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Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train with Amtrak

Tue, Jan 27
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Amtrak
Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
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Amtrak
Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
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Ouigo
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Showing times and prices for Jan 28

Cheapest price

$85

Average price

$90

Fastest journey

9 h 3 m

Average duration

9 h 29 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

441 km

Cheap tickets

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 $90 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $85.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Oakland, CA for Santa Barbara, CA on Wed, Jan 28, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Wed, Jan 28 the direct trains cover the 441 km distance in an average of 9 h 29 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 9 h 3 m .

On Wed, Jan 28 the slowest trains will take 9 h 54 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.

Amtrak
04:09PM9h03
Oakland, CA
01:12AMSanta Barbara, CA
$851One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak
04:36PM9h54
Oakland, CA
02:30AMSanta Barbara, CA
$941One-way
0 transfers

Travel 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 €38. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 9h 8m. 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 €38, and a train costs an average of €50.

Distance: 274 miles (441 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

€68

Average price

€42

Average price

Cheapest

10h 3m

Average total duration

9h 33m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

9h 38m

Average total duration

Fastest

9h 8m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.4 - 1.1kg

CO2 emissions

Amtrak

Most popular train company

FlixBus

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 today, Tuesday, January 27. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 2:59 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak4:09 PM Oakland, CA
9h03
1:12 AM Santa Barbara, CA0 transfersDirect
amtrak4:36 PM Oakland, CA
9h54
2:30 AM Santa Barbara, CA0 transfersDirect

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.

Wed
Jan 28
Thu
Jan 29
Fri
Jan 30
Sat
Jan 31
Sun
Feb 01
Mon
Feb 02
Tue
Feb 03

Why should you book Oakland to Santa Barbara trains with Omio?

Amtrak operates all train services from Oakland to Santa Barbara. Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets.

Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?

  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Amtrak with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Oakland to Santa Barbara.

Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?

Multiple modes of transport
  • Official reseller: Amtrak tickets can only be bought on Omio or Amtrak's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Amtrak tickets as they are not official sellers.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Oakland to Santa Barbara.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Train Ticket Prices
  • Budget Options: Train tickets from Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA start from as low as $63 (€50) if booked well in advance.
  • Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $86 (€68) depending on the train type and class.
Journey Duration & Frequency
  • On average there are 5 daily trains from Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA with 1 direct service.
  • The fastest trains can take as little as 9h 3m but the average duration is 9h 33m
Train Operators
  • Travel from Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA with Amtrak
  • The most booked train company for this route on Omio is Amtrak.
Stations & Schedule
  • Most trains depart from Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA and arrive in Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
  • First train typically departs at 07:00 AM and the last at 10:05 PM
Distance
274 miles (441 km)
Average train duration
9h 33m
Cheapest ticket price
$63 (€50)
Trains per day
5
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
9h 3m
First train
07:00
Last train
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 $48 (€38)
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 $48 (€38)

Train companies: Amtrak from Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Oakland, CA and Santa Barbara, CA from $48 (€38). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
8h 10m
Cheapest Price
$51 (€41)
Amtrak frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $63 (€50), while the average price is around $86 (€68).
The train from Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA takes 9h 3m and runs 5 per day.
The distance by train from Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is 274 miles (441 km).
The first train from Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 7:00 AM.
The last train from Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 10:05 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Yes, there is a direct train from Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA. This service operates 1 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
The train station in Oakland, CA that goes to Santa Barbara, CA is Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA, which connects to Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA.
The cheapest way to get from Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is by bus, with a cost of around $48 (€38).
The train journey from Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is considered scenic, offering travelers views of the Pacific Ocean, coastal landscapes, and stretches of California's natural beauty, particularly along the route south of San Luis Obispo.
A day trip from Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is not feasible as the journey takes 9h 3m and covers 274 miles (441 km). Trains run 5 times per day.
In Santa Barbara, CA, visitors can explore State Street for shopping, dining, and entertainment, visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, and take a wine tasting tour in the Santa Ynez Valley. For outdoor activities, enjoy a scenic hike in the Santa Ynez Mountains and visit the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. Best sights include the historic Santa Barbara Mission, Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara Zoo, and the unique Lotusland botanical garden.
Typically, spending 2 to 3 days in Santa Barbara, CA is ideal to explore its beautiful beaches, vibrant downtown, and cultural attractions.
Yes, you can take the train from Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Oakland
Santa Barbara
The major train station for departures in Oakland is Jack London Square. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Jack London Square for your trip from Oakland to Santa Barbara.
Jack London SquareWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
2
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available nearby, with several public parking lots in the vicinity.
Dining
Dining
  • Yoshi's Oakland
  • Scott's Seafood Restaurant
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $1
Hotel
Hotel
  • Waterfront Hotel
  • Z Hotel Jack London Square
  • Executive Inn & Suites
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Enterprise
  • Hertz
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, ticket office, and waiting area
  • Hall 2: platforms for Amtrak services
Public transit options for Jack London Square
  • Bus: AC Transit lines 12, 72, 72M
  • Ferry: San Francisco Bay Ferry

Most popular trains to and from Santa Barbara, CA and Oakland, CA

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Santa Barbara, CAOakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train

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