- Recommended
Santa Cruz Surfing Museum
Compact museum inside the lighthouse with exhibits on local surf culture, boards, and legends. An easy stop beside one of the city's best viewpoints.
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Berkeley, CA to Santa Cruz, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Berkeley, CA to Santa Cruz, CA will cost around $30 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $30.
On Wed, Nov 04, we found 2 trains from Berkeley, CA to Santa Cruz, CA, including 2 direct services.
On Wed, Nov 04 the direct trains cover the 102 km distance in an average of 2 h 47 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 42 m .
On Wed, Nov 04 the slowest trains will take 2 h 51 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

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Take a train from Berkeley, CA to Santa Cruz, CA and enjoy the approximately 63 miles (102 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 04:55, the last at 20:29.
Plan this route
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Berkeley, CA to Santa Cruz, CA.
The table below shows live departures for Berkeley, CA to Santa Cruz, CA trains for tomorrow, Wednesday, November 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:37 AM Berkeley, CA | 2h51 | 4:28 AM Santa Cruz, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 3:17 PM Berkeley, CA | 2h42 | 5:59 PM Santa Cruz, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Discover the best of Santa Cruz, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Santa Cruz, CA trip today.
Compact museum inside the lighthouse with exhibits on local surf culture, boards, and legends. An easy stop beside one of the city's best viewpoints.
Museum and research center focused on natural history and Monterey Bay ecology. Good for families, trails, and understanding local wildlife.
Downtown history museum covering Santa Cruz County through photographs, artifacts, and rotating exhibits in a restored library building.
Iconic surfing viewpoint with a cliffside path, benches, and frequent wave action. One of the best places to watch surfers and sunsets.
Oceanfront natural bridge and tide-pool area known for coastal scenery and seasonal monarch butterflies. A scenic stop on the west side.
Redwood grove in the city with easy trails, ponds, and picnic areas. Popular for a calm nature walk close to downtown and the beach.
Cioppino is a tomato-based seafood stew tied to Northern California coast fishing, often made with crab, clams, mussels, shrimp, and fish.
Dungeness crab is a regional Pacific delicacy, served cracked or in simple preparations that highlight the sweet meat of the Central California coast.
Fish tacos reflect Santa Cruz surf-town dining, usually featuring local fish, cabbage, salsa, and crema in tortillas near the beach or wharf.
Casual harbor seafood spot known for very fresh fish, oysters, and cioppino with a relaxed working-waterfront feel.
Beloved local Mexican restaurant known for fresh tortillas, tacos, and traditional plates in a lively, longstanding downtown setting.
Historic wharf restaurant serving seafood, steaks, and chowder with broad bay views and a classic Santa Cruz atmosphere.
Santa Cruz is pricier than many U.S. beach towns, with higher hotel rates, dining costs, and parking; transit is limited, so visitors often spend more on driving.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, $1-2 per drink at bars, and round up or tip about 10% for taxis. Cafes often have tip jars or card prompts for small tips.
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Santa Cruz, CA.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Berkeley, CA to Santa Cruz, CA by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Santa Cruz, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Berkeley, CA to Santa Cruz, CA trains use the Berkeley Station to Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center station pair. Use this guide to compare Berkeley, CA and Santa Cruz, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Berkeley Station is 2 km from Berkeley city centre. Check local transport options before travel.
Berkeley Station has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Berkeley Station.
ATMs are available at Berkeley Station.
Available at Berkeley Station: Parking, WC.
Available at Berkeley Station: Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Berkeley Station.
Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food court with various options available.
Free WiFi available throughout the station. ATMs are several ATMs available near ticket counters.
Ticket office support is available at Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center.
Available at Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center: Station is fully accessible with ramps and elevators.
Check train stations information for Berkeley, CA and Santa Cruz, CA, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.