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Cheap train tickets from Reno to Santa Cruz

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

Trip Summary

There is one daily train from Reno to Santa Cruz. Travelling by train from Reno to Santa Cruz usually takes 14 hours and 33 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 8 hours and 39 minutes.

Distance
214 mi (344 km)
Fastest train
8h 39m
Lowest price
RON 458.77
Trains per day
1
Most frequent service
Amtrak
Train lines
1

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Reno to Santa Cruz Train Timetable

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

See more details

Price trends for trains from Reno to Santa Cruz

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

RON 465RON 310RON 155NovNov

Average train ticket prices from Reno to Santa Cruz by month

RON 525RON 420RON 315RON 210RON 105JFMAMJJASOND

Prices as travel date approaches

RON 475RON 380RON 285RON 190RON 950

Which train should you take from Reno to Santa Cruz?

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

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak114h 33mRON 458.77

  • 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 Reno to Santa Cruz every day, as well as 2 trips 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 Reno to Santa Cruz

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

Trains per day

1

Direct trains

0

The distance between Reno and Santa Cruz is approximately 214 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 14 hours and 33 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 8 hours and 39 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 Reno at 7:45 and arrives in Santa Cruz around 8 hours later.

First train

7:45am

Last train

2:30pm

Trains from Reno to Santa Cruz are the most crowded on Friday. 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

Friday

Least crowded

Sunday

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 Reno?

Main departure 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.

All train stations in Reno:

  • Reno Amtrak Train Station

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

Need a return trip from Santa Cruz to Reno?

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