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Trip Summary
There is usually just one train option from Monterey to Santa Cruz per day. The average train journey from Monterey to Santa Cruz takes 5 hours and 50 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 5 hours and 5 minutes.
| Distance | 27 mi (43 km) |
| Fastest train | 5h 5m |
| Lowest price | $37.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Monterey to Santa Cruz?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Monterey to Santa Cruz was $43.00. Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 23 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $11.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Monthly average prices
Which train should you take from Monterey to Santa Cruz?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Monterey 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 | 5h 51m | $51.58 |
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 Monterey to Santa Cruz every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $37.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Monterey and Santa Cruz is approximately 27 miles, or 43 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 50 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 5 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.
Sunday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Monterey to Santa Cruz. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Sunday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Tuesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Monterey at 4:00pm and arrives in Santa Cruz around 5 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 Monterey.
City Information
Station Information
Where is the train station in Monterey?
Main departure station: Marriott
Because some trains make multiple stops before leaving the city, there are 5 stops and stations in Monterey where you can board the train.
All train stations in Monterey:
Marriott
351 Fremont St
500 Tyler St
Monterey Bay Aquarium
1 Old Golf Course Rd
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
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