The cheapest and fastest trains from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Cheapest price
$146
Average price
$146
Fastest journey
15 h 18 m
Average duration
15 h 18 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
620 km
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 $146 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $146.
Of the 1 trains that leave Chico, CA for Santa Barbara, CA on Mon, Mar 23, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Mar 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 Mon, Mar 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.


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 $106. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 59m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $106, and a flight costs an average of $318.
Distance: 385 miles (620 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$120 Average price | $107 Average price Cheapest | $375 Average price |
14h 13m Average total duration 13h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 15h 55m Average total duration 15h 25m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 59m Average total duration Fastest 5h 59m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trains for tomorrow, Sunday, March 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:12 PM Chico, CA | 15h18 | 3:30 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Mar 23
Mar 24
Mar 25
Mar 26
Mar 27
Mar 28
Mar 29
Journey information
Overview: Train from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Trains from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 11 times per day, taking around 13h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $112 (€90) but you can travel from only $106 (€86) by bus.
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 35m.
Distance 385 miles (620 km) |
Average train duration 13h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $112 (€90) |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 14h 35m |
First train 04:12 |
Last train 22:20 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Chico, CA and Santa Barbara, CA from $106 (€86). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
- Outside the station.
- Ramps.
- Hotel Diamond Chico
- Quality Inn Chico
- Oxford Suites Chico
- Free
- The station is a platform adjacent to the historic 1892 Southern Pacific depot, which now houses the Chico Art Center.
- Bus: B-Line routes available nearby
- 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 Chico, CA
More options for your journey from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
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