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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 31 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
€55.34
Trains per day
0
Most frequent service
Amtrak
Train lines
1

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Santa Cruz to Monterey Train Schedule

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There are several train options that can take you from Santa Cruz to Monterey:

See more details

What 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 €58. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 9 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around €4.64 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Santa Cruz to Monterey by month

€75€60€45€30€15JFMAMJJASOND

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 April when the average ticket price is only €56. If you're thinking of traveling from Santa Cruz to Monterey during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of €61 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

€75€60€45€30€150

By booking your train trip from Santa Cruz to Monterey on Wanderu at least 9 days ahead of time, you can save about €4.64 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.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak14h 31m€61.25

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

While the train is the main method of transportation from Santa Cruz to Monterey, 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.

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.

Trains per day

1

Direct trains

0

The distance between Santa Cruz and Monterey is approximately 27 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 31 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 8:30 AM and arrives in Monterey around 4 hours later.

First train

8:30am

Last train

8:30am

Trains from Santa Cruz to Monterey are the most crowded on Friday. 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Friday

Least crowded

Tuesday

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: Monterey (Calle Principal Parking Garage), California

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:

  • Monterey (Calle Principal Parking Garage), California
  • 1 Old Golf Course Rd
  • 500 Tyler St
  • 351 Fremont St
  • Monterey Bay Aquarium

Plan your next adventure

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