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Trip Summary
On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from San Jose to Santa Cruz. The train trip from San Jose to Santa Cruz is usually about 30 hours and 54 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 30 hours and 44 minutes.
| Distance | 26 mi (42 km) |
| Fastest train | 30h 44m |
| Lowest price | £205.80 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Price trends for trains from San Jose to Santa Cruz
Prices as travel date approaches
Which train should you take from San Jose to Santa Cruz?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects San Jose 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 | 1d 6h 54m | £205.80 |
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 San Jose to Santa Cruz every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from £206.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between San Jose and Santa Cruz is approximately 26 miles, or 42 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 30 hours and 54 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 30 hours and 44 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.
Saturday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from San Jose to Santa Cruz. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Saturday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Saturday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves San Jose at 5:00am and arrives in Santa Cruz around 30 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.
City Information
San Jose
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
San Jose is located in the heart of the world-famous Silicon Valley in California’s Bay Area. It is the largest city in Northern California and, as such, it is the area’s cultural, political and financial center.
While you’re in San Jose, make sure to check out the city’s various museums. Since you’re in the world’s foremost technology hub, the Tech Museum of Innovation is a must-visit. And since you’re on the West Coast, you should stop by the San Jose Museum of Art that features the largest permanent collection of works from West Coast artists.
Thanks to its mild California climate, San Jose is one of the best cities in the U.S. for outdoor activities, and due to its largely younger-leaning population, it offers quite the vibrant nightlife. In fact, San Jose is among the biggest party hubs in America.
San Jose is served by various bus carriers and has several Amtrak stops within its vicinity. In addition, the city’s airport is located right near the downtown area, which makes travel to and from San Jose a breeze.
Station Information
Where is the train station in San Jose?
Main departure station: 10251 St Edwards Dr
Amtrak Thruway buses to Richmond stop at 10251 St Edwards Drive, in front of the Sandman Signature Vancouver Airport Hotel. Passengers board the bus right outside the hotel, next to the hotel restaurant, Chop. This is a convenient stop for travelers on their way to or from the Vancouver Airport, as hotel guests can take the hotel's free shuttle to airport terminals. Other travelers will find the 10-minute drive to the airport short and seamless, too. The bus stop does not offer any amenities of its own, but the hotel lobby has seating and restrooms if needed.
All train stations in San Jose:
10251 St Edwards Dr
Pacific Central 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
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Plan your next adventure
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Continue by train from Santa Cruz
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