San Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA train with Amtrak

Sun, Mar 22
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Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
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Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from San Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA

Showing times and prices for Mar 22

Cheapest price

$39

Average price

$39

Fastest journey

4 h 54 m

Average duration

4 h 54 m

Trains per day

1

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

It's difficult to get from San Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA without transferring at least 2 times.

Amtrak6682 AMTRAK · 741 Capitol Corridor · 6987 AMTRAK
12:25PM4h54
San Francisco, CA
05:19PMSanta Cruz, CA
$391One-way
2 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. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $27. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 27m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $27, and a bus costs an average of $39.

Distance: 59 miles (95 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

$36

Average price

Cheapest

$40

Average price

2h 57m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 27m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 33m

Average total duration

3h 3m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

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, March 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 4:11 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak6682 AMTRAK · 741 Capitol Corridor · 6987 AMTRAK7:25 PM San Francisco, CA
4h54
12:19 AM Santa Cruz, CA2 transfers

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.

Sun
Mar 22
Mon
Mar 23
Tue
Mar 24
Wed
Mar 25
Thu
Mar 26
Fri
Mar 27
Sat
Mar 28

Journey information

Overview: Train from San Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA

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Trains from San Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA run on average 9 times per day, taking around 2h 27m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $27 (€22) if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 04:55, the last at 20:34. The fastest train covers the 59 miles (95 km) distance in 2h 32m.

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)
Average train duration
2h 27m
Cheapest ticket price
$27 (€22)
Trains per day
9
Fastest train
2h 32m
First train
04:55
Last train
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

Train companies: Amtrak from San Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between San Francisco, CA and Santa Cruz, CA from $27 (€22). 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 32m
Cheapest Price
$27 (€22)
Amtrak frequency
9 a day
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 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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from San Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $27 (€22), while the average price is around $36 (€29).
The train from San Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA takes 2h 32m and runs 9 per day.
The distance by train from San Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA is 59 miles (95 km).
The first train from San Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA leaves at 4:55 AM.
The last train from San Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA leaves at 8:34 PM.
There is no high speed train available from San Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA.
There is no direct train service currently available from San Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from San Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA.
The cheapest way to get from San Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA is by train, with a cost of around $27 (€22).
The journey from San Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA by train offers some scenic views, particularly when traveling along the coastline and through the rolling hills and redwood forests of the Santa Cruz Mountains. However, much of this route involves transfers and bus connections, as there is no direct train service between the two cities.
A day trip from San Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA is not feasible because the travel duration is 2h 32m. However, trains run 10 times per day.
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.
Yes, you can take the train from San Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from San Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA

San Francisco
Santa Cruz
The major train station for departures in San Francisco is San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank) for your trip from San Francisco to Santa Cruz.
San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank)
information

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

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Santa Cruz, CASan Francisco, CA to Santa Cruz, CA train

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