- Must visit
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Leading regional art museum with strong American, Asian, and European collections in a prominent downtown setting.
2,000+ travel companies
2,000+ travel companies
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
4.942K ratings
Google Play
4.6136K reviews
Travel Information
Compare bus and flight for Denver, CO to Santa Barbara, CA
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Denver, CO to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $134. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 3h 25m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $134, and a flight costs an average of $143.
Distance: 889 miles (1431 km)
Compare bus with
Most popular Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$185 Average price Cheapest | $395 Average price | $223 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
24h 35m Average total duration 24h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 25m Average total duration Fastest 3h 25m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 16h 1m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Denver, CO to Santa Barbara, CA is a bus with an average price of $185 (€149).
This is compared to other travel options from Denver, CO to Santa Barbara, CA:
A bus is $210 (€170) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Denver, CO to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $395 (€319).
The fastest way to travel from Denver, CO to Santa Barbara, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 25m.
Other travel options to Santa Barbara, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 24h 5m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Denver, CO and Santa Barbara, CA including taking a bus and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Denver, CO to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users.
Compare prices and tickets Denver, CO to Santa Barbara, CA by bus or flight
Compare 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.
Thu
Jun 04
Jun 04
Fri
Jun 05
Jun 05
Sat
Jun 06
Jun 06
Sun
Jun 07
Jun 07
Mon
Jun 08
Jun 08
Tue
Jun 09
Jun 09
Wed
Jun 10
Jun 10
Journey information
Overview: Train from Denver, CO to Santa Barbara, CA
USAUSA
Take a train from Denver, CO to Santa Barbara, CA and enjoy the approximately 889 miles (1431 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 22:05, the last at 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $134 (€108)
Distance 889 miles (1431 km) |
First train 10:05 PM |
Last train 10:20 PM |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sat |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $134 (€108)
Complete guide to Santa Barbara
Things to do in Santa Barbara
Discover the best of Santa Barbara — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Santa Barbara trip today.
- Recommended
MOXI, The Wolf Museum of Exploration + Innovation
Hands-on science and technology museum popular with families for interactive exhibits and rooftop activities.
- Recommended
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
Compact waterfront museum covering regional seafaring history, Channel maritime culture, and local ocean exploration.
- Must visit
Stearns Wharf
Classic waterfront promenade with ocean views, harbor access, and one of the city’s most recognizable settings.
- Must visit
State Street
Main downtown corridor for walking, shopping, people-watching, and easy access to major attractions.
- Must visit
Lotusland
Celebrated botanical garden estate in Montecito with extraordinary themed gardens; advance reservations are typical.
Santa Maria-Style Barbecue
Central Coast barbecue tradition featuring oak-grilled beef tri-tip, often served with pinquito beans, salsa, and garlic bread. It is one of the region's most iconic local meals.
Tri-Tip Sandwich
A beloved local sandwich made with sliced Santa Maria-style tri-tip on bread, commonly found at casual grills and roadside spots across the area.
- Gluten-free
Spot Prawns
Seasonal local prawns from the Santa Barbara Channel, prized for their sweetness and delicate texture. They are a standout coastal seafood specialty when available.
Toma Restaurant & Bar Santa Barbara
Respected waterfront-adjacent restaurant specializing in Italian-inspired coastal cuisine, pasta, and polished service.
The Lark Santa Barbara
Well-known New American restaurant in the Funk Zone with stylish interiors, seasonal ingredients, and strong local wine offerings.
Loquita Santa Barbara
Established Spanish restaurant serving paella, tapas, and cocktails in an elegant but energetic downtown setting.
United States Dollar
Santa Barbara is pricey by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining. Budget options exist, but most visitors spend more than in many other California cities.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 12-20 for fast casual or tacos.
- Mid-range
- USD 25-45 per person at a casual restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 75+ per person at upscale spots.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for a coffee drink.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis and rideshares, USD 1-2 per bag for hotel staff, and USD 1-2 per drink at bars. Tipping is expected for service.
FAQs: Trains from Denver, CO to Santa Barbara, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Denver, CO 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.
The distance by train from Denver, CO to Santa Barbara, CA is 889 miles (1431 km).
The first train from Denver, CO to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 10:05 PM.
The last train from Denver, CO to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 10:20 PM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Denver, CO to Santa Barbara, CA.
The cheapest way to get from Denver, CO to Santa Barbara, CA is by bus, with a cost of around $134 (€108).
The train journey from Denver, CO to Santa Barbara, CA offers scenic views, especially as it traverses the Rocky Mountains and passes through picturesque landscapes, including canyons and coastal areas, providing travelers with a visually captivating experience.
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.
Typically, spending 2 to 3 days in Santa Barbara, CA is ideal to explore its beautiful beaches, vibrant downtown, and cultural attractions.
No, you cannot take the train from Denver, CO to Santa Barbara, CA.
Since neither Denver, CO nor Santa Barbara, CA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Santa Barbara, CA include Ventura, CA, Camarillo, CA, Oxnard, CA, Simi Valley, CA, Moorpark, CA.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Denver, CO to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Santa Barbara, CA, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins, especially in crowded areas and popular tourist spots like State Street and the waterfront. Common scams include overcharging by some taxi or ride-share drivers and unofficial street vendors selling counterfeit goods. It is advisable to use authorized transportation services and keep personal belongings secure to avoid these issues.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
More options for your journey from Denver, CO to Santa Barbara, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Santa Barbara, CA and Denver, CO
Most popular train connections to Santa Barbara, CA
The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy
We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.
