The cheapest and fastest trains from Chico, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
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
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.
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.


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.
Dec 23
Dec 24
Dec 25
Dec 26
Dec 27
Dec 28
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?
- 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
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.
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 |
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
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
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
