Cheap train tickets from Richmond, CA to Santa Cruz, CA

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Trip Summary

There are usually 6 daily train trips available from Richmond, CA to Santa Cruz, CA. Traveling by train from Richmond, CA to Santa Cruz, CA usually takes 3 hours and 8 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 2 hours and 50 minutes.

Distance: 69 mi (111 km)
Fastest train: 2h 50m
Lowest price: $28.00
Trains per day: 0
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 1

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Richmond, CA to Santa Cruz, CA Train Schedule

There are several train options that can take you from Richmond, CA to Santa Cruz, CA:

Amtrak tickets: $28 one-way

See more details

What is the price of a train ticket from Richmond, CA to Santa Cruz, CA?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Richmond, CA to Santa Cruz, CA was $28.00. This is basically as cheap as train fares can get. 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 $1.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Richmond, CA to Santa Cruz, CA by travel date

The cost of a one-way train trip from Richmond, CA to Santa Cruz, CA is expected to stay pretty stable over the next four weeks. No matter which day you travel, you can expect to pay about $28 for your ticket.

Average train ticket prices from Richmond, CA to Santa Cruz, CA by month

Taking the train from Richmond, CA to Santa Cruz, CA usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $28 whenever you decide to travel.

Prices as travel date approaches

The price of train trips from Richmond, CA to Santa Cruz, CA doesn't fluctuate much throughout the year, so you don’t need to book your tickets super far in advance. However, to avoid last-minute price surges or sold-out tickets, we recommend purchasing your train tickets at least 48 hours before departure.

Which train should you take from Richmond, CA to Santa Cruz, CA?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Richmond, CA to Santa Cruz, CA. However, there are 6 trains per day to choose from.

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	6	3h 8m	$28.41

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 Richmond, CA to Santa Cruz, CA every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $28.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Richmond, CA to Santa Cruz, CA

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, CA to Richmond, CA.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Richmond, CA and Santa Cruz, CA is approximately 69 miles, or 111 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 8 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 2 hours and 50 minutes. Although it takes a couple of hours each way, it's still possible to make a round trip in a single day. Since most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, you should be able to browse the Internet or get some work done during your journey.

Distance (mi)

Distance (km)

111

The earliest train departs Richmond, CA at 5:48am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:31pm. 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

5:48am

Last train

6:31pm

Trains from Richmond, CA to Santa Cruz, CA are the most crowded on Tuesday. 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

Tuesday

Least crowded

Saturday

City Information

Richmond

Richmond is a city in the South Francisco Bay Area, popular for its rich naval history, specifically its role in the World War 2 home front. During this time, thousands of workers moved to the city to support wartime industries. Richmond features different waterfront neighborhoods and houses facing the river with miles of waterfront areas. Richmond offers its residents scenic parks, shorelines, and outdoor spaces, including Tilden Regional Park, Point Pinole Regional Shoreline, and Regional Parks Botanic Garden. The city also has some unique places to check out, like the Miller/Knox Regional Shoreline, which combines a park with a rail museum, and the Redwood Valley Railway.

In Richmond, there are exciting things to do, like zipline adventures in Sonoma and Brazen Racing. The city boasts a fast-growing craft beer scene, with popular names like Fieldwork Brewing and East Brother Beer Company. You can time your visit to participate in the Richmond Main Street Initiative, beer and food, and art festivals. For shopping and restaurants, check out Downtown Richmond.

Richmond is easily accessible from 137 other cities by train, with most trains provided by Amtrak Capitol Corridor. If you prefer to travel by bus, you can follow the routes provided by FlixBus US US from tens of other cities. Within Richmond, there are dedicated public transit routes through BART and Amtrak.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Richmond, CA?

Main departure station: BART Station - 1700 Nevin Ave

There is one train station in Richmond, CA.

All train stations in Richmond, CA:

BART Station - 1700 Nevin Ave

Where is the train station in Santa Cruz, CA?

Main arrival station: Santa Cruz, California

Santa Cruz, CA has one train station.

All train stations in Santa Cruz, CA:

Santa Cruz, California

Need a return trip from Santa Cruz, CA to Richmond, CA?

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