- Must visit
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Leading regional art museum with American, Asian, and contemporary works in a refined downtown setting with strong rotating exhibitions.
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
The cheapest and fastest trains from Modesto, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Oct 09
Cheapest price on Oct 09
$71
Average ticket price on Oct 09
$71
Fastest journey on Oct 09
7 h 40 m
Average journey duration on Oct 09
7 h 40 m
Trains on Oct 09
1
Distance
376 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Modesto, 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 Modesto, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $71 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $71.
Fast trains
On Fri, Oct 09, we found 1 trains from Modesto, CA to Santa Barbara, CA, including 1 direct services.
On Fri, Oct 09 the direct trains cover the 376 km distance in an average of 7 h 40 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 40 m .
On Fri, Oct 09 the slowest trains will take 7 h 40 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.
8:35 PM7h40Modesto, CA4:15 AMSanta Barbara, CA$711One-way0 transfers
- 8:35 PM7h40Modesto, CA4:15 AMSanta Barbara, CA$711One-way0 transfers
Journey information
Overview: Train from Modesto, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
USAUSA
Take a train from Modesto, CA to Santa Barbara, CA and enjoy the approximately 233 miles (376 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 08:31, the last at 22:05.
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 $71
Distance 233 miles (376 km) |
First train 8:31 AM |
Last train 10:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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 $71
Live departures
Modesto, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Modesto, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trains for today, Thursday, October 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 710 Gold Runner · 5910 Connecting Bus · 785 Pacific Surfliner | 10:35 AM Modesto Station, Modesto, CA | 11h21 | 9:56 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 2 transfers | |
| 710 Gold Runner · 5910 Connecting Bus · 785 Pacific Surfliner | 10:35 AM Modesto Station, Modesto, CA | 11h37 | 10:12 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 2 transfers | |
| 712 Gold Runner · 5612 Connecting Bus | 12:35 PM Modesto Station, Modesto, CA | 7h40 | 8:15 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
| 712 Gold Runner · 5612 Connecting Bus | 12:35 PM Modesto Station, Modesto, CA | 8h05 | 8:40 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Complete guide to Santa Barbara, CA
Things to do in Santa Barbara, CA
Discover the best of Santa Barbara, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Santa Barbara, CA trip today.
- Must visit
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
Natural history museum in Mission Canyon with exhibits on wildlife, geology, and Chumash heritage, plus a popular butterfly pavilion seasonally.
- Recommended
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
Waterfront maritime museum covering Channel history, shipwrecks, navigation, and regional seafaring culture in a polished harbor location.
- Must visit
State Street
Lively main street lined with Spanish-style architecture, shops, theaters, and landmarks, making it the heart of downtown walking routes.
- Must visit
Cabrillo Boulevard
Classic beachside promenade ideal for walking and biking, with palm-lined ocean views, parks, and access to the harbor and wharf.
- Must visit
Santa Barbara Harbor
Popular waterfront district with marina views, boat activity, museums, and easy walking access to coastal paths and sunset scenery.
- Gluten-free
Santa Barbara Uni
Fresh sea urchin roe landed from the Santa Barbara Channel. Briny, sweet, and prized because the region is one of California's best-known uni sources.
- Gluten-free
Santa Barbara Spot Prawns
Spot prawns from local waters, often grilled or served simply to highlight their sweetness. Seasonal and celebrated for their freshness on the Central Coast.
- Gluten-free
California Spiny Lobster
Local spiny lobster, usually prepared grilled or roasted. A prized seasonal catch tied to the Santa Barbara Channel fishing tradition.
Barbareño
Refined downtown restaurant serving elegant Central Coast cuisine with strong local seafood and wine in a polished setting.
The Lark
Long-running fine dining restaurant focused on seasonal ingredients and local catch, with a classic upscale atmosphere.
Brophy Bros.
Historic waterfront oyster bar known for very fresh local seafood, chowder, and a lively harbor setting.
US Dollar ($)
Santa Barbara is pricier than many US beach cities, with higher hotel rates, dining, and parking; transit is affordable but limited for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $12-20 for fast food or casual lunch.
- Mid-range
- $25-45 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- $75+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- $4-6 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis and rideshares, and $1-2 at cafes for counter service or drinks.
FAQs: Trains from Modesto, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Modesto, 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.
The distance by train from Modesto, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is 233 miles (376 km).
The first train from Modesto, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 8:31 AM.
The last train from Modesto, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 10:05 PM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Modesto, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
The train journey from Modesto, CA to Santa Barbara, CA offers scenic views, especially as you travel through the rolling hills of California's central valley and along the Pacific coastline near Santa Barbara, providing a diverse and picturesque landscape.
No, you cannot take the train from Modesto, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Popular day trips by train from Santa Barbara, CA include Ventura, CA, Camarillo, CA, Oxnard, CA, Simi Valley, CA, Moorpark, CA.
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 Modesto, CA 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 Modesto, CA
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.
