- Must visit
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Leading regional art museum with strong American, Asian, and European collections in a prominent downtown setting.
Cheapest price
$41
Average price
$47
Fastest journey
3 h 24 m
Average duration
3 h 29 m
Trains per day
12
Distance
174 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Fullerton, 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 Fullerton, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $47 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $41.
Of the 12 trains that leave Fullerton, CA for Santa Barbara, CA on Sun, Jun 07, 10 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 07 the direct trains cover the 174 km distance in an average of 3 h 29 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 24 m .
On Sun, Jun 07 the slowest trains will take 3 h 37 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.
777 Pacific Surfliner
769 Pacific Surfliner
765 Pacific Surfliner
761 Pacific Surfliner
785 Pacific Surfliner
777 Pacific Surfliner
769 Pacific Surfliner
765 Pacific Surfliner
785 Pacific Surfliner
761 Pacific SurflinerOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Fullerton, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $29. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 58m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $29, and a flight costs an average of $248.
Distance: 108 miles (174 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$40 Average price | $29 Average price Cheapest | $437 Average price | $24 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 4m Average total duration 3h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 30m Average total duration 4h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 58m Average total duration Fastest 58m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 2h 20m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions | 0.5 - 1.0kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Fullerton, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
A bus is $11 (€9) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Fullerton, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $40 (€33).
A bus is $408 (€332) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Fullerton, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $437 (€356).
Other travel options to Santa Barbara, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 34m.
Bus takes on average 4h 0m.
Tickets start at around $40 (€33) compared to roughly $24 (€20) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-15.73 (€-12.82). The journey takes 3h 34m versus 2h 20m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Fullerton, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trains for today, Saturday, June 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
761 Pacific Surfliner | 6:18 AM Fullerton Station, Fullerton, CA | 3h37 | 9:55 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
761 Pacific Surfliner | 6:18 AM Fullerton Station, Fullerton, CA | 3h51 | 10:09 AM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight | 8:21 AM Fullerton Station, Fullerton, CA | 3h53 | 12:14 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
765 Pacific Surfliner | 8:21 AM Fullerton Station, Fullerton, CA | 3h26 | 11:47 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
765 Pacific Surfliner | 8:21 AM Fullerton Station, Fullerton, CA | 3h40 | 12:01 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight | 8:21 AM Fullerton Station, Fullerton, CA | 3h53 | 12:14 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
769 Pacific Surfliner | 10:21 AM Fullerton Station, Fullerton, CA | 3h25 | 1:46 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
769 Pacific Surfliner | 10:21 AM Fullerton Station, Fullerton, CA | 3h41 | 2:02 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
777 Pacific Surfliner | 2:21 PM Fullerton Station, Fullerton, CA | 3h24 | 5:45 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
777 Pacific Surfliner | 2:21 PM Fullerton Station, Fullerton, CA | 3h39 | 6:00 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
785 Pacific Surfliner | 6:21 PM Fullerton Station, Fullerton, CA | 3h51 | 10:12 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
785 Pacific Surfliner | 6:21 PM Fullerton Station, Fullerton, CA | 3h35 | 9:56 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Fullerton, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 12 times per day, taking around 3h 34m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $39 (€32) but you can travel from only $29 (€24) by bus.
There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:00, the last at 19:00. The fastest train covers the 108 miles (174 km) distance in 3h 24m.
Distance 108 miles (174 km) |
Average train duration 3h 34m |
Cheapest ticket price $39 (€32) |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 10 |
Fastest train 3h 24m |
First train 6:00 AM |
Last train 7:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Sat |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Santa Barbara — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Santa Barbara trip today.
Leading regional art museum with strong American, Asian, and European collections in a prominent downtown setting.
Hands-on science and technology museum popular with families for interactive exhibits and rooftop activities.
Compact waterfront museum covering regional seafaring history, Channel maritime culture, and local ocean exploration.
Classic waterfront promenade with ocean views, harbor access, and one of the city’s most recognizable settings.
Main downtown corridor for walking, shopping, people-watching, and easy access to major attractions.
Celebrated botanical garden estate in Montecito with extraordinary themed gardens; advance reservations are typical.
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.
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.
Seasonal local prawns from the Santa Barbara Channel, prized for their sweetness and delicate texture. They are a standout coastal seafood specialty when available.
Respected waterfront-adjacent restaurant specializing in Italian-inspired coastal cuisine, pasta, and polished service.
Well-known New American restaurant in the Funk Zone with stylish interiors, seasonal ingredients, and strong local wine offerings.
Established Spanish restaurant serving paella, tapas, and cocktails in an elegant but energetic downtown setting.
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.
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.
The train connection between Fullerton, CA and Santa Barbara, CA is a convenient way to travel along the beautiful California coast. Operated by Amtrak, this route offers scenic views of the Pacific Ocean and charming coastal towns. With multiple departures throughout the day, passengers can enjoy a comfortable journey while relaxing in spacious seating or taking advantage of onboard amenities. Whether you're heading for a weekend getaway or exploring local attractions, traveling by train provides an enjoyable experience that connects these two cities seamlessly.
The train connection between Fullerton and Santa Barbara takes approximately 3 hours and 28 minutes. There are 3 direct connections available each day, making it a convenient option for travelers looking to explore the beautiful coastal city of Santa Barbara.
The first daily train departs from Fullerton at 1:18 PM and arrives in Santa Barbara at 9:18 PM. This connection offers travelers a scenic journey along California's beautiful coastline.
The cheapest ticket price for a train journey between Fullerton and Santa Barbara is $35 (31.5€). This fare provides an affordable option for travelers looking to explore the beautiful coastal city of Santa Barbara while enjoying scenic views along the way.
Welcome to the Santa Barbara Mission, founded in 1786 as one of California's original 21 missions; it stands as a testament to Spanish colonial history and the spread of Christianity among Native Americans. This stunning structure is not only significant for its architectural beauty but also for its role in shaping the cultural landscape of Southern California, making it a must-visit site that reflects both faith and community resilience. As you explore its lush gardens and historic artifacts, you'll discover unique features like the beautiful altar adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant murals that tell stories from centuries past.
Next on our journey is Stearns Wharf, built in 1872 as a shipping dock for goods arriving by sea; this iconic landmark has transformed into an inviting hub where visitors can enjoy breathtaking ocean views while indulging in local seafood delicacies. The wharf holds historical significance as one of Santa Barbara’s oldest working piers, showcasing how maritime trade shaped this coastal city’s economy over time. Unique attractions here include charming shops filled with artisan crafts and marine life exhibits at the Sea Center—perfect spots to immerse yourself in both culture and nature.
Finally, we arrive at Courthouse Sunken Gardens—a hidden gem nestled within Santa Barbara's historic courthouse complex completed in 1929; these beautifully landscaped gardens are renowned for their serene ambiance amidst striking architecture inspired by Spanish-Moorish design. The significance lies not just in their aesthetic appeal but also as a gathering place reflecting community spirit through various events throughout the year. Be sure to take note of unique features such as colorful tile mosaics depicting local flora alongside fragrant blooms that create an enchanting atmosphere perfect for relaxation or photography!
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Fullerton, 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.

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