Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train with Amtrak

Fri, Dec 19
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Showing times and prices for Dec 23

Cheapest price

$133

Average price

$133

Fastest journey

15 h 18 m

Average duration

15 h 18 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

620 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Chico, 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 Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $133 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $133.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Chico, CA for Santa Barbara, CA on Tue, Dec 23, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Tue, Dec 23 the direct trains cover the 620 km distance in an average of 15 h 18 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 15 h 18 m .

On Tue, Dec 23 the slowest trains will take 15 h 18 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.

Amtrak
11:12AM15h18
Chico, CA
02:30AMSanta Barbara, CA
$1331One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €81. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 26m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €81, and a flight costs an average of €258.

Distance: 385 miles (620 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

€89

Average price

€88

Average price

Cheapest

€422

Average price

14h 16m

Average total duration

13h 46m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

14h 8m

Average total duration

13h 38m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

8h 26m

Average total duration

Fastest

5h 26m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Compare prices and tickets Chico, 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.

Tue
Dec 23
Wed
Dec 24
Thu
Dec 25
Fri
Dec 26
Sat
Dec 27
Sun
Dec 28
Mon
Dec 29

Why should you book Chico to Santa Barbara trains with Omio?

Amtrak operates all train services from Chico to Santa Barbara. Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets.

Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?

  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Amtrak with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Chico to Santa Barbara.

Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?

Multiple modes of transport
  • Official reseller: Amtrak tickets can only be bought on Omio or Amtrak's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Amtrak tickets as they are not official sellers.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Chico to Santa Barbara.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

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Icon of train

Trains from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 11 times per day, taking around 13h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $81 (€65) if you book in advance.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:12, the last at 22:20. The fastest train covers the 385 miles (620 km) distance in 14h 0m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
385 miles (620 km)
Average train duration
13h 46m
Cheapest ticket price
$81 (€65)
Trains per day
11
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
14h 0m
First train
04:12
Last train
22:20
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Train companies: Amtrak from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chico, CA and Santa Barbara, CA from $81 (€65). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
11h 45m
Cheapest Price
$86 (€69)
Amtrak frequency
1 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Chico, 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.

FAQs
Typically, spending 2 to 3 days in Santa Barbara, CA is ideal to explore its beautiful beaches, vibrant downtown, and cultural attractions.
The distance by train from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is 385 miles (620 km).
The train station in Chico, CA that goes to Santa Barbara, CA is Chico station, Chico, CA, which connects to Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA.
A day trip from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is not feasible as the journey takes 14h 0m and covers 385 miles (620 km). The frequency of trains for this route is 11 per day.
In Santa Barbara, CA, visitors can explore State Street for shopping, dining, and entertainment, visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, and take a wine tasting tour in the Santa Ynez Valley. For outdoor activities, enjoy a scenic hike in the Santa Ynez Mountains and visit the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. Best sights include the historic Santa Barbara Mission, Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara Zoo, and the unique Lotusland botanical garden.
There is no high speed train available from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
The train from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA takes 14h 0m and runs 11 per day.
Train ticket prices from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $81 (€65), while the average price is around $112 (€89).
The last train from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 10:20 PM.
The cheapest way to get from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is by train, with a cost of around $81 (€65).
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
The first train from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 4:12 AM.
Yes, you can take the train from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Yes, there is a direct train from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA. This service operates 1 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
The train journey from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA offers scenic views, featuring rolling hills, lush farmland, and glimpses of the Pacific Ocean as you approach the southern California coast, providing a picturesque travel experience.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Chico
Santa Barbara
The major train station for departures in Chico is Chico Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Chico Station for your trip from Chico to Santa Barbara.
Chico StationDiningTaxisAccessibilityHotelBike ParkingLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
HotelHotel
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
platformCount
Number of platforms
1
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the station.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps.
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Diamond Chico
  • Quality Inn Chico
  • Oxford Suites Chico
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • The station is a platform adjacent to the historic 1892 Southern Pacific depot, which now houses the Chico Art Center.
Public transit options for Chico Station
  • Bus: B-Line routes available nearby

Most popular train connections from Chico, CA

More options for your journey from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

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