The cheapest and fastest trains from Oakland, CA to Santa Cruz, CA
Cheapest price
$27
Average price
$27
Fastest journey
2 h 20 m
Average duration
2 h 28 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
95 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Oakland, 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 Oakland, CA to Santa Cruz, CA will cost around $27 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $27.
Of the 2 trains that leave Oakland, CA for Santa Cruz, CA on Fri, Aug 07, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Aug 07 the direct trains cover the 95 km distance in an average of 2 h 28 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 20 m .
On Fri, Aug 07 the slowest trains will take 2 h 35 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.
1:53 AM2h35Oakland, CA4:28 AMSanta Cruz, CA$271One-way0 transfers
3:39 PM2h20Oakland, CA5:59 PMSanta Cruz, CA$281One-way0 transfers
3:39 PM2h20Oakland, CA5:59 PMSanta Cruz, CA$281One-way0 transfers
1:53 AM2h35Oakland, CA4:28 AMSanta Cruz, CA$271One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Oakland, CA to Santa Cruz, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Oakland, CA to Santa Cruz, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $26. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 9m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $26, and a bus costs an average of $28.
Distance: 59 miles (95 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$27 Average price Cheapest | $37 Average price | $14 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 39m Average total duration Fastest 2h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 53m Average total duration 3h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 22m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Oakland, CA to Santa Cruz, CA:
A train is $10 (€8) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Oakland, CA to Santa Cruz, CA costing on average $37 (€30).
Other travel options to Santa Cruz, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 3h 23m.
Tickets start at around $27 (€22) compared to roughly $14 (€12) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-12.39 (€-10.09). The journey takes 2h 9m versus 1h 22m 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.
Live departures
Oakland, CA to Santa Cruz, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Oakland, CA to Santa Cruz, CA trains for today, Wednesday, August 5. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
521 Capitol Corridor · 6921 AMTRAK | 6:13 AM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 2h43 | 8:56 AM Santa Cruz, CA | 1 transfer | |
523 Capitol Corridor · 6909 AMTRAK | 7:16 AM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 2h41 | 9:57 AM Santa Cruz, CA | 1 transfer | |
527 Capitol Corridor · 6949 AMTRAK | 8:39 AM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 2h20 | 10:59 AM Santa Cruz, CA | 1 transfer | |
11 Coast Starlight · 6943 AMTRAK | 9:09 AM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 2h39 | 11:48 AM Santa Cruz, CA | 1 transfer | |
529 Capitol Corridor · 6927 AMTRAK | 9:36 AM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 2h35 | 12:11 PM Santa Cruz, CA | 1 transfer | |
539 Capitol Corridor · 6935 AMTRAK | 1:46 PM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 2h55 | 4:41 PM Santa Cruz, CA | 1 transfer | |
543 Capitol Corridor · 6821 AMTRAK | 4:15 PM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 2h56 | 7:11 PM Santa Cruz, CA | 1 transfer | |
547 Capitol Corridor · 6945 AMTRAK | 6:53 PM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 2h35 | 9:28 PM Santa Cruz, CA | 1 transfer | |
| Thursday, August 6 | |||||
![]() | 1:53 AM Oakland, CA | 2h35 | 4:28 AM Santa Cruz, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Oakland, 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.
Aug 06
Aug 07
Aug 08
Aug 09
Aug 10
Aug 11
Aug 12
Journey information
Overview: Train from Oakland, CA to Santa Cruz, CA
Trains from Oakland, CA to Santa Cruz, CA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 2h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $26 (€21) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 04:55, the last at 18:53. The fastest train covers the 59 miles (95 km) distance in 2h 20m.
Distance 59 miles (95 km) |
Average train duration 2h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 (€21) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 2h 20m |
First train 4:55 AM |
Last train 6:53 PM |
Cheapest Month Dec |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Train companies: Amtrak from Oakland, CA to Santa Cruz, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Oakland, CA and Santa Cruz, CA from $26 (€21). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Oakland, CA to Santa Cruz, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Oakland, 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 Oakland, CA to Santa Cruz, CA
Most Oakland, CA to Santa Cruz, CA trains use the Jack London Square to Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center station pair. Use this guide to compare Oakland, CA and Santa Cruz, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Oakland, CA station do trains to Santa Cruz, CA leave from?
Getting to Jack London Square from Oakland city centre
Jack London Square is 1 km from Oakland city centre. Public transport options include:
Jack London Square train station facilities and services
Jack London Square has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Yoshi's Oakland, Scott's Seafood Restaurant
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Jack London Square. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Jack London Square. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Jack London Square: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Jack London Square: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Jack London Square: Ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Waterfront Hotel, Z Hotel Jack London Square, Executive Inn & Suites.
Which Santa Cruz, CA station do trains from Oakland, CA arrive at?
Getting to Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center from Santa Cruz city centre
Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: Food court with various options available.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free WiFi available throughout the station. ATMs are several ATMs available near ticket counters.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center: Station is fully accessible with ramps and elevators.
Most popular train connections from Oakland, CA
More options for your journey from Oakland, CA to Santa Cruz, CA
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