Hayward, CA to Santa Cruz, CA train with Amtrak

Sat, Jan 10
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Amtrak
Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
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Italo
1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
iryo
Italo
1,000+ travel companies
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Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Hayward, CA to Santa Cruz, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Hayward, CA to Santa Cruz, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €16. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 1h 24m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €16, and a train costs an average of €20.

Distance: 47 miles (77 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

€20

Average price

€16

Average price

Cheapest

2h 48m

Average total duration

2h 18m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 54m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 24m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Compare prices and tickets Hayward, 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.

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Why should you book Hayward to Santa Cruz trains with Omio?

Amtrak operates all train services from Hayward to Santa Cruz. Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets.

Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?

  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Amtrak with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Hayward to Santa Cruz.

Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?

Multiple modes of transport
  • Official reseller: Amtrak tickets can only be bought on Omio or Amtrak's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Amtrak tickets as they are not official sellers.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Hayward to Santa Cruz.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Hayward, CA to Santa Cruz, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Hayward, CA to Santa Cruz, CA run on average 11 times per day, taking around 2h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $25 (€20) but you can travel from only $20 (€16) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 04:55, the last at 19:13. The fastest train covers the 47 miles (77 km) distance in 2h 14m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $20 (€16)
Distance
47 miles (77 km)
Average train duration
2h 18m
Cheapest ticket price
$25 (€20)
Trains per day
11
Fastest train
2h 14m
First train
04:55
Last train
19:13
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $20 (€16)

Train companies: Amtrak from Hayward, CA to Santa Cruz, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Hayward, CA and Santa Cruz, CA from $20 (€16). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
2h 12m
Cheapest Price
$20 (€16)
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from Hayward, CA to Santa Cruz, CA

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Hayward, 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.

FAQs
The journey from Hayward, CA to Santa Cruz, CA by train offers scenic views, particularly as it passes through the lush landscapes of the Santa Cruz Mountains, offering glimpses of redwood forests and the coastal scenery near Santa Cruz.
There is no high speed train available from Hayward, CA to Santa Cruz, CA.
The distance by train from Hayward, CA to Santa Cruz, CA is 47 miles (77 km).
The first train from Hayward, CA to Santa Cruz, CA leaves at 4:55 AM.
The last train from Hayward, CA to Santa Cruz, CA leaves at 7:13 PM.
Yes, you can take the train from Hayward, CA to Santa Cruz, CA.
There is no direct train service currently available from Hayward, CA to Santa Cruz, CA.
For a fulfilling visit to Santa Cruz, CA, plan to spend at least 2 to 3 days. This allows enough time to explore the beaches, visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and enjoy nearby attractions like the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
A day trip from Hayward, CA to Santa Cruz, CA is not feasible as the travel time is 2h 14m. However, there are 11 trains available per day for this journey. The distance is 47 miles (77 km).
Train ticket prices from Hayward, CA to Santa Cruz, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $25 (€20), while the average price is around $25 (€20).
The cheapest way to get from Hayward, CA to Santa Cruz, CA is by bus, with a cost of around $20 (€16).
The train from Hayward, CA to Santa Cruz, CA takes 2h 14m and runs 11 per day.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Hayward, CA to Santa Cruz, CA.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Hayward, CA to Santa Cruz, CA

Hayward
Santa Cruz
The major train station for departures in Hayward is Hayward Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Hayward Station for your trip from Hayward to Santa Cruz.
Hayward StationParkingDiningAccessibility
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km

Most popular train connections from Hayward, CA

More options for your journey from Hayward, CA to Santa Cruz, CA

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

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