- Must visit
California Academy of Sciences
Renowned science museum with rainforest dome, aquarium, and planetarium. Interactive exhibits make it a standout for all ages.
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
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.
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.




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)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$16 Average price (fuel + tolls) | ||
1h 22m Average total duration (door-to-door) | ||
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:15 AM Santa Cruz, CA | 3h04 | 4:19 AM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:15 AM Santa Cruz, CA | 3h04 | 5:19 AM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
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.
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 |
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.
Renowned science museum with rainforest dome, aquarium, and planetarium. Interactive exhibits make it a standout for all ages.
Major fine arts museum in Golden Gate Park with American art, textiles, and a panoramic tower. A classic cultural highlight.
Leading modern and contemporary art museum with landmark architecture and strong global collections. Essential for art-focused visitors.
Large urban park with gardens, lakes, museums, and trails. It is a must for relaxing, walking, and seeing several major attractions.
Steeply curving block lined with flowers and grand homes. This famous street offers classic photos and a quintessential San Francisco scene.
Popular waterfront promenade with bay views, piers, and ferries. Great for walking, people-watching, and connecting to nearby sights.
A crusty loaf with a tangy flavor shaped by the city’s historic wild yeast culture. It is one of San Francisco’s most iconic foods.
Fresh local Dungeness crab, often cracked and served simply or in cioppino. It is a Bay Area seasonal specialty tied to the fishing waterfront.
A tomato-based seafood stew created by Italian American fishermen in North Beach. It is a classic San Francisco dish built from the day’s catch.
Celebrated fine dining destination known for inventive tasting menus and polished service in an elegant, intimate setting.
Historic North Beach seafood house famous for cioppino, crab, and old-school San Francisco waterfront charm.
Legendary Mission taqueria known for large Mission-style burritos and a lively, no-frills local atmosphere.
Very high hotel, dining, and transport costs make San Francisco pricier than most US cities and many major tourist destinations.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis, and round up or tip $1 at cafes for good service.
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.

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.
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 options include: Food court with various options available.
Free WiFi available throughout the station. ATMs are several ATMs available near ticket counters.
Ticket office support is available at Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center.
Available at Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center: Station is fully accessible with ramps and elevators.
San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank) is 2 km from San Francisco city centre. Public transport options include:
San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank) has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Restaurants are accessible in the vicinity.
WiFi available at surrounding public areas. ATMs are aTMs available in nearby buildings.
Ticket office support is available at San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank).
Available at San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank): Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank): Station is accessible to individuals with disabilities.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need