Robert B.
The movers were very professional and took care of my stuff there were no worries and stress free amazing job.
Moving from Santa Cruz to Reno
Santa Cruz to Reno is about 280 road miles, roughly 5 hours 33 minutes of free-flow driving, starting with 26 miles of CA 17 over the Santa Cruz Mountains before I-880, I-680 and I-80 take over. The Santa Cruz metro has about 266,000 residents, and about 240 people a year moved from Santa Cruz County to Washoe County.
or call 775-359-6683
4.3 on Google · 71 reviewsFamily owned since 1941U.S. DOT No. 30611
- 280 miles
- about 5 h 33 min of driving
Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CAReno-Sparks
280 miles by road
- Driving time (free-flow)about 5 h 33 min
- Days behind the wheel at 500 miles a day1
- Main roadsI-80, I-680, CA-17
Mountain passes on the way
- Donner Summit (I-80)7,213 ft
| Measure | Santa Cruz-Watsonville, CA | Reno-Sparks |
|---|---|---|
| Median household income | $111,093 | $87,485 |
| Median gross rent | $2,264 | $1,592 |
| Median home value | $1,027,500 | $502,300 |
| January average high | 61 F | 48 F |
| July average high | 72 F | 94 F |
| Snow in a normal year | not published | 20.9 in |
- Moved from California to Nevada (2024)about 53,289
- Moved from Nevada to California (2024)about 21,133
- Moved into Washoe County from Santa Cruz County, California, per yearabout 240
- Moved from Washoe County to them, per yearabout 18
Data (read 2026-10-19): OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap data, free-flow drive from 2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks; U.S. Census Bureau, American Community Survey 2020-2024 5-year estimates; NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991-2020; U.S. Census Bureau, State-to-State Migration Flows (ACS 1-year 2024); U.S. Census Bureau, ACS county-to-county migration flows 2016-2020.
Santa Cruz is a coastal city of about 62,000 inside a metro of about 266,000, and its first hurdle comes before the Sierra: the winding grade of CA 17 between the coast and San Jose. After that the trip is the same long I-80 haul as every other Bay Area route.
Four highways in one move
The route uses four named roads. CA 17 takes about 26 miles over the Santa Cruz Mountains, I-880 about 12 miles, I-680 about 58 miles, and I-80 about 178 miles. The 280 road miles compare with 215 miles in a straight line, so the detour around the Bay adds about 65.
CA 17 is the narrow part. It is a curving highway with a mountain summit, and a household truck climbs it slowly. Leaving early in the day keeps the coastal fog and the commuter traffic behind the truck.
The Sierra crossing
Donner Summit, at about 7,200 feet, is the only pass after the Bay. Compared with Santa Cruz's mild winters, a Sierra storm is a real change, and chain controls on I-80 can slow a delivery day. Caltrans QuickMap shows current requirements, and the NDOT site covers Nevada.
Our winter moving guide explains how a crew builds weather time into a schedule.
Santa Cruz and Reno compared
Santa Cruz city has a median household income near $115,475, a median gross rent near $2,452 and a median home value near $1.21 million in the American Community Survey. Reno city's medians are $80,760, $1,556 and $548,300.
The coast has a very even climate: a January high near 61, a July high near 72, and about 22 inches of rain. Reno's July high is about 94, its January nights fall near 26, and it receives about 7 inches of precipitation and 21 inches of snow. Redwoods and fog give way to sagebrush and a wide sky.
How O'Brien's handles a Santa Cruz move
You book the move with O'Brien's, and we coordinate it from your Santa Cruz County home through the Bekins Van Lines network. In Northern Nevada, O'Brien's delivers, unpacks and stores in Sparks. The written estimate sets the delivery window, and the estimate is itemized.
Hillside homes and tight driveways are common near the coast, so describe parking and access when you request the free in-home estimate.
Settling in
Reno has no coastal damp, so wooden furniture and instruments adjust to the dry air. Start with moving to Reno from California for DMV, tax and utility steps.
Sources (checked October 18, 2026)
Licensed movers
U.S. DOT No. 30611
MC-109375
Nevada CPCN 1070
Cal PUC T-90973 (as published by O'Brien's)
Bekins Van Lines interstate agent since 1955
Check our USDOT record · Ready to Move? (FMCSA)
Licenses and authorityVisit or call the office
2277 Glendale Ave, Sparks, NV 89431
| Monday to Friday | 8:00 am to 5:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Saturday and Sunday | Closed |
Get my free estimate
Bekins Van Lines network
How a long-distance move works with a Bekins agent
O'Brien's Moving & Storage has been an agent for Bekins Van Lines since 1955. On an interstate move the Bekins network carries your shipment under the van line's interstate system; O'Brien's books the move in either direction. Leaving Northern Nevada, we give the free in-home estimate, pack, store in our Sparks warehouse if you need it, and load. Moving here from another state, you book with us and we coordinate the move from your origin through the Bekins network, then handle delivery, unpacking and storage in Sparks. Your written estimate sets the delivery window. What being a Bekins agent means.
Your rights on an interstate move
Federal booklets every interstate mover must give you
- Ready to Move? Tips for a Successful Interstate Move (FMCSA)
- Your Rights and Responsibilities When You Move (FMCSA)
- Protect Your Move: check any mover's USDOT number. Ours is U.S. DOT No. 30611.
Next
Related routes and guides
- Long-distance routes to and from Reno
- Moving to Reno from California
- Moving from Nevada to California
- Moving from Santa Rosa and Sonoma County to Reno
- Moving from Vallejo and Fairfield (Solano County) to Reno
- Moving from Davis and Woodland (Yolo County) to Reno
- Moving from Stockton to Reno
- Moving from Modesto to Reno
- Moving from Fresno to Reno
Answers
Moving from Santa Cruz to Reno questions
Still have a question? Call 775-359-6683, Mon-Fri 8-5, or see the moving FAQ.
How far is Santa Cruz from Reno?
About 280 road miles, or 5 hours 33 minutes of free-flow driving, using CA 17, I-880, I-680 and I-80.
Is CA 17 a problem for a moving truck?
It is the slowest part of the trip, with a mountain summit and curves, so trucks usually leave early.
Is there a pass in the Sierra?
Yes, Donner Summit on I-80 at about 7,200 feet.
4.3 stars from 71 Google reviews
What customers say about O'Brien's
Janet M.
I was so impressed with the way the crew handled and packed each piece of furniture for short term storage. They were polite and professional. I would highly recommend them to anyone planning a move.
Owner's reply
Janet we are so glad to hear that your move was a great success and we sincerely appreciate you providing us with this wonderful review. We will continue to provide you with the best service as we move forward.
Judy H.
I was so satisfied and impressed with O'Brien. My move went perfectly. If I have another move, it will be O'Brien for sure!!
Owner's reply
WE ARE THRILLED TO HEAR THE MOVE WENT SO WELL!!!! Thank you so much for taking time out of your day to let us know.
Get a long-distance estimate
Tell us where you are going. The estimate for a long-distance move starts with a survey of your Reno-area home.