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Trip Summary
2 trains operate daily from Glendale to Santa Cruz. The train trip from Glendale to Santa Cruz is usually about 11 hours and 20 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 10 hours and 13 minutes.
| Distance | 289 mi (464 km) |
| Fastest train | 10h 13m |
| Lowest price | $56.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Glendale to Santa Cruz?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Glendale to Santa Cruz was $63.34. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Santa Cruz if you book your train tickets at least 28 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $7.93.
Average prices by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Glendale to Santa Cruz will cost between $58 and $74. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Monthly avg. prices
Prices as travel date approaches
Since ticket prices on this route stay pretty consistent, you don’t need to book way in advance. However, we recommend buying your train ticket to Santa Cruz at least 48 hours before your scheduled departure to prevent any unpleasant surprises, like last-minute surges in price or sold-out tickets.
Which train should you take from Glendale to Santa Cruz?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Glendale to Santa Cruz. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 11h 21m | $65.95 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Glendale to Santa Cruz every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $56.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Glendale and Santa Cruz is approximately 289 miles, or 464 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 11 hours and 20 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 10 hours and 13 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Glendale to Santa Cruz on Sunday. Tickets for Sunday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Wednesday. Wednesday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Glendale at 1:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Glendale twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. 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 change 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 Glendale.
City Information
Glendale
Image credit: Unsplash
Glendale is a city located in the suburb of Los Angeles and bustles with hiking trails, outdoor areas, and rich history. History and art lovers can check out the Museum of Neon Art, which has a unique selection of light-based electric art and vintage neon signs. A more traditional option is the 19th-century Doctor's House Museum and Gazebo. Go hiking in the popular Brand Park or Deukmejian Wilderness Park, located at the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains. You can also do your best to view a picturesque scene from the top of the Verdugo Mountains. The city is known for Brand Boulevard, a road packed with different retailers, local stores, arts, and entertainment centers.
Nightlife in Glendale starts in the downtown area, which isn't far from Brand Boulevard. After exploring restaurants and shops during the day, you can visit their bars, breweries, distilleries, and nightclubs at night. The city is always bustling with beer festivals like Corks & Hops, art and craft fairs like the Fermont Festival of the Arts, antique collectibles shows, food festivals like the Soul Food Cookout, and music events.
The train is the easiest way to get there if you're visiting Glendale. Over 150 cities provide trains going to this city, most of them from Amtrak. It is only accessible via two bus routes from Amtrak Thruway. The LZTC is the main transportation hub for Glendale, and other systems use this as a layover or transfer point.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Glendale?
Main departure station: Glendale Transp Ctr - 400 W Cerritos Ave
There is one train station in Glendale.
All train stations in Glendale:
Glendale Transp Ctr - 400 W Cerritos Ave
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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