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Trip Summary
There are 3 daily trains from Modesto to Santa Cruz. Traveling by train from Modesto to Santa Cruz usually takes around 4 hours and 43 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 3 hours and 45 minutes.
| Distance | 73 mi (118 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 45m |
| Lowest price | £20.12 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Modesto to Santa Cruz?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Modesto to Santa Cruz was £20.32. This is a fantastic deal for train travel. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Santa Cruz if you book your train tickets at least 27 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra £2.45.
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
The average price of train tickets from Modesto to Santa Cruz is pretty stable year-round. However, we still suggest buying your train tickets at least 48 hours prior to departure to avoid unexpected price hikes and the possibility of the train being sold out.
Which train should you take from Modesto to Santa Cruz?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Modesto to Santa Cruz. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 4h 43m | £22.38 |
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 Modesto to Santa Cruz every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £20.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Modesto and Santa Cruz is approximately 73 miles, or 118 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 43 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 45 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 departing from Modesto to Santa Cruz tend to have the most passengers on Monday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Monday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Wednesday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
The earliest train departs Modesto at 08:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 16:00. 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 Modesto.
City Information
Modesto
Image credit: Tom Hilton
Link to image attributionModesto is a city in Central Valley, California. The city is known for its large agricultural industry and number of museums. Modesto is home to museums, natural history sites, and planetariums, like the Great Valley Museum and McHenry Museum. It also has different amusement and recreational centers offering playgrounds, rides, go-cart, and more, like Funworks Modesto and Graceada Park. As for nature lovers, Modesto features places for sports, hiking, camping, fishing, and picnics, like Jacob Myers Park and Ceres River Bluff Regional Park. The city is also a fun place for arts with the Graffiti Summer and the Gallo Center for the Arts.
The CA city is ideal for all craft beer and wine lovers, as it has several breweries and wineries to visit. Modesto also has a vibrant nightlife, with different nightclubs, lounges, bars, and restaurants, and is always brimming with pool parties, trance festivals, DJ nights, and more. Downtown Modesto has become a vibrant place for shopping, dining, and parties.
Modesto features several train and bus lines for those in and around the city. The city is easily accessible by Amtrak and Amtrak San Joaquins for trains, while Tufesa Plus offers bus services. The City of Modesto Transit Services powers the city's transportation.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Modesto?
Main departure station: 1700 Held Dr
There is one train station in Modesto.
All train stations in Modesto:
1700 Held Dr
Where is the train station in Santa Cruz?
Main arrival station: Santa Cruz, California
Santa Cruz has one train station.
Train stations in Santa Cruz:
Santa Cruz, California
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