Summary: Transient dynamic responses of an elastic cracked solid subjected to in-plane surface loadings are investigated in this study. Two vertical cracks, a surface-breaking crack and a sub-surface crack, are considered. The frequency responses of the plane strain problem are calculated by the computational mechanics combining the finite element method with the boundary integral equation. The finite element method is used for the near-field enclosing the crack, while the boundary integral equation is applied for the far-field to satisfy the Sommerfeld radiation condition. The transient responses are then obtained using fast Fourier transform. Surface displacements, crack opening displacements, and dynamic stress intensity factors are presented to show the significant effects of the cracks. The interaction between the elastic waves and the cracks as well as the mode conversion phenomena can be observed and understood through the numerical simulations.