The cheapest and fastest trains from Berkeley, CA to Santa Cruz, CA
Cheapest price
$31
Average price
$31
Fastest journey
2 h 42 m
Average duration
2 h 42 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
102 km
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 $31 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $31.
Of the 1 trains that leave Berkeley, CA for Santa Cruz, CA on Mon, Jun 22, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Jun 22 the direct trains cover the 102 km distance in an average of 2 h 42 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 42 m .
On Mon, Jun 22 the slowest trains will take 2 h 42 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.
3:17 PM2h42Berkeley, CA5:59 PMSanta Cruz, CA$311One-way0 transfers
3:17 PM2h42Berkeley, CA5:59 PMSanta Cruz, CA$311One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Berkeley, CA to Santa Cruz, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Berkeley, CA to Santa Cruz, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $30. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 32m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $30, and a bus costs an average of $48.
Distance: 63 miles (102 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$31 Average price Cheapest | $48 Average price | $16 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 2m Average total duration Fastest 2h 32m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 53m Average total duration 3h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 28m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Berkeley, CA to Santa Cruz, CA:
A train is $17 (€14) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Berkeley, CA to Santa Cruz, CA costing on average $48 (€39).
Other travel options to Santa Cruz, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 23m.
Tickets start at around $31 (€25) compared to roughly $16 (€13) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-15.43 (€-12.63). The journey takes 2h 32m versus 1h 28m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Compare prices and tickets Berkeley, CA to Santa Cruz, CA by bus or train
Compare bus and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Jun 28
Journey information
Overview: Train from Berkeley, CA to Santa Cruz, CA
Trains from Berkeley, CA to Santa Cruz, CA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $30 (€25) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:55, the last at 20:29. The fastest train covers the 63 miles (102 km) distance in 2h 42m.
Distance 63 miles (102 km) |
Average train duration 2h 32m |
Cheapest ticket price $30 (€25) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 42m |
First train 4:55 AM |
Last train 8:29 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Train companies: Amtrak from Berkeley, CA to Santa Cruz, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Berkeley, CA and Santa Cruz, CA from $30 (€25). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Berkeley, CA to 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Berkeley, CA to Santa Cruz, CA
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.
Which Berkeley, CA station do trains to Santa Cruz, CA leave from?
Getting to Berkeley Station from Berkeley city centre
Berkeley Station is 2 km from Berkeley city centre. Check local transport options before travel.
Berkeley Station train station facilities and services
Berkeley Station has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, ATM, Accessibility, WC, Bike Rental, and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Berkeley Station.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
ATMs are available at Berkeley Station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Berkeley Station: Parking, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Berkeley Station: Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Berkeley Station.
Most popular train connections from Berkeley, CA
More options for your journey from Berkeley, CA to Santa Cruz, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
