Cheap train tickets from Salinas to Santa Cruz

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Trip Summary

There is one daily train from Salinas to Santa Cruz. Traveling by train from Salinas to Santa Cruz usually takes 4 hours and 16 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 3 hours and 4 minutes.

Distance
29 mi (47 km)
Fastest train
3h 4m
Lowest price
$48.00
Trains per day
0
Most frequent service
Amtrak
Train lines
1

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Salinas to Santa Cruz Train Schedule

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What is the price of a train ticket from Salinas to Santa Cruz?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Salinas to Santa Cruz was $48.00. 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 5 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $4.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Salinas to Santa Cruz by travel date

$60$40$20Oct

The cost of a one-way train trip from Salinas to Santa Cruz is expected to stay pretty stable over the next four weeks. No matter which day you travel, you can expect to pay about $48 for your ticket.

Average train ticket prices from Salinas to Santa Cruz by month

$50$40$30$20$10JFMAMJJASOND

Taking the train from Salinas to Santa Cruz usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $44 whenever you decide to travel.

Prices as travel date approaches

$75$60$45$30$15

The price of train trips from Salinas to Santa Cruz 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 Salinas to Santa Cruz?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Salinas 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.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak14h 16m$50.67
  • 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 Salinas to Santa Cruz every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $48.

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Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Salinas to Santa Cruz

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 Salinas. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Salinas to Santa Cruz for $63.

Trains per day

1

Direct trains

0

The distance between Salinas and Santa Cruz is approximately 29 miles, or 47 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 16 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 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.

Distance (mi)

29

Distance (km)

47

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Salinas at 6:13pm and arrives in Santa Cruz around 3 hours later.

First train

6:13pm

Last train

6:13pm

Trains from Salinas to Santa Cruz are the most crowded on Monday. 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Monday

Least crowded

Sunday

City Information

Salinas

Salinas, CA, US - SNS-0

Salinas is a city in California popularly known as the Salad Bowl of the World- though the nickname is about more than healthy food. The city has a vibrant agriculture industry, pristine farmland, historic sites, and plenty of greenery. As an agriculture-based city, it's not surprising that there are a lot of outdoor areas to visit, from Natividad Creek Park to the Creekbridge Neighborhood Park. In addition, history lovers in Salinas can visit the National Steinbeck Center and Monterey & Salinas Valley Railroad Museum for their interactive exhibits, while Salinas Valley Art Gallery appeals to art lovers.

For wine lovers in Salinas, there is a wide range of wineries and vineyards in the city, with popular choices being the Chateau Sinnet Winery and Vineyard, and SMD Vineyards. Visitors to the city can check out nightclubs, lounges, and bowling centers. Salinas organizes festivals throughout the year, like the Monthly Art Market & Artisan Fair and the Annual Halloween Beer Crawl.

If you're visiting Salinas by train, over 100 cities offer routes by Amtrak. Fewer bus lines are going to the city, provided by Amtrak Thruway. There are also Monterey-Salinas Transit services for transport inside the city.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Salinas?

Main departure station: 11 Station Pl

There is one train station in Salinas.

All train stations in Salinas:

  • 11 Station Pl

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 Salinas?

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