The cheapest and fastest trains from Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Cheapest price
$79
Average price
$97
Fastest journey
9 h 3 m
Average duration
10 h 56 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
441 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Oakland, 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 Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $97 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $79.
Of the 3 trains that leave Oakland, CA for Santa Barbara, CA on Sat, Mar 14, 1 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 441 km distance in an average of 10 h 56 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 9 h 3 m .
On Sat, Mar 14 the slowest trains will take 13 h 48 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.
11 Coast Starlight
712 Gold Runner · 5612 AMTRAK
710 Gold Runner · 5910 AMTRAK · 785 Pacific Surfliner
11 Coast Starlight
712 Gold Runner · 5612 AMTRAK
710 Gold Runner · 5910 AMTRAK · 785 Pacific SurflinerTravel Information
Compare train and bus for Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $44. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 9h 1m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $44, and a train costs an average of $61.
Distance: 274 miles (441 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
$94 Average price | $64 Average price Cheapest |
9h 31m Average total duration Fastest 9h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 38m Average total duration 9h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Oakland, 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 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
710 Gold Runner · 5910 AMTRAK · 785 Pacific Surfliner | 3:08 PM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 13h48 | 4:56 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 2 transfers | |
11 Coast Starlight | 4:09 PM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 9h03 | 1:12 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
712 Gold Runner · 5612 AMTRAK | 5:18 PM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 9h57 | 3:15 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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 Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Trains from Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 9h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $61 (€50) but you can travel from only $44 (€36) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:39, the last at 22:05. The fastest train covers the 274 miles (441 km) distance in 9h 3m.
Distance 274 miles (441 km) |
Average train duration 9h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price $61 (€50) |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 9h 3m |
First train 06:39 |
Last train 22:05 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Oakland, CA and Santa Barbara, CA from $44 (€36). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Oakland, 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 Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available nearby, with several public parking lots in the vicinity.
- Yoshi's Oakland
- Scott's Seafood Restaurant
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- Waterfront Hotel
- Z Hotel Jack London Square
- Executive Inn & Suites
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, ticket office, and waiting area
- Hall 2: platforms for Amtrak services
- Bus: AC Transit lines 12, 72, 72M
- Ferry: San Francisco Bay Ferry
- 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
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available adjacent to the station, with spaces for both short-term and long-term parking.
- The Habit Burger Grill
- Pepe's Mexican Restaurant
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- Free for passengers
- Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta
- Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta
- Located near the platform
- Free
- The station consists of a single platform with a waiting area and parking facilities nearby.
- Bus: Santa Barbara MTD Line 6, Line 11
More options for your journey from Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
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