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Cheap train tickets from Santa Barbara to Santa Cruz

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Santa Barbara to Santa Cruz Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Santa Barbara to Santa Cruz. Traveling by train from Santa Barbara to Santa Cruz usually takes 11 hours and 20 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 8 hours and 56 minutes.

Distance220 mi (353 km)
Fastest train8h 56m
Lowest priceHRK 574.84
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

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

In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Santa Barbara to Santa Cruz was HRK 574.84. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Santa Cruz if you book your train tickets at least 6 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra HRK 127.38.

Average train ticket prices from Santa Barbara to Santa Cruz by month

HRK 817HRK 653HRK 490HRK 327HRK 163MJJASONDJFMA
You can find the lowest prices on this route during April. This time of year offers the best deals on train tickets from Santa Barbara to Santa Cruz, with the average price at just HRK 594. Train tickets on this route are most expensive in July, when the average price goes up to HRK 817. You can still score cheap deals below this average price, though, especially if you plan ahead and book your ticket in advance.

Which train should you take from Santa Barbara to Santa Cruz?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Santa Barbara to Santa Cruz. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak211h 21mHRK 678.90

  • 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 2 Amtrak trains from Santa Barbara to Santa Cruz every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from HRK 575.

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

While the train is the main method of transportation from Santa Barbara to Santa Cruz, it will only take you part of the way there. Please note that part of your trip will be on a different vehicle, most commonly a bus or express shuttle.

The distance between Santa Barbara and Santa Cruz is approximately 220 miles, or 353 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 11 hours and 20 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 8 hours and 56 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.

Trains from Santa Barbara 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs Santa Barbara at 12:00pm while the last train of the day leaves at 12:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

Trains leave the station in Santa Barbara twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. 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 change 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 Santa Barbara.

City Information

Santa Barbara

Santa Barbara is a major travel destination along the southern coast of California. Dramatically situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara offers incomparable scenery with a comfortably warm climate year-round. White stucco buildings with Mediterranean-style architecture, gorgeous beaches, and upscale local cuisine give Santa Barbara the nickname "The American Riviera."

There are many kinds of vacations to enjoy in Santa Barbara. You can spend days on the soft sand of Leadbetter Beach, surfing in the swells at Rincon Point, or shopping for trinkets along Stearns Wharf. Or embrace the area's history by visiting the Mission Santa Barbara, a Spanish mission founded in 1786. Highlights from the mission include Spanish architecture, a rose garden, a museum, and even crypts.

Santa Barbara Airport, only a few miles from downtown, serves passengers to the region. Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner stops in Santa Barbara on its way from San Diego to San Luis Obispo, with plenty of connections to other SoCal hotspots. Intercity buses, including FlixBus, offer routes from Santa Barbara to destinations like L.A., San Diego, and Las Vegas.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Santa Barbara?

Main departure station: 209 State Street

There is one train station in Santa Barbara.

All train stations in Santa Barbara:

  • 209 State Street

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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