Your safety when traveling in Santa Cruz is a top priority. In a few taps, you can access in-app features like the emergency assistance button to call authorities if you need help.
- Is Uber Eats available in Santa Cruz?
Yes. Uber Eats offers pickup or food delivery in Santa Cruz from your favorite restaurants. Browse lots of food delivery options, place your order, and track it by the minute.
Uber does not tolerate the use of alcohol or drugs by drivers using the Uber app. If you believe your driver may be under the influence of drugs or alcohol, please have the driver end the trip immediately.
Commercial vehicles may be subject to additional state government taxes, which would be over and above the toll.
After the driver has ended the trip, please report any feedback when rating your trip in the Uber app, visiting help.uber.com, or calling 800-664-1378.
You may also contact the California Public Utilities Commission at 800-894-9444 or CIU_intake@cpuc.ca.gov.
In California, due to CPUC requirements, you cannot transport an unaccompanied minor on trips arranged through the Uber app. Keep in mind that in California, a rider must be over 18 to sign up for an Uber account, but if you believe a rider might be underage, you can ask them to confirm their age and let them know that you’ll have to cancel the trip if they are indeed under 18. In addition, you can report requests to transport unaccompanied minors by submitting in-app feedback.
All trips to or from SFO are subject to a $5.50 SFO airport surcharge that applies per vehicle, regardless of the number of riders or type of ride as well as any applicable tolls. All trips to or from OAK are subject to a $3.70 OAK airport surcharge that applies per vehicle, regardless of the number of riders or type of ride as well as any applicable tolls. All trips to or from SJC are subject to a $3 airport surcharge and any applicable tolls. All trips to or from MRY are subject to a $3 airport surcharge and any applicable tolls. UberX, Comfort and Assist trips to or from SMF are subject to a $2.5 surcharge and any applicable tolls. UberXL and Uber Black SUV trips to or from SMF are subject to a $3.00 surcharge and any applicable tolls.
*Sample rider prices are average UberX prices only and do not reflect variations due to geography, traffic delays, promotions, or other factors. Flat rates and minimum fees may apply. Actual prices for rides and scheduled rides may vary.
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About
Explore Santa Cruz
Cities near me
SJC airport
Popular routes
Select your preferred language
Select your preferred language
About
Explore Santa Cruz
Cities near me
SJC airport
Popular routes