Rio del Mar & Seascape to ServiceNow Commute

What the Drive Is Like

Living in Rio Del Mar and working at ServiceNow means a longer drive, but one that many residents find worthwhile for the lifestyle trade-off. Rio Del Mar sits on the coast in the Aptos area, about 14 minutes to Highway 17 via Soquel Drive. Your route to ServiceNow HQ in Santa Clara heads from the beach, through the Aptos corridor, and up over the mountains.

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. ServiceNow HQ at 2225 Lawson Ln in Santa Clara is accessible via Highway 17 to Highway 85 to US-101. Santa Clara’s tech corridor is well-maintained and has good traffic management.

Best Times to Commute

Off-peak, the drive takes about 59 minutes. During rush hour, expect closer to 67 minutes. Early departures (before 6:30 AM) make the biggest difference on this route. The afternoon return is toughest between 4:30 and 6:30 PM, so flexible hours or a hybrid schedule can save significant time.

Many ServiceNow 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 Rio Del Mar 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 Rio Del Mar Works for ServiceNow Employees

Rio Del Mar offers a family-friendly community with good schools, and a peaceful, established community. With a median home price around $1.5M, it provides a different kind of value than what you’ll find closer to Santa Clara.

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