Cheap train tickets from Santa Ana to Santa Cruz

Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.

Trip Summary

There is one daily train from Santa Ana to Santa Cruz. Travelling by train from Santa Ana to Santa Cruz usually takes 13 hours and 1 minute, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 12 hours and 46 minutes.

Distance: 324 mi (521 km)
Fastest train: 12h 46m
Lowest price: CHF 73.49
Trains per day: 1
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 1

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Santa Ana to Santa Cruz Train Schedule

There are several train options that can take you from Santa Ana to Santa Cruz:

Amtrak tickets: CHF 73 one-way

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What is the price of a train ticket from Santa Ana to Santa Cruz?

In the last month, train tickets from Santa Ana to Santa Cruz cost about CHF 73 when booked at the cheapest time. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 2 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CHF 6.68 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Santa Ana to Santa Cruz by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Santa Ana to Santa Cruz will cost between CHF 73 and CHF 80. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Santa Ana to Santa Cruz by month

Ticket prices for the train from Santa Ana to Santa Cruz often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in August when the average ticket price is only CHF 70. If you're thinking of travelling from Santa Ana to Santa Cruz during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CHF 78 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

By booking your train trip from Santa Ana to Santa Cruz on Wanderu at least 2 days ahead of time, you can save about CHF 6.68 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Santa Ana to Santa Cruz?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Santa Ana to Santa Cruz. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	1	13h 1m	CHF 76.62

Amtrak is the largest passenger railway 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 washroom, 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 is 1 Amtrak train from Santa Ana to Santa Cruz every day, as well as 1 trip on the weekends, with prices starting from CHF 73.49.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Santa Ana to Santa Cruz

While the train is the main method of transportation from Santa Ana to Santa Cruz, it will only take you part of the way there. Please note that part of your trip will be on a different vehicle, most commonly a bus or express shuttle.

Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you transfer trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, 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 Santa Ana.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Santa Ana and Santa Cruz is approximately 521 kilometres. The average train journey between these two cities takes 13 hours and 1 minute, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 12 hours and 46 minutes. 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.

Distance (mi)

324

Distance (km)

521

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Santa Ana at 12:15 a.m. and arrives in Santa Cruz around 12 hours later.

First train

12:15am

Last train

12:20am

Trains from Santa Ana to Santa Cruz are the most crowded on Wednesday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider travelling on Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Wednesday

Least crowded

Sunday

City Information

Santa Ana

Santa Ana is a sunny city in Orange County located between Anaheim and Irvine in the greater Los Angeles area. Downtown Santa Ana bustles with independent breweries, diverse restaurants, unique retail shops, weekly pop-up markets, and art centres. This lively downtown area, in addition to Santa Ana's live-work housing and creative working spaces, make it attractive to young professionals.

One of the most popular spots for visitors is the Santa Ana Zoo, where little ones can enjoy a carousel and mini-train ride along with the animal exhibits. Architecture enthusiasts will love seeing the Bowers Museum, built in a Mission Revival style, and the Heritage Museum, which has restored homes from the 1890s.

The Orange County Transportation Authority and several shuttle services provide transit within Santa Ana. Santa Ana is easily accessible from over 20 other cities by Amtrak Thruway bus or on the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train. The primary airport for Orange County, John Wayne Airport, is located in Santa Ana and also makes it easy to travel to this vibrant SoCal spot.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Santa Ana?

Main departure station: Reg Transp Ctr - 1000 E Santa Ana Blvd

There is one train station in Santa Ana.

All train stations in Santa Ana:

Reg Transp Ctr - 1000 E Santa Ana Blvd

Where is the train station in Santa Cruz?

Main arrival station: Santa Cruz, California

Santa Cruz has one train station.

All train stations in Santa Cruz:

Santa Cruz, California

Need a return trip from Santa Cruz to Santa Ana?

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