Closest Airport to Santa Cruz (nearest airport to santa cruz)

Santa Cruz is a seaside city in the United States’ Santa Cruz County. The city is roughly 75 miles south of San Francisco, on the northern edge of Monterey Bay. It is well-known for its stunning beaches, mild climate, and relaxed vibe, closest airport to Santa Cruz. The city is home to the University of California, which is noted for its innovative and unconventional educational style.

Additionally, Santa Cruz is particularly well-known for its boardwalk, which is home to a classic wooden roller coaster, arcade games, and other amusement park attractions. The city is bordered by redwood woods, providing enough chances for recreational outdoor activities.

The visitors are often perplexed between which airport to choose when it comes to visiting the vibrant city of California. Hence, it is important to get knowledgeable information about the airport closest to Santa Cruz, in order to access the city’s attractions, instantly.

Closest Major Airport to Santa Cruz California

Major Airports	Distance
San José Mineta International Airport (SJC)	32 Miles
Monterey Regional Airport (MRY)	43 Miles
San Francisco International Airport (SFO)	61 Miles

San José Mineta International Airport (SJC)

San José Mineta International Airport (SJC) is an airport located in San Jose, California, United States. The airport serves the city of San Jose and the surrounding areas in Silicon Valley and is the airport closest to Santa Cruz CA.

SJC is a relatively small airport compared to other major airports in California, but it has undergone significant renovations and expansion in recent years. The airport has two terminals, with Terminal A serving airlines such as Southwest, Delta, and Terminal B serving airlines such as Alaska, United, and JetBlue.

SJC provides a variety of services and amenities for travellers, such as a selection of restaurants and shopping options, free Wi-Fi, and many airline passenger lounges. Rental cars, taxis, ride-sharing services, and public transit through the VTA (Valley transit Authority) are also available at the airport.

Overall, SJC serves as a handy and efficient gateway to Silicon Valley and the surrounding areas, with quick access to San Francisco and other important Northern California cities.

Monterey Regional Airport (MRY)

The Regional Airport (MRY) is situated in Monterey, California, USA. The airport serves the Monterey Peninsula and nearby communities such as Pacific Grove, Carmel, and Pebble Beach. Monetary Regional is the second closest airport to Santa Cruz CA.

MRY is a commercial airport with a single terminal building and two runways that primarily service Alaska Airlines and United Airlines. It provides travellers with a variety of services and amenities, including multiple restaurants and retail options, free Wi-Fi, and a VIP lounge. In addition, the airport offers handy transit choices like rental vehicles, taxis, and ride-sharing services.

The Monterey Regional Airport is close to popular tourist attractions such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium, Cannery Row, and the Pebble Beach Golf Course. The airport serves as a handy entrance to the Monterey Peninsula and neighbouring areas, with direct flights to Santa Cruz, San Francisco, and other important Northern California destinations.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO)

San Francisco International Airport (SFO) is the third closest airport to Santa Cruz California, an international airport located in the United States. It is one of the largest and busiest airports in the United States, serving as a major hub for several airlines, including United Airlines and Alaska Airlines.

SFO has four terminals with a total of over 100 gates and offers a wide range of services and amenities for travellers. These include numerous dining and shopping options, free Wi-Fi, lounges for airline passengers, and a yoga room. SFO is also known for its art exhibits and installations throughout the terminals.

The airport offers a variety of transportation options for travellers, including rental cars, taxis, ride-sharing services, and public transportation through the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) system. SFO is also conveniently located near major highways and thoroughfares, making it easy to access from anywhere in the San Francisco Bay Area.

SFO is located just 13 miles south of downtown San Francisco and is a popular gateway to the city’s many attractions, including the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, and Fisherman’s Wharf. The airport also provides easy access to Silicon Valley, Napa Valley, and other popular destinations in Northern California.

International Closest Airport to Santa Cruz California

International Airports	Distance
Oakland International Airport (OAK / KOAK)	65 Miles
Sacramento International Airport (SMF / KSMF)	151 Miles

Oakland International Airport (OAK)

Oakland International Airport (OAK) is an international airport located in Oakland, California, United States. It serves the San Francisco Bay Area, including the cities of Oakland, San Francisco, and San Jose.

The airport provides convenient transportation options for travellers, including rental cars, taxis, ride-sharing services, and public transportation through the BART (Bay Area Rapid Transit) system. OAK is also located near major highways and thoroughfares, making it easily accessible from anywhere in the San Francisco Bay Area.

OAK serves several airlines, including Southwest Airlines, Delta Airlines, and Alaska Airlines, and offers nonstop flights to destinations throughout the United States, Mexico, and Europe.

Oakland International Airport is located just 10 miles south of downtown Oakland and provides easy access to popular tourist destinations such as Lake Merritt and Jack London Square. The airport also offers easy access to the East Bay region, including Berkeley, Emeryville, and Walnut Creek.

Sacramento International Airport (SMF)

Sacramento International Airport (SMF) is an international airport located in Sacramento, California, United States. The airport serves the greater Sacramento area and is the gateway to California’s capital city.

The airport provides convenient transportation options for travellers, including rental cars, taxis, ride-sharing services, and public transportation through the Sacramento Regional Transit District (RT). SMF is also conveniently located near major highways and thoroughfares, making it easy to access from anywhere in the Sacramento region.

SMF serves several airlines, including Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines, and United Airlines, and offers nonstop flights to destinations throughout the United States, Mexico, and Canada.

Sacramento International Airport is located just 10 miles northwest of downtown Sacramento and provides easy access to the city’s many attractions, including the California State Capitol, Old Sacramento, and the Crocker Art Museum. The airport also offers easy access to the Sierra Nevada Mountains and Lake Tahoe region, a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts.

Is there an airport shuttle bus from San Jose to Santa Cruz?

Yes, there are several shuttle services that provide transportation between San Jose and Santa Cruz. Some of the shuttle companies that operate in this area include Santa Cruz Airport Flyer, California Shuttle Bus, and Monterey Airbus. These services typically offer door-to-door transportation between the San Jose Airport and Santa Cruz, as well as other locations in the surrounding areas. It’s always a good idea to check the specific shuttle company’s schedule and pricing before making a reservation, as these can vary depending on the time of day and day of the week.

What is the best way to get to Santa Cruz from the closest airports?

The closest airports to Santa Cruz are San Jose International Airport (SJC) and Monterey Regional Airport (MRY). The best way to get to Santa Cruz from these airports will depend on your specific needs and preferences. Here are some options to consider:

Car rental: Both San Jose and Monterey airports have several car rental agencies on-site, making it easy to rent a car and drive to Santa Cruz. This option provides flexibility and convenience, especially if you plan on exploring the surrounding areas during your trip.
Shuttle service: As mentioned earlier, there are several shuttle companies that offer transportation between San Jose or Monterey airport and Santa Cruz. This option can be more affordable than renting a car and can also save you the hassle of driving and parking.
Taxi or rideshare: Taxis and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft are available at both airports and can provide a quick and convenient way to get to Santa Cruz. However, this option can be more expensive than shuttle service or car rental.
Public transportation: Santa Cruz Metro operates several bus routes that connect the airport to Santa Cruz and other nearby cities. However, taking public transportation may require multiple transfers and can be less convenient if you have a lot of luggage.

Ultimately, the best way to get to Santa Cruz from the closest airports will depend on your budget, schedule, and travel preferences.

Nearby Attractions from the Airport Closest to Santa Cruz

If you’re looking for nearby attractions close to Santa Cruz, These are just a few of the many attractions in the area surrounding Santa Cruz:

Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk: Located just 30 minutes south of the Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk is a classic seaside amusement park with thrilling rides, games, and attractions.
Mystery Spot: Also located just 30 minutes south of SJC, the Mystery Spot is a gravitational anomaly where objects appear to defy the laws of physics.
Roaring Camp Railroads: Just 40 minutes southeast of SJC, Roaring Camp Railroads offers scenic train rides through the redwood forest of the Santa Cruz Mountains.
Monterey Bay Aquarium: About an hour south of SJC, the Monterey Bay Aquarium is one of the world’s most renowned aquariums, featuring over 35,000 creatures and a variety of exhibits and interactive experiences.
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park: Located just 30 minutes northwest of the Monterey Regional Airport (MRY), Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park is a beautiful park with hiking trails and giant redwood trees.
Big Basin Redwoods State Park: Just over an hour northwest of MRY, Big Basin Redwoods State Park is California’s oldest state park and features stunning redwood forests, waterfalls, and hiking trails.
Pinnacles National Park: Located about 2 hours east of SJC, Pinnacles National Park is a unique landscape of towering rock spires, caves, and hiking trails.

Conclusion

The two closest airport to UC Santa Cruz are Santa Cruz San Jose International Airport (SJC) and Monterey Regional Airport (MRY). Nevertheless, there are other airports as well which can get you easy access to Santa Cruz city. So, whenever you are heading to the city of Santa Cruz, make sure to get yourself the best and the cheapest means of transport, to save your money for more adventure and fun with your family, friends, and loved ones.