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Cheap train tickets from Santa Cruz to San Diego
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There is one daily train from Santa Cruz to San Diego. Traveling by train from Santa Cruz to San Diego usually takes 15 hours and 59 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 15 hours and 50 minutes.
- Distance
- 403 mi (649 km)
- Fastest train
- 15h 50m
- Lowest price
- $110.00
- Trains per day
- 0
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 1
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Santa Cruz to San Diego Train Schedule
There are several train options that can take you from Santa Cruz to San Diego:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Santa Cruz to San Diego?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Santa Cruz to San Diego was $110.00. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. The further in advance you book your travels, the more likely it is you can find tickets at this price or lower.
Average train ticket prices from Santa Cruz to San Diego by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Santa Cruz to San Diego will cost between $110 and $119. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Santa Cruz to San Diego by month
Ticket prices for the train from Santa Cruz to San Diego often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in March when the average ticket price is only $113. If you're thinking of traveling from Santa Cruz to San Diego during May, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $120 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in May, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
You can score the best price on a train ticket from Santa Cruz to San Diego by booking on Wanderu in advance. Tickets are nearly always cheaper the further in advance you purchase them.
Which train should you take from Santa Cruz to San Diego?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Santa Cruz to San Diego. 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 | 15h 59m | $114.66 |
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 San Diego every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $110.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Santa Cruz to San Diego
The distance between Santa Cruz and San Diego is approximately 403 miles, or 649 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 15 hours and 59 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 15 hours and 50 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)
403
Distance (km)
649
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Santa Cruz at 1:25pm and arrives in San Diego around 15 hours later.
First train
1:25pm
Last train
1:45pm
Trains from Santa Cruz to San Diego are the most crowded on Sunday. 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
Sunday
Least crowded
Tuesday
City Information
San Diego
San Diego is known as "America's Finest City" for its sunny weather, white-sand beaches, and dazzling attractions from Belmont Park to SeaWorld. San Diego's 70 miles of pristine beaches include such gems as Mission Beach, Pacific Beach, La Jolla Cove, and Coronado Beach. The city's strong surfing culture may even inspire you to rent a surfboard and catch the epic waves, bro.
Visitors can spend days getting lost in Balboa Park, a 1,200-acre cultural hub which features 16 museums, immaculate gardens, and the world-famous San Diego Zoo. The historic heart of the city, Old Town, showcases San Diego's heritage and ties to Mexican culture, while other sights like the USS Midway pay tribute to the city's military and maritime history. Leave time for some evening exploring, too! San Diego is rated the #1 best city for craft beer in America, so don't miss out on the bars in the Gaslamp Quarter: 16 walkable blocks packed with nightlife and young crowds.
Two airports, as well as many bus and train options, mean it is easy to get to San Diego from afar or from nearby cities like Tijuana, Los Angeles, Phoenix, and Las Vegas.
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 San Diego?
Main arrival station: Santa Fe Depot
The Santa Fe Depot is the main train station in San Diego and one of the end points of the Pacific Surfliner, the only Amtrak train line that serves the city. The station is also used by the Green Line of the San Diego Trolley light rail transit service and the COASTER commuter rail service that connects the city with the central and northern coastal regions of San Diego County. Opened in 1915, the Santa Fe Depot is famous for its Spanish Colonial Revival Style architecture and grand interior space that features natural redwood beam ceilings and ceramic details. The train station is located in the heart of Downtown San Diego, making it easy to reach from all parts of the city.
All train stations in San Diego:
- Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd
Need a return trip from San Diego to Santa Cruz?
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