Encinitas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train with Amtrak

Mon, Dec 22
+ Add return
Amtrak
North County Transit
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
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1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
North County Transit
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
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1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Encinitas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Showing times and prices for Dec 22

Cheapest price

$49

Average price

$49

Fastest journey

5 h 15 m

Average duration

5 h 15 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

271 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Encinitas, 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 Encinitas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $49 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $49.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Encinitas, CA for Santa Barbara, CA on Mon, Dec 22, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Mon, Dec 22 the direct trains cover the 271 km distance in an average of 5 h 15 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 15 m .

On Mon, Dec 22 the slowest trains will take 5 h 15 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
11:40AM5h15
Encinitas, CA
04:55PMSanta Barbara, CA
$491One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Encinitas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Encinitas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €36. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 13m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €36, and a flight costs an average of €310.

Distance: 168 miles (271 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Bus

€39

Average price

€310

Average price

€36

Average price

Cheapest

5h 43m

Average total duration

Fastest

5h 13m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

11h 28m

Average total duration

8h 28m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

6h 50m

Average total duration

6h 20m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Encinitas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train times

The table below shows live departures for Encinitas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trains for today, Sunday, December 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 6:27 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
North County Transit7:55 PM Encinitas, CA
14h00
9:55 AM Santa Barbara, CA1 transfer
Monday, December 22
amtrak11:40 AM Encinitas, CA
5h15
4:55 PM Santa Barbara, CA0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Encinitas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA by train or bus

Compare train and bus 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.

Mon
Dec 22
Tue
Dec 23
Wed
Dec 24
Thu
Dec 25
Fri
Dec 26
Sat
Dec 27
Sun
Dec 28

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

Amtrak as well as North County Transit offer trains services from Encinitas to Santa Barbara. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Encinitas to Santa Barbara.

Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Amtrak, but also compare tickets for the likes of North County Transit to find the best option for your trip from Encinitas to Santa Barbara.
  • 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 and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Encinitas to Santa Barbara.

Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?

Multiple modes of transport
  • Multiple travel company options: While Amtrak tickets can be bought on Amtrak's website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of North County Transit to help you choose the right option for your journey from Encinitas to Santa Barbara.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Encinitas to Santa Barbara.

Journey information

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

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Encinitas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 13 times per day, taking around 5h 13m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $49 (€39) but you can travel from only $45 (€36) by bus.

There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:40, the last at 18:57. The fastest train covers the 168 miles (271 km) distance in 5h 15m.

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 $45 (€36)
Distance
168 miles (271 km)
Average train duration
5h 13m
Cheapest ticket price
$49 (€39)
Trains per day
13
Direct trains
8
Fastest train
5h 15m
First train
04:40
Last train
18:57
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 $45 (€36)

Train companies: Amtrak, North County Transit from Encinitas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trainsAmtrak, North County Transit trains will get you between Encinitas, CA and Santa Barbara, CA from $45 (€36). 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
5h 15m
Cheapest Price
$49 (€39)
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

North County Transit

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
5h 35m
Cheapest Price
$119 (€95)
North County Transit frequency
4 a day

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

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Encinitas, 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
The distance by train from Encinitas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is 168 miles (271 km).
Typically, spending 2 to 3 days in Santa Barbara, CA is ideal to explore its beautiful beaches, vibrant downtown, and cultural attractions.
A day trip from Encinitas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is not feasible, as the journey takes 5h 15m and covers a distance of 168 miles (271 km). There are 13 trains available per day for this route.
The first train from Encinitas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 4:40 AM.
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.
Train ticket prices from Encinitas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $49 (€39), while the average price is around $49 (€39).
Yes, the train journey from Encinitas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is scenic, offering views of the Pacific Ocean, picturesque coastal towns, and rolling hills along the route.
The last train from Encinitas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 6:57 PM.
The cheapest way to get from Encinitas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is by bus, with a cost of around $45 (€36).
There is no direct train service currently available from Encinitas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
The train from Encinitas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA takes 5h 15m and runs 13 per day.
There is no high speed train available from Encinitas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
The train station in Encinitas, CA that goes to Santa Barbara, CA is Solana Beach Station, Solana Beach, CA, which connects to Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA.
Yes, you can take the train from Encinitas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Encinitas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.

popular train stations

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

Encinitas
Santa Barbara
Amenities at train station
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
platformCount
Number of platforms
2
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available at the station.
Dining
Dining
  • The Lark
  • Santo Mezcal
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $1
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Californian
  • Harbor View Inn
  • Hotel Milo Santa Barbara
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • The station has a main hall with ticketing and waiting areas.
Public transit options for Santa Barbara Station
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • Trolley: Downtown Waterfront Shuttle
Santa Barbara, University of California
information
Goleta StationParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
1
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available adjacent to the station, with spaces for both short-term and long-term parking.
Dining
Dining
  • The Habit Burger Grill
  • Pepe's Mexican Restaurant
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps.
WC
WC
  • Free for passengers
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta
  • Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located near the platform
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • The station consists of a single platform with a waiting area and parking facilities nearby.
Public transit options for Goleta Station
  • Bus: Santa Barbara MTD Line 6, Line 11

Most popular train connections from Encinitas, CA

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Santa Barbara, CAEncinitas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train

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