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Trip Summary
6 trains operate daily from Hayward to Santa Cruz. The train trip from Hayward to Santa Cruz is usually about 2 hours and 25 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 2 hours and 7 minutes.
| Distance | 48 mi (77 km) |
| Fastest train | 2h 7m |
| Lowest price | US$23.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Hayward to Santa Cruz?
Over the past month, a train ticket between Hayward and Santa Cruz cost US$23.00, on average. This is about as cheap as train fares get on this route. Booking your trip at least 3 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around US$0.15 more.
Average prices by travel date
The average daily price of train tickets from Hayward to Santa Cruz is expected to stay consistent at around US$23 in the upcoming month.
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
Since ticket prices on this route stay pretty consistent, you don’t need to book way in advance. However, we recommend buying your train ticket to Santa Cruz at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure to prevent any unpleasant surprises, like last-minute surges in price or sold-out tickets.
Which train should you take from Hayward to Santa Cruz?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Hayward to Santa Cruz. However, there are 6 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 6 | 2h 25m | US$23.17 |
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 6 Amtrak trains from Hayward to Santa Cruz every day, as well as 7 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from US$23.
Frequently Asked Questions
Monday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Hayward to Santa Cruz. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Monday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Friday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Hayward at 06:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 19:00. 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 6 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 Hayward.
City Information
Station Information
Where is the train station in Hayward?
Main departure station: 22555 Meekland Ave
There is one train station in Hayward.
All train stations in Hayward:
22555 Meekland Ave
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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