- 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.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
Journey information
Overview: Train from Portland, OR to Santa Cruz, CA
USAUSA
Take a train from Portland, OR to Santa Cruz, CA and enjoy the approximately 591 miles (952 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 14:22, the last at 17:50.
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
Distance 591 miles (952 km) |
First train 2:22 PM |
Last train 5:50 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Best time to book 28 days |
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
Frequently asked questions about your Portland, OR to Santa Cruz, CA trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Portland, OR to Santa Cruz, CA.
The distance by train from Portland, OR to Santa Cruz, CA is 591 miles (952 km).
The first train from Portland, OR to Santa Cruz, CA leaves at 2:22 PM.
The last train from Portland, OR to Santa Cruz, CA leaves at 5:50 PM.
Live departures
Portland, OR to Santa Cruz, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Portland, OR to Santa Cruz, CA trains for today, Monday, November 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | 10:22 PM Portland, OR | 21h25 | 7:47 PM Santa Cruz, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Complete guide to Santa Cruz, CA
Things to do in Santa Cruz, CA
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.
- Recommended
Santa Cruz Museum of Natural History
Museum and research center focused on natural history and Monterey Bay ecology. Good for families, trails, and understanding local wildlife.
- Recommended
Santa Cruz Museum of Art & History
Downtown history museum covering Santa Cruz County through photographs, artifacts, and rotating exhibits in a restored library building.
- Must visit
West Cliff Drive
Iconic surfing viewpoint with a cliffside path, benches, and frequent wave action. One of the best places to watch surfers and sunsets.
- Must visit
Natural Bridges State Beach
Oceanfront natural bridge and tide-pool area known for coastal scenery and seasonal monarch butterflies. A scenic stop on the west side.
- Recommended
Henry Cowell Redwoods State Park
Redwood grove in the city with easy trails, ponds, and picnic areas. Popular for a calm nature walk close to downtown and the beach.
- Gluten-free
Cioppino
Cioppino is a tomato-based seafood stew tied to Northern California coast fishing, often made with crab, clams, mussels, shrimp, and fish.
- Gluten-free
Dungeness Crab
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
Fish tacos reflect Santa Cruz surf-town dining, usually featuring local fish, cabbage, salsa, and crema in tortillas near the beach or wharf.
John's Fish House
Casual harbor seafood spot known for very fresh fish, oysters, and cioppino with a relaxed working-waterfront feel.
Taqueria Vallarta
Beloved local Mexican restaurant known for fresh tortillas, tacos, and traditional plates in a lively, longstanding downtown setting.
Stagnaro Bros Seafood
Historic wharf restaurant serving seafood, steaks, and chowder with broad bay views and a classic Santa Cruz atmosphere.
United States Dollar ($)
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.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $10-18 for fast food or casual takeaway.
- Mid-range
- $20-40 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- $50+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- $4-7 for coffee or a basic latte.
Tipping culture
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.
Plan your visit to Santa Cruz, CA
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.
The train journey from Portland, OR to Santa Cruz, CA offers scenic views, especially through the Cascade Range and along parts of the Pacific coastline, providing travelers with picturesque landscapes and natural beauty along the route.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Santa Cruz, CA, travelers should be cautious of petty theft, especially in crowded areas like the beach and downtown. Car break-ins and bike thefts are common, so it's important to secure belongings and vehicles. Additionally, some travelers report scams involving overcharging by unofficial taxi or ride-share drivers. Staying aware of surroundings and using reputable transportation services can help ensure a safe visit.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
FAQs: Trains from Portland, OR to Santa Cruz, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Portland, OR 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.
No, you cannot take the train from Portland, OR to Santa Cruz, CA.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Portland, OR to Santa Cruz, CA
Most Portland, OR to Santa Cruz, CA trains use the Portland Union Station to Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center station pair. Use this guide to compare Portland, OR and Santa Cruz, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Portland
Arrival train stations in Santa Cruz
Which Portland, OR station do trains to Santa Cruz, CA leave from?
Trains from Portland, OR to Santa Cruz, CA leave from Portland Union Station. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Portland, OR city centre at 800 NW 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97209, USA.
Portland Union Station800 NW 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97209, USA+1 800-872-7245
City-centre transport
Getting to Portland Union Station from Portland city centre
BusFx2 · 6m · every ~8 min
TramMAX Yellow Line, MAX Green Line · 2m · €3 · every ~15 min
Ns, B · 16m · €2 · every ~13 min
Portland Union Station train station facilities and services
Portland Union Station 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: Wilf's Restaurant & Bar, Al-Amir Lebanese Restaurant
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Portland Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Portland Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Portland Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Portland Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Portland Union Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Embassy Suites by Hilton Portland Downtown, The Benson, a Coast Hotel, Courtyard by Marriott Portland City Center.
Which Santa Cruz, CA station do trains from Portland, OR arrive at?
Trains from Portland, OR to Santa Cruz, CA arrive at Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center. Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center is 0 miles (1 km) from Santa Cruz, CA city centre.
Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro CenterSanta Cruz, CA, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center from Santa Cruz city centre
TRUE
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.
Train stations for Portland, OR to Santa Cruz, CA
Check train stations information for Portland, OR and Santa Cruz, CA, including where trains depart and arrive on this route.
The train station in Portland, OR that goes to Santa Cruz, CA is Portland Union Station, which connects to Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center.
Most popular train connections from Portland, OR
More options for your journey from Portland, OR to Santa Cruz, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Santa Cruz, CA and Portland, OR
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
