Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Cruz, CA train

Wed, May 27
+ Add return
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
ÖBB
2,000+ travel companies
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
ÖBB
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Cruz, CA

Showing times and prices for May 27

Cheapest price

$39

Average price

$39

Fastest journey

3 h 45 m

Average duration

3 h 45 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

104 km

Cheap tickets

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

The average ticket from Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Cruz, CA will cost around $39 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Walnut Creek, CA for Santa Cruz, CA on Wed, May 27, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Wed, May 27 the direct trains cover the 104 km distance in an average of 3 h 45 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 45 m .

On Wed, May 27 the slowest trains will take 3 h 45 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
    1:21 PM3h45
    Walnut Creek, CA
    5:06 PMSanta Cruz, CA
    $391One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train for Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Cruz, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Cruz, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $36. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 12m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $36, and a train costs an average of $36.

Distance: 64 miles (104 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Driving

$37

Average price

Cheapest

$16

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

4h 42m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 12m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

1h 22m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Cruz, CA is a train with an average price of $37 (€30).
The fastest way to travel from Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Cruz, CA is by train with an average journey time of 4h 12m.
Yes, you can take a train between Walnut Creek, CA and Santa Cruz, CA.
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 $37 (€30) compared to roughly $16 (€13) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-21.70 (€-17.51). The journey takes 4h 12m versus 1h 22m 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 Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Cruz, CA by train

Compare 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.

Wed
May 27
Thu
May 28
Fri
May 29
Sat
May 30
Sun
May 31
Mon
Jun 01
Tue
Jun 02

Journey information

Overview: Train from Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Cruz, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Cruz, CA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 4h 12m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $36 (€29) if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 04:55, the last at 18:15. The fastest train covers the 64 miles (104 km) distance in 3h 45m.

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
64 miles (104 km)
Average train duration
4h 12m
Cheapest ticket price
$36 (€29)
Trains per day
6
Fastest train
3h 45m
First train
4:55 AM
Last train
6:15 PM
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jan - Mar
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

FAQs: Trains from Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Cruz, CA

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

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Cruz, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $36 (€29), while the average price is around $37 (€30).
The train from Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Cruz, CA takes 3h 45m and runs 6 per day.
The distance by train from Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Cruz, CA is 64 miles (104 km).
The first train from Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Cruz, CA leaves at 4:55 AM.
The last train from Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Cruz, CA leaves at 6:15 PM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Cruz, CA.
The cheapest way to get from Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Cruz, CA is by train, with a cost of around $36 (€29).
The train journey from Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Cruz, CA is not directly available, as it requires a combination of train and bus services. However, the route primarily follows highways and urban areas, offering limited scenic views compared to other Californian routes known for their natural beauty.
For a fulfilling visit to Santa Cruz, CA, plan to spend at least 2 to 3 days. This allows enough time to explore the beaches, visit the Santa Cruz Beach Boardwalk, and enjoy nearby attractions like the Monterey Bay National Marine Sanctuary.
No, you cannot take the train from Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Cruz, CA.
Since neither Walnut Creek, CA nor Santa Cruz, 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.
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 Santa Cruz, CA, travelers should be cautious of petty theft, especially in crowded areas like the beach and downtown. Car break-ins and bike thefts are common, so it's important to secure belongings and vehicles. Additionally, some travelers report scams involving overcharging by unofficial taxi or ride-share drivers. Staying aware of surroundings and using reputable transportation services can help ensure a safe visit.
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 Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Cruz, CA

Walnut Creek
Santa Cruz
Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center
information

More options for your journey from Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Cruz, CA

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Most popular trains to and from Santa Cruz, CA and Walnut Creek, CA

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