Train Chicago, IL - Santa Cruz, CA prices from $185.87

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$185.87

Chicago, IL to Santa Cruz, CA by train

The journey from Chicago, IL to Santa Cruz, CA by train is 2,985.72 km and takes 56 hrs 41 mins. There are 3 connections per day, with the first departure at 6:45 am and the last at 9:00 am. It is possible to travel from Chicago, IL to Santa Cruz, CA by train for as little as $185.87 or as much as $302.71. The best price for this journey is $185.87.

Lowest Price$185.87
Journey Duration56 hrs 41 mins
Connection per Day3
Lowest Price$185.87
Highest Price$302.71
First Departure6:45 am
Last Departure9:00 am
Distance2,985.72 km
DepartureChicago, IL
ArrivalSanta Cruz, CA
CarriersAmtrak
Cheap train tickets from Chicago, IL to Santa Cruz, CA
Looking for the best deal on a train ticket for your trip? Here are 4 ways to get cheap train tickets from Chicago, IL to Santa Cruz, CA.

Book in advance and save

If you're looking for the best deal for your trip from Chicago, IL to Santa Cruz, CA, booking train tickets in advance is a great way to save money, but keep in mind that advance tickets are usually not available until 3 months before your travel date.

Stay flexible with your travel time and explore off-peak journeys

Planning your trips around off-peak travel times not only means that you'll be able to avoid the crowds, but can also end up saving you money. Being flexible with your schedule and considering alternative routes or times will significantly impact the amount of money you spend on getting from Chicago, IL to Santa Cruz, CA.

Always check special offers

Checking on the latest deals can help save a lot of money, making it worth taking the time to browse and compare prices. So make sure you get the best deal on your ticket and take advantage of special fares for children, youth and seniors as well as discounts for groups.

Unlock the potential of slower trains or connecting trains

If you're planning a trip with some flexible time, why not opt for the scenic route? Taking slower trains or connecting trains that make more stops may save you money on your ticket – definitely worth considering if it fits in your schedule.

Best time to book cheap train tickets from Chicago, IL to Santa Cruz, CA

The cheapest Chicago, IL - Santa Cruz, CA train tickets can be found for as low as $111.38 if you’re lucky, or $136.03 on average. The most expensive ticket can cost as much as $163.79.

Find the best day to travel to Santa Cruz, CA by train

When travelling to Santa Cruz, CA by train, if you want to avoid crowds you can check how frequently our customers are travelling in the next 30-days using the graph below. On average, the peak hours to travel are between 6:30am and 9am in the morning, or between 4pm and 7pm in the evening. Please keep this in mind when travelling to your point of departure as you may need some extra time to arrive, particularly in big cities!

Services on board Amtrak from Chicago, IL to Santa Cruz, CA
Compare services on board when travelling from Chicago, IL to Santa Cruz, CA by train.
Facilities Amtrak
quiet_zone Quiet zone check
wifi WiFi check
power_sockets Power sockets check
luggage Luggage check
accessibility Accessibility check
food_and_drink Food and drink check
air_con Air conditioning check
bicycle Bicycle check
sleeper_couchette Sleeper check

Chicago, IL to Santa Cruz, CA CO2 Emissions by Train

Ecology
Train
209kg
Bus
223.93kg
Flight
597.14kg
Car
477.72kg
What are the CO2 emissions from Chicago, IL to Santa Cruz, CA by train? The CO2 emissions from taking the train between Chicago, IL and Santa Cruz, CA are 209kg.
How much CO2 do I save by taking the train between Chicago, IL and Santa Cruz, CA? By taking the train between Chicago, IL and Santa Cruz, CA you will save 388.14kg CO2 emissions compared to a flight, 14.93kg compared to a bus and 268.72kg compared to a car.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How much is a train ticket from Chicago, IL to Santa Cruz, CA?
A train ticket from Chicago, IL to Santa Cruz, CA is $256.17. However the price varies depending on how early you buy, and if it's peak time to travel. Occasionally you can find them for as cheap as $185.87.
What's the cheapest train ticket from Chicago, IL to Santa Cruz, CA?
The cheapest ticket you can get from Chicago, IL to Santa Cruz, CA is $185.87. We recommend booking as early as possible and off-peak hours to get the cheapest ticket possible. Off-peak times are usually from 09:30 to 16:00, and after 19:00.
What's the distance between Chicago, IL and Santa Cruz, CA by train?
Chicago, IL to Santa Cruz, CA is 2,985.72 km.
How long does the train between Chicago, IL and Santa Cruz, CA take?
Chicago, IL to Santa Cruz, CA is on average 56 hrs 41 mins. However the fastest option will get you there in 54 hrs 1 min..
How many train connections per day go from Chicago, IL to Santa Cruz, CA?
Chicago, IL to Santa Cruz, CA has 3 connection(s) per day on average.
What time does the first train from Chicago, IL to Santa Cruz, CA leave?
The earliest train from Chicago, IL to Santa Cruz, CA departs at 6:45 am. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
What time does the last train from Chicago, IL to Santa Cruz, CA depart?
The latest train from Chicago, IL to Santa Cruz, CA departs at 9:00 am. However be sure to check with us the schedule on the day you want to leave as the time may differ.
Should I book my ticket from Chicago, IL to Santa Cruz, CA in advance?
If you can, we recommend booking your ticket as early as possible to ensure you get better savings. The cheapest train ticket we have found is $185.87 but this may be subject to change depending on the day of travel, hour you wish to depart and how far in advance you book.
What's the fastest journey time between Chicago, IL to Santa Cruz, CA by train?
The fastest journey time by train between Chicago, IL and Santa Cruz, CA is 54 hrs 1 min..
Is there a direct train from Chicago, IL to Santa Cruz, CA?
Yes, there is a direct train between Chicago, IL and Santa Cruz, CA.
What are the CO2 emissions for Chicago, IL to Santa Cruz, CA by train?
The train journey from Chicago, IL to Santa Cruz, CA creates 209kg of CO2 emissions.