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Cheap train tickets from Santa Cruz to Reno

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

Trip Summary

There is one daily train from Santa Cruz to Reno. Travelling by train from Santa Cruz to Reno usually takes 17 hours and 6 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 8 hours and 55 minutes.

Distance
214 mi (344 km)
Fastest train
8h 55m
Lowest price
RON 458.77
Trains per day
1
Most frequent service
Amtrak
Train lines
1

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Santa Cruz to Reno Train Timetable

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

See more details

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

In the last month, train tickets from Santa Cruz to Reno cost about RON 459 when booked at the cheapest time. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 9 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around RON 106.95 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

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

RON 585RON 390RON 195NovNov

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Santa Cruz to Reno will cost between RON 454 and RON 583. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Santa Cruz to Reno by month

RON 500RON 400RON 300RON 200RON 100JFMAMJJASOND

Taking the train from Santa Cruz to Reno usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around RON 459 whenever you decide to travel.

Prices as travel date approaches

RON 575RON 460RON 345RON 230RON 1150

The price of train trips from Santa Cruz to Reno doesn't fluctuate much throughout the year, so you don’t need to book your tickets super far in advance. However, to avoid last-minute price surges or sold-out tickets, we recommend purchasing your train tickets at least 48 hours before departure.

Which train should you take from Santa Cruz to Reno?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Santa Cruz to Reno. 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.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak117h 6mRON 538.69

  • 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 toilet, free WiFi and power sockets 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 Cruz to Reno every day, as well as 1 trip at the weekends, with prices starting from RON 458.77.

    Amtrak train passing through mountains, offering affordable train tickets for scenic rail travel - WanderuModern Amtrak train at a station, providing cheap train travel and convenient Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak train speeding through scenic fall foliage, featuring cheap train tickets for long-distance trips - WanderuInterior view of a table in the dining car of an Amtrak train - WanderuInterior view of the dining car on an Amtrak train. Find affordable train tickets on - WanderuClean and spacious Amtrak bathroom, offering convenience and comfort for passengers during long train journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak power outlet for charging devices, providing convenience for passengers during affordable travel with cheap train tickets - WanderuComfortable Amtrak seats with ample legroom, ideal for relaxing during long journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuSpacious Amtrak seats with reclining options, offering comfort and convenience for passengers on affordable train travel - WanderuAmtrak viewing car seats with large windows, offering panoramic views and comfort for passengers enjoying scenic routes with affordable train tickets - Wanderu

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

While the train is the main method of transport from Santa Cruz to Reno, 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 coach 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 hand 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 Reno to Santa Cruz.

Trains per day

1

Direct trains

0

The distance between Santa Cruz and Reno is approximately 214 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 17 hours and 6 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 8 hours and 55 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 patchy signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and films to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.

Distance (mi)

214

Distance (km)

344

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Santa Cruz at 5:00 and arrives in Reno around 8 hours later.

First train

5:00am

Last train

2:10pm

Trains from Santa Cruz to Reno are the most crowded on Monday. 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Monday

Least crowded

Tuesday

City Information

Reno

RNO-0RNO-1RNO-2

Dazzling with neon lights and bustling through the night, Reno is a great destination for those seeking top-class entertainment. Though considerably outshined by Las Vegas, Reno still brings unique attractions to the table. Among the most notable destinations for non-gamblers is an independent art scene down at Riverwalk, where indie galleries as well as restaurants abound. Fans of the great outdoors should not miss out on nearby Lake Tahoe, which stands among the most beautiful holiday destinations in the country.

At its core, Reno is still a city for gamblers, and it certainly does not disappoint. Slot machines, table games and cabaret shows are available at the local casinos, ready to tempt risk-takers who wish to court Lady Luck.

Right in the heart of downtown Reno, you will find the Reno Amtrak station from where you can take a train to Northern California and beyond. The local Reno-Tahoe International Airport is located outside of the city and it provides quick access to international flight routes. The main bus stop that serves Reno is also located at the airport.

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 Reno?

Main arrival station: Reno Amtrak Train Station

280 N Center St - RNOAMT-0280 N Center St - RNOAMT-1280 N Center St - RNOAMT-2

The Amtrak Station in Reno is one of the main travel hubs in the city and opened in 1868. Located on North Center St, the station is surrounded by the casinos, restaurants, and hotels which put Reno on the map. Due to its downtown location, the station waiting area and the train tracks are actually placed below ground level. The California Zephyr train line passes through this station on its route from Chicago to Emeryville as well as Amtrak Thruway coaches which connect to Sacramento.

Train stations in Reno:

  • Reno Amtrak Train Station

Need a return trip from Reno to Santa Cruz?

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