Cheap train tickets from Santa Cruz to Monterey
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Santa Cruz to Monterey. Traveling by train from Santa Cruz to Monterey usually takes 4 hours and 33 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 4 hours and 20 minutes.
- Distance
- 27 mi (43 km)
- Fastest train
- 4h 20m
- Lowest price
- $56.00
- Trains per day
- 0
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 1
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Santa Cruz to Monterey Train Schedule

There are several train options that can take you from Santa Cruz to Monterey:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Santa Cruz to Monterey?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Santa Cruz to Monterey was $59.20. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 27 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $13.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Santa Cruz to Monterey by travel date
The cost of a one-way train trip from Santa Cruz to Monterey is expected to stay pretty stable over the next four weeks. No matter which day you travel, you can expect to pay about $59 for your ticket.
Average train ticket prices from Santa Cruz to Monterey by month
Ticket prices for the train from Santa Cruz to Monterey often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only $62. If you're thinking of traveling from Santa Cruz to Monterey during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $68 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in November, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Santa Cruz to Monterey on Wanderu at least 27 days ahead of time, you can save about $13.00 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Santa Cruz to Monterey?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Santa Cruz to Monterey. 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 | 4h 33m | $68.45 |
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Santa Cruz to Monterey
The distance between Santa Cruz and Monterey is approximately 27 miles, or 43 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 33 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 20 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)
27
Distance (km)
43
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Santa Cruz at 8:25am and arrives in Monterey around 4 hours later.
First train
8:25am
Last train
8:30am
Trains from Santa Cruz to Monterey 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 Monday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Monday
Least crowded
Monday
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 Monterey?
Main arrival station: 1 Old Golf Course Rd
There are more train stations and stops in Monterey than most cities. Most trains from Santa Cruz will stop at one (or more) of the 5 following stations in Monterey:
All train stations in Monterey:
- 1 Old Golf Course Rd
- 351 Fremont St
- Monterey (Calle Principal Parking Garage), California
- Monterey Bay Aquarium
- 500 Tyler St
Need a return trip from Monterey to Santa Cruz?
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