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Trip Summary
There are 3 daily trains from Denair to Santa Cruz. Traveling by train from Denair to Santa Cruz usually takes around 5 hours and 4 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 4 hours and 1 minute.
Distance | 78 mi (125 km) |
Fastest train | 4h 1m |
Lowest price | $36.39 |
Most frequent service | Amtrak |
Train lines | 1 |
Price trends for trains from Denair to Santa Cruz
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
Which train should you take from Denair to Santa Cruz?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Denair to Santa Cruz. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.
Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
---|---|---|---|
Amtrak | 3 | 5h 5m | $36.70 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 3 Amtrak trains from Denair to Santa Cruz every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $36.
Frequently Asked Questions
Our train partners have implemented several different policies to keep you safe during the COVID-19 pandemic. From limiting vehicle capacity to enhancing cleaning protocols and upgrading air filters, train carriers are committed to maintaining a safe environment. For details on what each company is doing to ensure their fleet remains safe for travel, click here.
Although masks are no longer required on public transportation, we stand behind CDC guidelines that encourage passengers to wear a mask over their nose and mouth while on the train or in stations.
Please visit our COVID-19 Travel Guide for more information on all carrier policies and the latest travel advisories issued by every U.S. state, Canadian province, and European country.
The distance between Denair and Santa Cruz is approximately 78 miles, or 125 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 4 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 1 minute.
Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Denair to Santa Cruz on Monday. Tickets for Monday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Saturday. Saturday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Denair at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 3:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 3 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Santa Cruz to Denair.
City Information
Denair

Image credit: Unsplash
Denair is a small town between Modesto and Merced on the Amtrak San Joaquins route. Many of the restaurants, shops, and amenities are in the neighboring town of Turlock, and you won't find chain restaurants in this quiet, friendly community. Instead, you can find local favorites like Riveras Crazy Snacks, Denair Donuts, and the El Jidalguense taco truck when hunger strikes.
Plus, since you're in the agricultural embrace of central California, there is no shortage of foodie experiences in the area around Denair and Turlock. Bring an appetite to Resendiz Family Fruit Barn, where you can sample fresh fruit, baked goods, and to-die-for smoothies. Meet the local chicks at Hen and Harvest Farm, open in Turlock on Sundays.
There is also plenty of outdoor adventure in Stanislaus County. Turlock Lake State Recreation Area is just one of central California's gorgeous spots to go boating or camping. A little further west, you'll find Don Pedro Lake in the foothills of the Sierra Nevadas.
Thanks to the San Joaquins trains that stop in Denair each day, it's easy to reach the San Francisco Bay Area, Sacramento, or Bakersfield within a few hours. Plus, it's a straight shot on the train from Denair to Merced, one of the main gateways to Yosemite National Park. Although Denair does not have intercity bus service, Greyhound runs several routes to its neighbor, Turlock.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Denair?
Main departure station: 3800 Santa Fe Ave
There is one train station in Denair.
All train stations in Denair:
3800 Santa Fe Ave
Where is the train station in Santa Cruz?
Main arrival station: Metro Center - 920 Pacific Ave
Santa Cruz has one train station.
Train stations in Santa Cruz:
Metro Center - 920 Pacific Ave
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