Santa Cruz does not have its own commercial airport. The nearest options are San José Mineta International Airport (SJC), about 40 minutes by car via Highway 17, and San Francisco International Airport (SFO), about 90 minutes. Highway 17 over the Santa Cruz Mountains is a notoriously difficult road — twisty, steep, and prone to accidents in wet weather — but it is the main connection to the Bay Area.
By bus, Highway 17 Express buses run between the San José Transit Center and downtown Santa Cruz, timed to connect with BART at the Transit Center. The journey takes about an hour. This is the practical public transit option for visitors arriving by air.
Amtrak does not serve Santa Cruz directly, but the Coast Starlight and Capitols reach San José, from which the bus connection applies. There are also direct bus services from San Francisco (Greyhound, various operators) that use Highway 1 along the coast, a scenic but slow route taking 2.5 to 3 hours.
Within Santa Cruz, the Santa Cruz Metropolitan Transit District (SCMTD) runs buses throughout the city and to nearby areas. Bicycles are the most practical way to explore the West Cliff Drive area and the downtown.