Santa Cruz, CA to Bakersfield, CA train

Thu, Aug 06
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Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
AVE
2,000+ travel companies
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
AVE
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Santa Cruz, CA to Bakersfield, CA

Showing times and prices for Aug 06

Cheapest price

$83

Average price

$83

Fastest journey

10 h 40 m

Average duration

10 h 40 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

324 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santa Cruz, CA to Bakersfield, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Santa Cruz, CA to Bakersfield, CA will cost around $83 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $83.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Santa Cruz, CA for Bakersfield, CA on Thu, Aug 06, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Aug 06 the direct trains cover the 324 km distance in an average of 10 h 40 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 10 h 40 m .

On Thu, Aug 06 the slowest trains will take 10 h 40 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.

  • Amtrak
    8:25 PM10h40
    Santa Cruz, CA
    7:05 AMBakersfield, CA
    $831One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

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

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Cruz, CA to Bakersfield, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $67. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 7h 41m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $67, and a train costs an average of $83.

Distance: 201 miles (324 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

$83

Average price

$67

Average price

Cheapest

$49

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

11h 10m

Average total duration

10h 40m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

8h 11m

Average total duration

Fastest

7h 41m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 47m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Santa Cruz, CA to Bakersfield, CA is a bus with an average price of $67 (€55).

This is compared to other travel options from Santa Cruz, CA to Bakersfield, CA:

A bus is $16 (€13) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santa Cruz, CA to Bakersfield, CA costing on average $83 (€68).

The fastest way to travel from Santa Cruz, CA to Bakersfield, CA is by bus with an average journey time of 7h 41m.

Other travel options to Bakersfield, CA take longer:

Train takes on average 10h 40m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Santa Cruz, CA and Bakersfield, CA including taking a bus and train.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around $83 (€68) compared to roughly $49 (€40) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-34.24 (€-27.88). The journey takes 10h 40m versus 3h 47m 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.

Compare prices and tickets Santa Cruz, CA to Bakersfield, 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.

Thu
Aug 06
Fri
Aug 07
Sat
Aug 08
Sun
Aug 09
Mon
Aug 10
Tue
Aug 11
Wed
Aug 12

Journey information

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

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Icon of train

Trains from Santa Cruz, CA to Bakersfield, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 10h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $83 (€68) but you can travel from only $67 (€55) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 04:12, the last at 16:02. The fastest train covers the 201 miles (324 km) distance in 10h 40m.

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 $67 (€55)
Distance
201 miles (324 km)
Average train duration
10h 40m
Cheapest ticket price
$83 (€68)
Trains per day
2
Fastest train
10h 40m
First train
4:12 AM
Last train
4:02 PM
Cheapest Month
Jul
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
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 $67 (€55)

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

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Cruz, CA to Bakersfield, 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 Bakersfield, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Santa Cruz, CA to Bakersfield, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $83 (€68), while the average price is around $83 (€68).
The train from Santa Cruz, CA to Bakersfield, CA takes 10h 40m and runs 2 per day.
The first train from Santa Cruz, CA to Bakersfield, CA leaves at 4:12 AM.
The distance by train from Santa Cruz, CA to Bakersfield, CA is 201 miles (324 km).
The last train from Santa Cruz, CA to Bakersfield, CA leaves at 4:02 PM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Santa Cruz, CA to Bakersfield, CA.
The cheapest way to get from Santa Cruz, CA to Bakersfield, CA is by bus, with a cost of around $67 (€55).
The train journey from Santa Cruz, CA to Bakersfield, CA offers scenic views, particularly along the coast and through the rolling hills and valleys of California. Passengers can enjoy picturesque landscapes, including ocean vistas, farmlands, and mountain ranges, making it a visually appealing route.
A day trip from Santa Cruz, CA to Bakersfield, CA is not feasible as the journey takes 10h 40m one way, and trains run only once per day. The distance is 201 miles (324 km).
In Bakersfield, CA, visitors can explore the vibrant downtown area with its eclectic mix of shops, restaurants, and entertainment venues. Attend a live performance at the historic Fox Theater or enjoy hiking and biking at the Panorama Vista Preserve. Discover fascinating exhibits at the Buena Vista Museum of Natural History & Science and experience local flavors at the Bakersfield Farmers Market. Top sights include the Kern County Museum, Buck Owens' Crystal Palace, California Living Museum, Bakersfield Museum of Art, and Hart Memorial Park.
Two to three days are ideal to explore Bakersfield, CA, allowing time to visit popular attractions like the Kern County Museum, California Living Museum, and enjoy local cuisine.
No, you cannot take the train from Santa Cruz, CA to Bakersfield, CA.
Since neither Santa Cruz, CA nor Bakersfield, CA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Bakersfield, CA include Fresno, CA, Hanford, CA, Wasco, CA, Corcoran, CA, Lemoore, CA.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
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 Bakersfield, CA, travelers should remain cautious of petty theft and vehicle break-ins, especially in crowded areas and parking lots. Scams involving fake ticket sales or unauthorized transportation services can occur, so purchasing tickets only through official vendors is advised. It’s also important to stay aware of surroundings at night and avoid poorly lit or isolated areas for safety.
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.

popular train stations

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

Most Santa Cruz, CA to Bakersfield, CA trains use the Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center to Bakersfield Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Santa Cruz, CA and Bakersfield, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Santa Cruz
Arrival train stations in Bakersfield

Which Santa Cruz, CA station do trains to Bakersfield, CA leave from?

Trains from Santa Cruz, CA to Bakersfield, CA leave from Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from Santa Cruz, CA city centre at Santa Cruz, CA, USA.
Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro CenterSanta Cruz, CA, USAWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
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.

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

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

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Bakersfield, CASanta Cruz, CA to Bakersfield, CA train

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