The cheapest and fastest trains from Carlsbad, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Cheapest price
$46
Average price
$47
Fastest journey
4 h 52 m
Average duration
4 h 57 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
258 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Carlsbad, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Carlsbad, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $47 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $46.
Of the 2 trains that leave Carlsbad, CA for Santa Barbara, CA on Fri, Nov 07, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Nov 07 the direct trains cover the 258 km distance in an average of 4 h 57 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 52 m .
On Fri, Nov 07 the slowest trains will take 5 h 1 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.




Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Carlsbad, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Carlsbad, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €38. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 54m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €38, and a flight costs an average of €183.
Distance: 160 miles (258 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
€38 Average price Cheapest | €285 Average price | €39 Average price |
5h 24m Average total duration Fastest 4h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 55m Average total duration 5h 55m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 14m Average total duration 5h 44m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Carlsbad, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Carlsbad, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trains for today, Thursday, November 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
761 Pacific Surfliner | 12:57 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 5h12 | 6:09 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
761 Pacific Surfliner | 12:57 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 4h58 | 5:55 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
765 Pacific Surfliner | 2:57 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 4h53 | 7:50 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight | 2:57 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 5h17 | 8:14 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
765 Pacific Surfliner | 2:57 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 5h06 | 8:03 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight | 2:57 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 5h17 | 8:14 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 4765 AMTRAK | 2:57 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 5h13 | 8:10 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
769 Pacific Surfliner | 4:57 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 4h52 | 9:49 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
769 Pacific Surfliner | 4:57 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 5h05 | 10:02 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
769 Pacific Surfliner · 4769 AMTRAK | 4:57 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 5h18 | 10:15 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
779 Pacific Surfliner | 9:57 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 5h17 | 3:14 AM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
779 Pacific Surfliner | 9:57 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 5h01 | 2:58 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Friday, November 7 | |||||
785 Pacific Surfliner · 4785 AMTRAK | 12:57 AM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 5h23 | 6:20 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
785 Pacific Surfliner | 12:57 AM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 5h15 | 6:12 AM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
785 Pacific Surfliner | 12:57 AM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 5h02 | 5:59 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Carlsbad, CA to Santa Barbara, CA by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Nov 07
Nov 08
Nov 09
Nov 10
Nov 11
Nov 12
Nov 13
Journey information
Overview: Train from Carlsbad, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Distance 160 miles (258 km) |
Average train duration 4h 54m |
Cheapest ticket price $47 (€38) |
Trains per day 14 |
Direct trains 9 |
Fastest train 4h 52m |
First train 04:57 |
Last train 18:57 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Carlsbad, CA to Santa Barbara, CA start from as low as $47 (€38) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $47 (€38) depending on the train type and class.
Train companies: Amtrak from Carlsbad, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Carlsbad, CA and Santa Barbara, CA from $28 (€23). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Carlsbad, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Carlsbad, CA to Santa Barbara, CA by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Santa Barbara, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Carlsbad, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available at the station.
- The Lark
- Santo Mezcal
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- Hotel Californian
- Harbor View Inn
- Hotel Milo Santa Barbara
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station has a main hall with ticketing and waiting areas.
- Bus: Several lines available
- Trolley: Downtown Waterfront Shuttle
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available adjacent to the station, with spaces for both short-term and long-term parking.
- The Habit Burger Grill
- Pepe's Mexican Restaurant
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- Free for passengers
- Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta
- Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta
- Located near the platform
- Free
- The station consists of a single platform with a waiting area and parking facilities nearby.
- Bus: Santa Barbara MTD Line 6, Line 11
Most popular train connections from Carlsbad, CA
More options for your journey from Carlsbad, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
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