- Must visit
Santa Barbara Museum Of Art
Leading regional art museum with American, Asian, and European collections in a central downtown setting.




Cheapest price
$446
Average price
$715
Fastest journey
3h 46m
Average duration
10h 25m
Flights per day
4
Distance
499 km
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Modesto, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $72. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 7h 11m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $72, and a flight costs an average of $365.
Distance: 233 miles (376 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$76 Average price Cheapest | $109 Average price | $398 Average price | $61 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 56m Average total duration 7h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 11h 53m Average total duration 11h 23m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 11m Average total duration Fastest 7h 11m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 5h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Modesto, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
A train is $33 (€27) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Modesto, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $109 (€90).
A train is $322 (€264) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Modesto, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $398 (€327).
Other travel options to Santa Barbara, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 7h 26m.
Bus takes on average 11h 23m.
Tickets start at around $76 (€63) compared to roughly $61 (€50) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-15.84 (€-13.00). The journey takes 7h 26m versus 5h 5m 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 Modesto, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trains for tomorrow, Friday, July 10. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 8:35 PM Modesto, CA | 7h40 | 4:15 AM 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 Modesto, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 7h 26m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $72 (€59) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 08:31, the last at 22:05. The fastest train covers the 233 miles (376 km) distance in 7h 40m.
Distance 233 miles (376 km) |
Average train duration 7h 26m |
Cheapest ticket price $72 (€59) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 7h 40m |
First train 8:31 AM |
Last train 10:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Tue |
Least Busy Day Tue |
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 American, Asian, and European collections in a central downtown setting.
Hands-on science and technology museum popular with families, featuring interactive exhibits and a rooftop sky garden.
Compact waterfront museum covering regional seafaring history, diving, Channel Islands heritage, and navigation.
Main downtown corridor lined with shops, historic buildings, and people-watching, central to the city experience.
Historic wharf with ocean views, strolling paths, and easy access to the waterfront and marine attractions.
Scenic marina and waterfront walking area popular for sunsets, harbor views, and access to the breakwater.
Central Coast tri-tip grilled over red oak, traditionally served with pinquito beans, salsa, and garlic bread. It is one of the region’s signature local meals.
Sweet local prawns from nearby waters, often simply grilled or served crudo when in season. They are prized for freshness and strong coastal identity.
Fresh uni from the Santa Barbara Channel, known for its rich, creamy texture. It is a standout local seafood delicacy tied to the city’s fishing culture.
Historic stagecoach-era tavern in the hills above the city, known for rustic atmosphere, hearty fare, and weekend barbecue traditions.
Popular Funk Zone restaurant serving seasonal California cuisine with local seafood, vegetables, and strong Central Coast sourcing in a lively upscale setting.
Stylish Spanish restaurant known for tapas, paella, cocktails, and a polished downtown atmosphere. Good choice for shared plates and evening dining.
Prices are high by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining near the beach and downtown.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 15-20% for taxis and rideshares, USD 1-2 per drink at bars, and a few dollars for hotel staff.
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.

Most Modesto, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trains use the Modesto Station to Santa Barbara Station station pair, with some services arriving at Goleta Station. Use this guide to compare Modesto, CA and Santa Barbara, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Modesto Station is 8 km from Modesto city centre. Public transport options include:
Modesto Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Free.
Ticket office support is available at Modesto Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Modesto Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Modesto Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Modesto Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Modesto Station.
Santa Barbara Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Lark, Santo Mezcal
Ticket office support is available at Santa Barbara Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Santa Barbara Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Santa Barbara Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Santa Barbara Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Barbara Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Californian, Harbor View Inn, Hotel Milo Santa Barbara.
Goleta Station is 1 km from Santa Barbara city centre. Public transport options include:
Goleta Station has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Habit Burger Grill, Pepe's Mexican Restaurant
Ticket office support is available at Goleta Station. Information desks are located near the platform.
Available at Goleta Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Goleta Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Goleta Station: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta, Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need