Cheap train tickets from Santa Maria to Santa Cruz
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Santa Maria to Santa Cruz Train Schedule
Trip Summary
There is usually just one train option from Santa Maria to Santa Cruz per day. The average train journey from Santa Maria to Santa Cruz takes 12 hours and 2 minutes, though some trains might be a few minutes slower or faster.
| Distance | 166 mi (267 km) |
| Fastest train | 12h 2m |
| Lowest price | $104.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |

Which train should you take from Santa Maria to Santa Cruz?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Santa Maria to Santa Cruz. 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 | 12h 3m | $104.00 |
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 Maria to Santa Cruz every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $104.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Santa Maria to Santa Cruz
The distance between Santa Maria and Santa Cruz is approximately 166 miles, or 267 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 12 hours and 2 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 Maria to Santa Cruz 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 Sunday as the least number of people tend to travel then.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Santa Maria at 8:00am and arrives in Santa Cruz around 12 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 Santa Cruz to Santa Maria.
City Information
Station Information
Where is the train station in Santa Maria?
Main departure station: Santa Maria Bus Stop
There is one train station in Santa Maria.
All train stations in Santa Maria:
Santa Maria Bus Stop
Where is the train station in Santa Cruz?
Main arrival station: Santa Cruz, California
Santa Cruz has one train station.
All train stations in Santa Cruz:
Santa Cruz, California
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Need a return trip from Santa Cruz to Santa Maria?
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