Like any large city, it has safe and less safe areas; stick to tourist-friendly zones.

It is roughly 400 miles from Santa Cruz.

There is no direct train; you must use a combination of bus and rail.

Is parking expensive?

Yes, parking in downtown Long Beach can be costly; look for validated lots.

What is the best time to leave?

Leave Santa Cruz before 6 AM to beat the worst of the Bay Area traffic.

Santa Cruz

Long Beach

Bus Driving

Santa Cruz to Long Beach

Updated: 28 May 2026

Traveling from Santa Cruz to Long Beach involves navigating south through the heart of California. The route is approximately 400 miles and takes you through the scenic Highway 17 before connecting to the major interstate arteries. Long Beach is a major port city, making the final approach through the Los Angeles basin quite industrial and busy. Whether you choose to drive or take a combination of bus and train, planning for traffic is essential. The coastal influence fades as you move deeper into the Southern California urban sprawl.

Total Distance: 640 km driving distance, 550 km straight-line air distance.

Fastest Way

Driving is the fastest, typically taking just over 6 hours outside of rush hour.

Cheapest Way

Driving is the most cost-effective method for groups, while bus travel is cheaper for solo travelers without a car.

Compare Santa Cruz to Long Beach Routes

	Bus Connecting	Driving Direct
Duration	9 hours	6 hours 15 mins
Avg Price	80-120 USD	70-90 USD
Operator	Greyhound	Personal Vehicle
Route	Bus from Santa Cruz to San Jose, then Greyhound to Los Angeles, then local transit.	CA-17 S to I-880 S, then I-5 S to I-405 S toward Long Beach.
Tip	Greyhound stations are often located near major transit hubs; check your arrival terminal.	Use the HOV lanes on I-405 if you have two or more passengers.

Travel Tips

Traffic Apps
Use Waze or Google Maps to navigate around accidents on the I-405.
Parking
Look for public parking garages near the waterfront to avoid expensive hotel rates.
Public Transit
The Long Beach Transit bus system is efficient for getting around the downtown area.
Weather
Long Beach can be foggy in the mornings; keep your headlights on during your drive.
Booking
Book your bus tickets at least two weeks in advance for the best rates.

Safety Tips

Urban Awareness
Stay alert in downtown areas, especially when walking at night.
Highway Safety
The I-405 is known for aggressive driving; maintain a safe following distance.
Emergency Contacts
Save the number for local roadside assistance in your phone.
Vehicle Security
Never leave bags or electronics visible in your car when parked in public areas.