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Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Santa Cruz to Oceanside. Traveling by train from Santa Cruz to Oceanside usually takes around 15 hours and 42 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
Distance | 370 mi (596 km) |
Fastest train | 15h 42m |
Lowest price | $164.26 |
Most frequent service | Amtrak |
Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Santa Cruz to Oceanside?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Santa Cruz to Oceanside. 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 | 15h 42m | $164.26 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from Santa Cruz to Oceanside every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $164.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Santa Cruz and Oceanside is approximately 370 miles, or 596 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 15 hours and 42 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.
Trains from Santa Cruz to Oceanside are the most crowded on Thursday. 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 traveling on Friday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Santa Cruz at 8:00pm and arrives in Oceanside around 15 hours later.
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 Oceanside to Santa Cruz.
City Information
Oceanside
Oceanside is a beautiful coastal city in Southern California, best known for its lovely beaches and stunning ocean views. Visitors can enjoy plenty of outdoor activities such as swimming, sunbathing, surfing, fishing, and more.
There are also many great points of interest worth checking out, including the Oceanside Pier, which offers stunning views of the Pacific Ocean. Also, don't miss the Oceanside Museum of Art, which houses a collection of art from across the globe. Other attractions include Mission San Luis Rey and the California Surf Museum.
The city also boasts a variety of popular neighborhoods and nightlife destinations, like Downtown Oceanside or Coastal Highway, which are home to several bars and restaurants, and The Strand, which offers a vibrant nightlife scene.
Most ground travel to Oceanside operates through the Oceanside Transit Center. Here, Metrolink trains and local buses connect to Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner route and intercity bus lines like Greyhound. The nearest airport is the McClellan-Palomar Airport, about 3 miles away from the center of Oceanside.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Santa Cruz?
Main departure station: Santa Cruz, California
There is one train station in Santa Cruz.
All train stations in Santa Cruz:
Santa Cruz, California
Where is the train station in Oceanside?
Main arrival station: Oceanside Transit Center
Oceanside has one train station.
Train stations in Oceanside:
Oceanside Transit Center
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- Train Tickets
- United States
- California
- Oceanside
- Santa Cruz to Oceanside