- Must visit
Santa Barbara Museum Of Art
Leading regional art museum with American, Asian, and European collections in a historic downtown building. A top cultural stop for its strong permanent collection and rotating exhibitions.
Cheapest price
$82
Average price
$82
Fastest journey
7 h 40 m
Average duration
7 h 40 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
376 km
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 $82 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $82.
Of the 1 trains that leave Modesto, CA for Santa Barbara, CA on Tue, May 26, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, May 26 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 Tue, May 26 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.


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 $74. 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 $74, and a flight costs an average of $372.
Distance: 233 miles (376 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$78 Average price Cheapest | $405 Average price | $111 Average price | $62 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
7h 56m Average total duration 7h 26m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 11m Average total duration Fastest 7h 11m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 11h 53m Average total duration 11h 23m Onboard + 30m 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 $111 (€90).
A train is $327 (€264) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Modesto, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $405 (€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 $78 (€63) compared to roughly $62 (€50) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-16.12 (€-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.
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 $74 (€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 $74 (€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 historic downtown building. A top cultural stop for its strong permanent collection and rotating exhibitions.
Hands-on science and technology museum popular with families and visitors for interactive exhibits and a rooftop sky garden. Contemporary and highly social-media-friendly.
Contemporary art museum known for changing exhibitions by emerging and established artists. Smaller than the main art museum but well regarded by local art followers.
Historic wharf with ocean views, easy harbor access, and one of the city's classic walking spots. Especially popular for sunset photos and first-time visits.
Main downtown corridor lined with shops, historic buildings, patios, and people-watching. Central for exploring the city's urban heart on foot.
Scenic coastal area spanning the harbor, beach paths, and palm-lined shoreline. A priority area for walking, cycling, and classic Santa Barbara views.
Tri-tip beef seasoned simply with salt, pepper, and garlic, then grilled over red oak. It is a Central Coast classic strongly associated with the Santa Barbara area.
Seasonal local prawns prized for their sweet flavor and delicate texture, often served simply grilled or sauteed to highlight fresh coastal seafood.
Fresh sea urchin harvested off the coast, enjoyed raw or lightly prepared. It is one of the region's most distinctive ocean delicacies.
Established downtown restaurant focused on Santa Barbara County wine and locally sourced California cuisine in an intimate setting.
Stylish Spanish restaurant and tapas bar known for paella, sherry, and lively dining in the Funk Zone.
Busy harbor seafood institution loved for oysters, chowder, and waterfront views in a casual setting.
Santa Barbara is pricier than most U.S. cities, especially for hotels, dining, and parking near the coast.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Tip bartenders USD 1-2 per drink, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5.
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.

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