Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA train with Amtrak

Thu, May 07
+ Add return
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
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 Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA

Showing times and prices for May 07

Cheapest price

$104

Average price

$121

Fastest journey

12 h 40 m

Average duration

12 h 53 m

Trains per day

4

Distance

472 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA will cost around $121 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $104.

Fast trains

Of the 4 trains that leave Santa Cruz, CA for Los Angeles, CA on Thu, May 07, 4 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, May 07 the direct trains cover the 472 km distance in an average of 12 h 53 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 12 h 40 m .

On Thu, May 07 the slowest trains will take 13 h 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
    9:25 PM13h00
    Santa Cruz, CA
    10:25 AMLos Angeles, CA
    $1041One-way
    0 transfers
  • Amtrak
    9:20 PM12h55
    Santa Cruz, CA
    10:15 AMLos Angeles, CA
    $1051One-way
    0 transfers
  • Amtrak
    9:45 PM12h40
    Santa Cruz, CA
    10:25 AMLos Angeles, CA
    $1181One-way
    0 transfers
  • Amtrak
    4:15 PM12h56
    Santa Cruz, CA
    5:11 AMLos Angeles, CA
    $1561One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $88. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 10h 36m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $88, and a flight costs an average of $407.

Distance: 293 miles (472 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Bus

$149

Average price

$662

Average price

$115

Average price

Cheapest

11h 45m

Average total duration

11h 15m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

24h 35m

Average total duration

21h 35m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

11h 6m

Average total duration

Fastest

10h 36m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA train times

The table below shows live departures for Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA trains for today, Wednesday, May 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak9:20 PM Santa Cruz, CA
12h55
10:15 AM Los Angeles, CA0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA by bus, train, or flight

Compare bus, train, and flight 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
May 07
Fri
May 08
Sat
May 09
Sun
May 10
Mon
May 11
Tue
May 12
Wed
May 13

Journey information

Overview: Train from Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA

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Icon of train

Trains from Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 11h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $103 (€83) but you can travel from only $88 (€71) by bus.

The earliest train runs at 01:00, the last at 20:37. The fastest train covers the 293 miles (472 km) distance in 12h 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 $88 (€71)
Distance
293 miles (472 km)
Average train duration
11h 15m
Cheapest ticket price
$103 (€83)
Trains per day
2
Fastest train
12h 40m
First train
1:00 AM
Last train
8:37 PM
Cheapest Month
Aug
Cheapest Day
Wed
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Best time to book
35 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $88 (€71)

Train companies: Amtrak from Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Santa Cruz, CA and Los Angeles, CA from $88 (€71). 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
11h 5m
Cheapest Price
$88 (€71)
Amtrak frequency
2 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 Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA

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

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $103 (€83), while the average price is around $149 (€119).
The train from Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA takes 12h 40m and runs 2 per day.
The first train from Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA leaves at 1:00 AM.
The distance by train from Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA is 293 miles (472 km).
The last train from Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA leaves at 8:37 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA.
There is no direct train service currently available from Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA.
The cheapest way to get from Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA is by bus, with a cost of around $88 (€71).
The train journey from Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA offers scenic views as it travels along the Pacific Coast, showcasing ocean vistas, rolling hills, and charming coastal towns.
A day trip from Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA is not feasible as the journey takes 12h 40m. Trains operate 3 times per day over a distance of 293 miles (472 km).
In Los Angeles, CA, you can explore Venice Beach Boardwalk with its eclectic shops and street performers, visit the historic El Capitan Theatre for a classic movie experience, or take a scenic hike in Runyon Canyon Park for panoramic city views. Enjoy a live performance at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, or discover unique exhibits at the Natural History Museum of Los Angeles County. Best sights include the Griffith Observatory for stunning city views and astronomy exhibits, The Getty Center for art and gardens, the historic Santa Monica Pier, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) with its diverse collections.
To fully experience Los Angeles, CA, it's ideal to spend at least 3 to 5 days. This allows time to visit popular attractions like Hollywood, Santa Monica, and the Getty Center, while also exploring the city's diverse neighborhoods and cultural offerings.
Yes, you can take the train from Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA.
Since neither Santa Cruz, CA nor Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA include Anaheim, CA, Irvine, CA, Carlsbad, CA, Santa Ana, CA, Fullerton, CA.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA among Omio's users.
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 Los Angeles, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins, especially in crowded or tourist-heavy areas like Hollywood and Venice Beach. Common scams include fake ticket vendors near popular attractions and overcharging by unlicensed ride services. It's important to use official transportation options, stay aware of surroundings, and avoid sharing personal information with strangers to stay safe.
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 Los Angeles, CA

Santa Cruz
Los Angeles
The major train station for departures in Santa Cruz is Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center for your trip from Santa Cruz to Los Angeles.
Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center
information

More options for your journey from Santa Cruz, CA to Los Angeles, CA

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