$21 Cheap Flights to Santa Cruz , CA

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How much is the cheapest flight to Santa Cruz?

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $21 for one-way flights and $41 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Spirit Airlines
Wed, May 29 - Wed, Jun 5
CMH
John Glenn Columbus Intl.
SJC
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.
$166 Roundtrip, found 14 hours ago
$166
Roundtrip
found 14 hours ago
Select Spirit Airlines flight, departing Wed, May 29 from John Glenn Columbus Intl. to Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl., returning Wed, Jun 5, priced at $166 found 14 hours ago
Spirit Airlines
Sat, May 18 - Tue, May 28
CMH
John Glenn Columbus Intl.
SJC
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.
$176 Roundtrip, found 2 days ago
$176
Roundtrip
found 2 days ago
Select Spirit Airlines flight, departing Sat, May 18 from John Glenn Columbus Intl. to Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl., returning Tue, May 28, priced at $176 found 2 days ago
Spirit Airlines
Wed, Jun 5 - Sat, Jun 8
CMH
John Glenn Columbus Intl.
SJC
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.
$181 Roundtrip, found 4 hours ago
$181
Roundtrip
found 4 hours ago
Select Spirit Airlines flight, departing Wed, Jun 5 from John Glenn Columbus Intl. to Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl., returning Sat, Jun 8, priced at $181 found 4 hours ago
Spirit Airlines
Wed, Jun 5 - Wed, Jun 12
CMH
John Glenn Columbus Intl.
SJC
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.
$183 Roundtrip, found 3 days ago
$183
Roundtrip
found 3 days ago
Select Spirit Airlines flight, departing Wed, Jun 5 from John Glenn Columbus Intl. to Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl., returning Wed, Jun 12, priced at $183 found 3 days ago
Spirit Airlines
Wed, May 29 - Wed, Jun 5
CMH
John Glenn Columbus Intl.
SJC
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.
$191 Roundtrip, found 14 hours ago
$191
Roundtrip
found 14 hours ago
Select Spirit Airlines flight, departing Wed, May 29 from John Glenn Columbus Intl. to Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl., returning Wed, Jun 5, priced at $191 found 14 hours ago

Santa Cruz Flights

Got the urge to vacation at the seaside? Book flights to Santa Cruz, California to satisfy your cravings for the sea and sand. The nearest flight terminal is Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC), which is located roughly 30 miles north of Santa Cruz.

Serving San Jose and nearby Santa Cruz, SJC Airport provides a number of on-site amenities to cover all your travel needs. If you’ve worked up an appetite, grab a bite to eat at one of the fast food joints or cafes, which serve on-the-go sandwiches, smoothies, salads, and more. The airport also features a number shops where you’ll find in-flight entertainment, such as newspapers and books, but also souvenirs and snacks.

Airport Transportation

Once you’ve booked your Santa Cruz flights, it’s time to determine how you’ll get to and from the airport. For the freedom to cruise around the California coast at your own pace, consider booking one of our Santa Cruz car rentals here in advance. The beauty of a rental car is that the keys will be waiting for you as soon as your flight lands, so you won’t waste any time starting your adventures.

Alternatively, you can always hail a cab or arrange for a shuttle to transport you to vacation destination. If you’d prefer to take public transportation, the Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (VTA) bus services the VTA Light Rail, which connects to the Santa Cruz Metro.

Santa Cruz Activities

After setting your sights on Santa Cruz tickets, start planning the fun stuff! No trip to this seaside destination is complete without shooting down the famous Giant Dipper roller coaster on the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, or browsing the exhibits at the Surfing Museum. While you’re in town, swing by the Mystery Spot to break all the rules of gravity, check out the mudstone structures at the Natural Bridges State Beach, and do a little shopping downtown on Pacific Avenue. Whether you want to scan the coast for whales or hike amongst the nearby redwoods, stay at one of the best hotels in Santa Cruz for easy access to the coastal action.

Planning Your Trip

If you’re still deciding when to book your tickets to Santa Cruz, take into account the city’s climate. Summer is the high season, when vacationers flock to the beaches to soak up the warm weather and sunshine. Alternatively, wintertime welcomes slightly cooler temperatures and rain, which means fewer tourists frequent the area. As for spring and fall, these shoulder seasons bring mild temperatures, perfect for outdoor activities, such as kayaking and wine tasting.

Here at Expedia.com, we’re excited to match you up with cheap flights to Santa Cruz, CA regardless of when you decide to visit. We want to help you get more bang for your buck, so you can focus more on your adventures and less on your budget. Browse through our discounts on direct flights and score some of the hottest deals around when you use our convenient mobile booking app. You can even bundle your flight with your hotel and car rental in our Santa Cruz vacation packages to save up to $570. Make all your arrangements right here today to ride the coasters on the boardwalk tomorrow.

Frequently asked questions

How do I find cheap flights to Santa Cruz that have flexible change policies?
At Expedia, we’ve been channeling our inner gymnast to bring you the most flexible fares in town. Simply click on “No change fee” directly below the “Flexible change policies” subheading to find your dream flight to Santa Cruz.
What is the name of the airport in Santa Cruz?
Jump on a flight to Santa Cruz and you’ll hit the tarmac at Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl. Airport (SJC).
How can I book the cheapest flight to Santa Cruz?
If you’d like to have some extra spending money for your Santa Cruz trip, avoid booking at the last minute. Prices typically increase close to the departure date. Also research if there is more than one airport at your destination. Airfares can differ based on which airport you fly into. Make sure you compare prices across airlines and if possible, have some flexibility with your dates. Finally, be prepared to book fast. If you see a bargain, snap it up while you can! Currently, one of the cheapest one-way tickets to Santa Cruz costs $21. This is for a flight that takes off from San Diego in June.
Which day of the week is the best day to buy a plane ticket to Santa Cruz?
According to our research, Sundays are the best day to buy plane tickets. Prices do fluctuate with demand though, so it’s wise to monitor prices regularly. After another tip? Look at airfares to Santa Cruz as soon as you’ve chosen your travel dates and be ready to book when you spot a bargain. The optimal booking window is from 21 days to around 45 days out from departure, so the earlier you begin looking, the better your chances are of scoring an incredible deal! Savings are subject to change and may vary depending on selections made.
What airport is best to fly into Santa Cruz?
If you’re planning on flying to Santa Cruz, you’ll likely be landing at San Francisco Airport (80 mi from downtown). SJC (45 mi from downtown) is the other main airport that services the city.
Which airlines fly to Santa Cruz?
From takeoff to touchdown, you can look forward to a comfortable trip with United Airlines. One of 57 airlines that connects Santa Cruz with 155 airports around the world, it operates the greatest number of services between Los Angeles and Santa Cruz. Alaska Airlines is another popular choice with many travelers.
How many nonstop flights are there to Santa Cruz?
Planning an unforgettable Santa Cruz getaway is a cinch when there are 4,550 direct flights every week to pick from.
Where are the most popular flights to Santa Cruz departing from?
Travelers frequently jet off from Los Angeles, Seattle and Las Vegas airports when going to Santa Cruz.
Do you have any tips for my flight to Santa Cruz?

  • What you pack in your carry-on luggage can mean the difference between a comfortable flight, and one that leaves you drained. Start with the most important stuff, like a valid ID (like your passport) and your travel documents. Once they’re safely packed, throw in any medications you might need. Next? Consider your comfort factor. Earplugs, a neck pillow and the latest bestseller will help the hours fly by while you’re in the air.
  • Don’t forget there’s also a list of prohibited items for your hand luggage which differs between carriers. Generally, avoid packing anything flammable, sharp or explosive. This includes things like razor blades, pocket knives, flares and aerosol cans. Sports equipment like baseball bats, tennis rackets and objects considered weapons, such as swords and batons, are also banned from the cabin.

What to wear on a flight:

  • The aisles of a plane aren’t designed for a fashion parade. Layer up in comfortable, loose-fitting clothing and pack a sweater since it can get cool in the cabin on long-haul flights. Closed-toe shoes are ideal for longer journeys.
  • Lessen your risk of developing deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a blood clotting condition which can be caused by sitting for extended periods, by regularly walking around the cabin. You can also do some gentle foot and leg exercises in your seat. If you’re at higher risk of developing DVT, think about wearing compression socks.

How can I get a cheap last-minute flight to Santa Cruz?
To score a cheap, spur-of-the-moment flight to Santa Cruz, aim to be flexible. If possible, have a bit of wiggle room with the dates you plan to travel. It also pays to have some leeway with your airports, choice of airline, flight times and stops or layovers.
Where can I learn more about changing or canceling my flight to Santa Cruz?
Most flights are free to cancel within 24 hours of making the reservation. However, some flights are non-refundable, and you may receive a flight credit from the airline to use for a future booking. For more information, please visit our Customer Service Portal.
Flights to Santa Cruz information
Destination airport
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.
Destination airport IATA code
SJC
Destination city name
San Jose
Airlines serving
Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Delta, Spirit Airlines, United
Roundtrip price
$165
Popular airline
Alaska Airlines

Trending flights to Santa Cruz

Prices were available within the past 7 days and start at $21 for one-way flights and $41 for round trip, for the period specified. Prices and availability are subject to change. Additional terms apply.

Spirit Airlines
Tue, May 21 - Wed, May 22
SAN
San Diego Intl.
SJC
Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl.
$41 Roundtrip, just found
$41
Roundtrip
just found
Select Spirit Airlines flight, departing Tue, May 21 from San Diego Intl. to Norman Y. Mineta San Jose Intl., returning Wed, May 22, priced at $41 just found
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