The cheapest and fastest trains from Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Cheapest price
$77
Average price
$77
Fastest journey
9 h 30 m
Average duration
9 h 59 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
259 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Fresno, 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 Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $77 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $77.
Of the 2 trains that leave Fresno, CA for Santa Barbara, CA on Sat, Mar 14, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Mar 14 the direct trains cover the 259 km distance in an average of 9 h 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 9 h 30 m .
On Sat, Mar 14 the slowest trains will take 10 h 27 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 bus, train, and flight for Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $52. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 33m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $52, and a flight costs an average of $186.
Distance: 160 miles (259 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$77 Average price | $64 Average price Cheapest | $376 Average price |
10h 4m Average total duration 9h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 47m Average total duration 6h 17m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 33m Average total duration Fastest 5h 33m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trains for tomorrow, Friday, March 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:29 PM Fresno, CA | 10h27 | 5:56 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:29 PM Fresno, CA | 9h30 | 5:59 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 Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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 14
Mar 15
Mar 16
Mar 17
Mar 18
Mar 19
Mar 20
Journey information
Overview: Train from Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Trains from Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 9h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $76 (€63) but you can travel from only $52 (€43) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 06:39, the last at 22:20. The fastest train covers the 160 miles (259 km) distance in 9h 27m.
Distance 160 miles (259 km) |
Average train duration 9h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price $76 (€63) |
Trains per day 3 |
Fastest train 9h 27m |
First train 06:39 |
Last train 22:20 |
Cheapest month Dec |
Cheapest day Wed |
High season Jan - Mar |
Low season Apr - Jun |
Best day to book ahead 7 days |
FAQs: Trains from Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Fresno, 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 Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available on-site with both short-term and long-term options.
- Shepherd's Inn
- Joe's Steakhouse
- Outside the main entrance.
- $0.50
- DoubleTree by Hilton Fresno Convention Center
- Radisson Hotel Fresno Conference Center
- La Quinta Inn by Wyndham Fresno Yosemite
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, ticket office, and waiting area
- Hall 2: platforms for Amtrak trains
- Bus: Fresno Area Express (FAX) routes 22, 26, 28, 34, 38
- 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
Most popular train connections from Fresno, CA
More options for your journey from Fresno, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
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