- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from San Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 20
Cheapest price on Sep 20
$39
Average ticket price on Sep 20
$39
Fastest journey on Sep 20
4 h 54 m
Average journey duration on Sep 20
4 h 54 m
Trains on Sep 20
2
Distance
95 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA will cost around $39 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.
Fast trains
On Sun, Sep 20, we found 2 trains from San Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA, including 2 direct services.
On Sun, Sep 20 the direct trains cover the 95 km distance in an average of 4 h 54 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 54 m .
On Sun, Sep 20 the slowest trains will take 4 h 54 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.
7:25 PM4h54San Francisco, CA12:19 AMSanta Cruz, CA$391One-way0 transfers- 8:25 PM4h54San Francisco, CA1:19 AMSanta Cruz, CA$401One-way0 transfers
- 8:25 PM4h54San Francisco, CA1:19 AMSanta Cruz, CA$401One-way0 transfers
- 7:25 PM4h54San Francisco, CA12:19 AMSanta Cruz, CA$391One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for San Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA among Omio's users.
Distance: 59 miles (95 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$16 Average price (fuel + tolls) | ||
1h 19m Average total duration (door-to-door) | ||
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
San Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for San Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA trains for today, Saturday, September 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 7:25 PM San Francisco, CA | 4h54 | 12:19 AM Santa Cruz, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 8:25 PM San Francisco, CA | 4h54 | 1:19 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 San Francisco, 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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Sep 20
Sep 20
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Journey information
Overview: Train from San Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA
USAUSA
Take a train from San Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA and enjoy the approximately 59 miles (95 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 04:55, the last at 20:34.
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 59 miles (95 km) |
First train 4:55 AM |
Last train 8:34 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Best time to book 7 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
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.
FAQs: Trains from San Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA
Most San Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA trains use the Emeryville Station to Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center station pair. Use this guide to compare San Francisco, CA 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 San Francisco
Arrival train stations in Santa Cruz
Which San Francisco, CA station do trains to Santa Cruz, CA leave from?
Trains from San Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA leave from Emeryville Station. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from San Francisco, CA city centre at 5885 Horton Street, Emeryville, CA 94608, USA.
San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank)4669 Mission St, San Francisco, CA 94112, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank) from San Francisco city centre
San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank) is 2 km from San Francisco city centre. Public transport options include:
TRUE
San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank) train station facilities and services
San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Restaurants are accessible in the vicinity.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
WiFi available at surrounding public areas. ATMs are aTMs available in nearby buildings.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank).
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank): Station is accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Which Santa Cruz, CA station do trains from San Francisco, CA arrive at?
Trains from San Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA most often arrive at Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center. Some services arrive at Scotts Valley, Cavallaro Transit Center, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Santa Cruz, CA arrival station.
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.
Most popular train connections from San Francisco, CA
More options for your journey from San Francisco, CA 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 San Francisco, CA
Most popular train connections to Santa Cruz, CA
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