Cheap train tickets from Bakersfield to Santa Cruz
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 5 daily train trips available from Bakersfield to Santa Cruz. Traveling by train from Bakersfield to Santa Cruz usually takes 9 hours and 14 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 7 hours and 30 minutes.
| Distance | 201 mi (324 km) |
| Fastest train | 7h 30m |
| Lowest price | $59.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Bakersfield to Santa Cruz Train Schedule
There are several train options that can take you from Bakersfield to Santa Cruz:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Bakersfield to Santa Cruz?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Bakersfield to Santa Cruz was $61.97. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 8 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $1.31 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Bakersfield to Santa Cruz by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Bakersfield to Santa Cruz will cost between $62 and $69. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Bakersfield to Santa Cruz by month
Ticket prices for the train from Bakersfield to Santa Cruz often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in June when the average ticket price is only $62. If you're thinking of traveling from Bakersfield to Santa Cruz during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $67 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Bakersfield to Santa Cruz on Wanderu at least 8 days ahead of time, you can save about $1.31 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Bakersfield to Santa Cruz?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Bakersfield to Santa Cruz. However, there are 5 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 5 | 9h 14m | $62.55 |
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 5 Amtrak trains from Bakersfield to Santa Cruz every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $59.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Bakersfield to Santa Cruz
The distance between Bakersfield and Santa Cruz is approximately 201 miles, or 324 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 14 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 7 hours and 30 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.
Distance (mi)
201
Distance (km)
324
The earliest train departs Bakersfield at 4:58am while the last train of the day leaves at 4:02pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
First train
4:58am
Last train
4:02pm
Trains from Bakersfield to Santa Cruz are the most crowded on Thursday. 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Thursday
Least crowded
Saturday
City Information
Bakersfield
Bakersfield, California, is just north of LA on the Kern River. The Buena Vista Museum of Natural History, one of the city’s biggest attractions, displays fossils, dinosaur models, Native American artifacts, and a changing array of temporary exhibitions. Meanwhile, the Bakersfield Museum of Art features multiple rotating galleries of modern and historical art.
As the sun sets in Bakersfield, locals and visitors alike flock to Buck Owens Crystal Palace for food, drinks, and the biggest live music venue in the area. The Belvedere Cocktail lounge offers a more intimate live music experience– plus some amazing drinks and arcade games. For a truly unique experience, check out the family-friendly Gaslight Melodrama Theatre, where audiences are encouraged to cheer, boo, and get in on the fun of the live performances.
On the quieter side, Bakersfield has a number of beautiful parks across the city. The Park at RiverWalk is a fan favorite, with 32 sprawling acres along the Kern River dotted with picnic areas, public grills, and fishing spots. The Buena Vista Aquatic Recreational Area provides more outdoor activities with swimming, boating, sailing, cycling, and more.
To get to Bakersfield, fly into the Meadows Field Airport just north of the town. Several bus lines also service the area, connecting the city to Phoenix, Sacramento, Los Angeles, and Ontario. For train service, Amtrak offers routes to San Diego, San Francisco, and even New York City.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Bakersfield?
Main departure station: 601 Truxtun Ave - Transit Station
There is one train station in Bakersfield.
All train stations in Bakersfield:
- 601 Truxtun Ave - Transit Station
Where is the train station in Santa Cruz?
Main arrival station: Santa Cruz, California
Santa Cruz has one train station.
All train stations in Santa Cruz:
- Santa Cruz, California
Need a return trip from Santa Cruz to Bakersfield?
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