The cheapest and fastest trains from Santa Cruz, CA to Bakersfield, CA
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
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.
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.
8:25 PM10h40Santa Cruz, CA7:05 AMBakersfield, CA$831One-way0 transfers
8:25 PM10h40Santa Cruz, CA7:05 AMBakersfield, CA$831One-way0 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 |
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).
Other travel options to Bakersfield, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 10h 40m.
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.
Aug 06
Aug 07
Aug 08
Aug 09
Aug 10
Aug 11
Aug 12
Journey information
Overview: Train from Santa Cruz, CA to Bakersfield, CA
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.
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 |
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.

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.
Which Santa Cruz, CA station do trains to Bakersfield, CA leave from?
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.
Which Bakersfield, CA station do trains from Santa Cruz, CA arrive at?
Getting to Bakersfield Station from Bakersfield city centre
Bakersfield Station is 1 km from Bakersfield city centre. Public transport options include:
Bakersfield Station train station facilities and services
Bakersfield Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: 24th Street Cafe, Wool Growers Restaurant
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Bakersfield Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Bakersfield Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Bakersfield Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Bakersfield Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Bakersfield Station: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Padre Hotel, Marriott Bakersfield.
More options for your journey from Santa Cruz, CA to Bakersfield, CA
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