Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, CA train

Sun, Sep 20
+ 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 San Francisco, CA

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 26

Cheapest price on Sep 26

$30

Average ticket price on Sep 26

$31

Fastest journey on Sep 26

3 h 4 m

Average journey duration on Sep 26

3 h 4 m

Trains on Sep 26

2

Distance

95 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, CA will cost around $31 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $30.

Fast trains

On Sat, Sep 26, we found 2 trains from Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, CA, including 2 direct services.

On Sat, Sep 26 the direct trains cover the 95 km distance in an average of 3 h 4 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 4 m .

On Sat, Sep 26 the slowest trains will take 3 h 4 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
    2:15 AM3h04
    Santa Cruz, CA
    5:19 AMSan Francisco, CA
    $301One-way
    0 transfers
  • Amtrak
    1:15 AM3h04
    Santa Cruz, CA
    4:19 AMSan Francisco, CA
    $321One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus and train for Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users.

Distance: 59 miles (95 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

$16

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

1h 22m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, CA train times

The table below shows live departures for Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, CA trains for tomorrow, Sunday, September 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Amtrak1:15 AM Santa Cruz, CA
3h04
4:19 AM San Francisco, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak2:15 AM Santa Cruz, CA
3h04
5:19 AM San Francisco, 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 San Francisco, 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
Sep 20
Mon
Sep 21
Tue
Sep 22
Wed
Sep 23
Thu
Sep 24
Fri
Sep 25
Sat
Sep 26

Journey information

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

USAUSA
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Icon of train

Take a train from Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, 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 20:43.

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
8:43 PM
Cheapest Month
Sep
Cheapest Day
Fri
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Best time to book
49 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 San Francisco, CA

Things to do in San Francisco, CA

Discover the best of San Francisco, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Francisco, CA trip today.

  • Must visit

California Academy of Sciences

Renowned science museum with rainforest dome, aquarium, and planetarium. Interactive exhibits make it a standout for all ages.

  • Must visit

de Young Museum

Major fine arts museum in Golden Gate Park with American art, textiles, and a panoramic tower. A classic cultural highlight.

  • Must visit

San Francisco Museum of Modern Art

Leading modern and contemporary art museum with landmark architecture and strong global collections. Essential for art-focused visitors.

US Dollar ($)

Very high hotel, dining, and transport costs make San Francisco pricier than most US cities and many major tourist destinations.

Average meal costs

Budget
$12-20 for fast food or casual takeout.
Mid-range
$25-45 per person for a restaurant meal.
Fine dining
$90+ per person for upscale dining.
Coffee
$4-7 for coffee or cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis, and round up or tip $1 at cafes for good service.

FAQs: Trains from Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, CA

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

FAQs

popular train stations

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

Most Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, CA trains use the Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center to Emeryville Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Santa Cruz, CA and San Francisco, 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 San Francisco

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

Trains from Santa Cruz, CA to San Francisco, 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.

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to San Francisco, CASanta Cruz, CA to San Francisco, CA train

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