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Santa Cruz to Modesto train

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Santa Cruz to Modesto Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There is one daily train from Santa Cruz to Modesto. Traveling by train from Santa Cruz to Modesto usually takes 5 hours and 51 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 4 hours and 54 minutes.

Distance73 mi (118 km)
Fastest train4h 54m
Lowest price$29.00
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

Which train should you take from Santa Cruz to Modesto?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Santa Cruz to Modesto. 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
Amtrak15h 52m$34.21
  • 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 Santa Cruz to Modesto every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $29.

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

While the train is the main method of transportation from Santa Cruz to Modesto, 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 Cruz and Modesto is approximately 73 miles, or 118 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 51 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 54 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 departing from Santa Cruz to Modesto tend to have the most passengers on Sunday. With higher demand ticket prices also tend to be higher on Sunday. If you are trying to snag a cheap train tickets or just want an emptier train you'll have better luck by booking travel departing on Thursday as the least number of people tend to travel then.

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Santa Cruz at 9:00am and arrives in Modesto around 4 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.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Modesto to Santa Cruz.

City Information

Modesto

Modesto, CA, US - MOD-0

Image credit: Tom Hilton

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Modesto is a city in Central Valley, California. The city is known for its large agricultural industry and number of museums. Modesto is home to museums, natural history sites, and planetariums, like the Great Valley Museum and McHenry Museum. It also has different amusement and recreational centers offering playgrounds, rides, go-cart, and more, like Funworks Modesto and Graceada Park. As for nature lovers, Modesto features places for sports, hiking, camping, fishing, and picnics, like Jacob Myers Park and Ceres River Bluff Regional Park. The city is also a fun place for arts with the Graffiti Summer and the Gallo Center for the Arts.

The CA city is ideal for all craft beer and wine lovers, as it has several breweries and wineries to visit. Modesto also has a vibrant nightlife, with different nightclubs, lounges, bars, and restaurants, and is always brimming with pool parties, trance festivals, DJ nights, and more. Downtown Modesto has become a vibrant place for shopping, dining, and parties.

Modesto features several train and bus lines for those in and around the city. The city is easily accessible by Amtrak and Amtrak San Joaquins for trains, while Tufesa Plus offers bus services. The City of Modesto Transit Services powers the city's transportation.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Santa Cruz?

Main departure station: Santa Cruz, California

There is one train station in Santa Cruz.

All train stations in Santa Cruz:

  • Santa Cruz, California

Where is the train station in Modesto?

Main arrival station: 1700 Held Dr

Modesto has one train station.

All train stations in Modesto:

  • 1700 Held Dr

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Need a return trip from Modesto to Santa Cruz?

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