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Trip Summary
There is usually just one train option from Santa Ana to Santa Cruz per day. The average train journey from Santa Ana to Santa Cruz takes 13 hours and 54 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 13 hours and 4 minutes.
| Distance | 324 mi (521 km) |
| Fastest train | 13h 4m |
| Lowest price | €62.20 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Santa Ana to Santa Cruz?
The average price for a train ticket from Santa Ana to Santa Cruz is €62.20, By booking your trip at least 22 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay €6.60 more.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from Santa Ana to Santa Cruz often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in April when the average ticket price is only €66,
If you're thinking of traveling from Santa Ana to Santa Cruz during September, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of €119 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in September, is to book your trip well in advance.
Which train should you take from Santa Ana to Santa Cruz?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Santa Ana 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.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 13h 54m | €67.90 |
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 Ana to Santa Cruz every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €62.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Santa Ana and Santa Cruz is approximately 324 miles, or 521 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 13 hours and 54 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 13 hours and 4 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 Ana to Santa Cruz are the most crowded on Saturday. 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Santa Ana at 23:00 and arrives in Santa Cruz around 13 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 Santa Cruz to Santa Ana.
City Information
Santa Ana
Image credit: Unsplash
Santa Ana is a sunny city in Orange County located between Anaheim and Irvine in the greater Los Angeles area. Downtown Santa Ana bustles with independent breweries, diverse restaurants, unique retail shops, weekly pop-up markets, and art centers. This lively downtown area, in addition to Santa Ana's live-work housing and creative working spaces, make it attractive to young professionals.
One of the most popular spots for visitors is the Santa Ana Zoo, where little ones can enjoy a carousel and mini-train ride along with the animal exhibits. Architecture enthusiasts will love seeing the Bowers Museum, built in a Mission Revival style, and the Heritage Museum, which has restored homes from the 1890s.
The Orange County Transportation Authority and several shuttle services provide transit within Santa Ana. Santa Ana is easily accessible from over 20 other cities by Amtrak Thruway bus or on the Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train. The primary airport for Orange County, John Wayne Airport, is located in Santa Ana and also makes it easy to travel to this vibrant SoCal spot.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Santa Ana?
Main departure station: Reg Transp Ctr - 1000 E Santa Ana Blvd
There is one train station in Santa Ana.
All train stations in Santa Ana:
Reg Transp Ctr - 1000 E Santa Ana Blvd
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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