Cheap train tickets from Santa Cruz to San Diego

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Santa Cruz to San Diego Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

There is one daily train from Santa Cruz to San Diego. Traveling by train from Santa Cruz to San Diego usually takes 16 hours and 5 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 15 hours and 55 minutes.

	Distance	403 mi (649 km)
	Fastest train	15h 55m
	Lowest price	CZK 2,302.31
	Most frequent service	Amtrak
	Train lines	1

What 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 CZK 2,302.31. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 12 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CZK 73.26 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

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 June when the average ticket price is only CZK 2,386. If you're thinking of traveling from Santa Cruz to San Diego during November, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CZK 2,512 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 San Diego on Wanderu at least 12 days ahead of time, you can save about CZK 73.26 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

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	16h 5m	CZK 2,354.64

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 CZK 2,302.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Santa Cruz to San Diego

While the train is the main method of transportation from Santa Cruz to San Diego, 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 San Diego is approximately 403 miles, or 649 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 16 hours and 5 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 15 hours and 55 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 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 Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Most days, there is only one train which leaves Santa Cruz at 1:00pm and arrives in San Diego around 15 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 San Diego to Santa Cruz.

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?

San Diego, CA - Santa Fe Depot (1050 Kettner Blvd) - SANAMT2-0

Image credit: Doug Letterman

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: Santa Fe Depot - 1050 Kettner Blvd

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

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