Cheap train tickets from Richmond to Santa Cruz
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Trip Summary
6 trains operate daily from Richmond to Santa Cruz. The train trip from Richmond to Santa Cruz is usually about 3 hours and 1 minute long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 2 hours and 47 minutes.
Distance | 69 mi (111 km) |
Fastest train | 2h 47m |
Lowest price | $28.00 |
Most frequent service | Amtrak |
Train lines | 1 |

What is the price of a train ticket from Richmond to Santa Cruz?
Over the past month, a train ticket between Richmond, CA and Santa Cruz, CA cost $28.00, on average. This is about as cheap as train fares get on this route. Booking your trip at least 10 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around $0.50 more.
Average train ticket prices from Richmond to Santa Cruz by month
Which train should you take from Richmond to Santa Cruz?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Richmond to Santa Cruz. However, there are 6 trains per day to choose from.
Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
---|---|---|---|
Amtrak | 6 | 3h 2m | $28.31 |
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 to Santa Cruz every day, as well as 7 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $28.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Richmond to Santa Cruz
Trains from Richmond to Santa Cruz are the most crowded on Sunday. 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 Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Richmond at 5:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00pm. 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 Richmond.
City Information
Richmond

Image credit: Unsplash
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?
Main departure station: BART Station - 1700 Nevin Ave
There is one train station in Richmond.
All train stations in Richmond:
BART Station - 1700 Nevin Ave
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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Need a return trip from Santa Cruz to Richmond?
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- Train Tickets
- United States
- California
- Santa Cruz
- Richmond, CA to Santa Cruz, CA