---
title: "Davenport to Cisco Commute"
description: "Everything you need to know about commuting from Davenport to Cisco. Drive times, route options, transit alternatives, and local housing context."
url: https://giselesasso.com/commute/davenport-to-cisco
lastUpdated: 2026-03-19
tier: 3
dataAsOf: "March 2026"
sources: ["Google Maps","California DOT","Neighborhood dataset"]
---

# Davenport to Cisco Commute

Everything you need to know about commuting from Davenport to Cisco. Drive times, route options, transit alternatives, and local housing context.

## Commute Details

- **Off-peak drive time:** 1h 12m
- **Peak (rush hour) drive time:** 1h 24m
- **Distance:** 49 miles
- **Primary route:** Highway 17 to I-880 to US-101 North
- **Neighborhood median price:** $950,000
- **Top school rating:** 10/10

## Transit Alternatives

- Highway 17 Express Bus to San Jose Diridon
- Amtrak Capitol Corridor (from San Jose)
- Caltrain (from San Jose Diridon)

## What the Drive Is Like

Living in Davenport and working at Cisco means a commitment, but residents say the quality of life in Santa Cruz County makes it worth the extra time. Davenport sits on the coast north of Santa Cruz, about 22 minutes to Highway 17 via Highway 1 South and Ocean Street. Your route to Cisco HQ in San Jose heads along the dramatic coastal Highway 1, through Santa Cruz, and onto the mountain pass.

The heart of the commute is Highway 17, a winding mountain highway through the Santa Cruz Mountains. It's a well-maintained road, but it demands attention, especially in wet weather. Most commuters quickly learn its rhythm and find it manageable. Cisco's San Jose campus at 170 W Tasman Drive is accessible via Highway 17 to I-880 to US-101 North. The North San Jose tech corridor has good traffic flow outside of peak hours.

## Best Times to Commute

Off-peak, the drive takes about 72 minutes. During rush hour, expect closer to 84 minutes. With a longer commute, timing is everything. Leave before 6:30 AM if possible, and consider shifting your return to after 7:00 PM or before 3:30 PM. A hybrid schedule with 2-3 days in the office makes this commute much more sustainable.

Many Cisco employees who live in Santa Cruz County negotiate hybrid schedules, working from home 2-3 days per week. This cuts your weekly commute in half and makes the drive feel much less routine.

## Tips for the Commute

- **Check conditions before you go.** Highway 17 can slow down in rain or fog. A quick look at traffic apps before leaving saves frustration.
- **Use the Highway 17 Express Bus.** Santa Cruz Metro runs a direct bus from Santa Cruz to San Jose Diridon Station, where you can transfer to Caltrain or VTA light rail. It's a great option for days when you want to skip driving.
- **Build a commute routine.** Podcasts, audiobooks, or language lessons make the drive productive. Many Davenport commuters say they actually enjoy the dedicated downtime.
- **Explore a hybrid schedule.** With a longer commute, even one or two remote days per week makes a significant quality-of-life difference.

## Why Davenport Works for Cisco Employees

Davenport offers easy access to hiking, surfing, and outdoor recreation, and a great setup for remote or hybrid work. With a median home price around $950K, it provides a different kind of value than what you'll find closer to San Jose.

The trade-off is clear: a longer commute in exchange for a lifestyle that most Bay Area suburbs simply cannot match. Many Cisco workers who have made this move say they wouldn't go back.

## FAQs

**How long is the commute from Davenport to Cisco?**

The drive from Davenport to Cisco HQ in San Jose takes about 72 minutes off-peak and around 84 minutes during rush hour. The primary route goes via Highway 17 over the Santa Cruz Mountains.

**Is the commute from Davenport to Cisco doable every day?**

A hybrid schedule (2-3 days in office) is the most common setup for this route. The Highway 17 Express Bus and Caltrain connections offer alternatives to driving.

**What is it like living in Davenport and working at Cisco?**

Davenport offers a lifestyle that's hard to match closer to San Jose. With dramatic coastal bluffs and ocean views and a median home price around $950K, residents trade commute time for quality of life, outdoor access, and a relaxed pace outside of work hours.