Palm Springs, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train with Amtrak

Mon, Mar 16
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Amtrak
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Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
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Frecciarossa
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Palm Springs, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Showing times and prices for Mar 17

Cheapest price

$44

Average price

$44

Fastest journey

5 h 56 m

Average duration

6 h 53 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

298 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Palm Springs, 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 Palm Springs, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $44 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $44.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Palm Springs, CA for Santa Barbara, CA on Tue, Mar 17, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Tue, Mar 17 the direct trains cover the 298 km distance in an average of 6 h 53 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 56 m .

On Tue, Mar 17 the slowest trains will take 7 h 49 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
03:50PM5h56
Palm Springs, CA
09:46PMSanta Barbara, CA
$441One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak
10:10PM7h49
Palm Springs, CA
05:59AMSanta Barbara, CA
$441One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Palm Springs, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Palm Springs, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $43. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 5h 10m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $43, and a flight costs an average of $157.

Distance: 185 miles (298 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

$44

Average price

Cheapest

$89

Average price

$329

Average price

6h 20m

Average total duration

5h 50m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 40m

Average total duration

Fastest

5h 10m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

9h 28m

Average total duration

6h 28m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Palm Springs, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train times

The table below shows live departures for Palm Springs, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trains for today, Monday, March 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 10:07 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak10:10 PM Palm Springs, CA
7h49
5:59 AM Santa Barbara, CA0 transfersDirect
Tuesday, March 17
amtrak3:50 PM Palm Springs, CA
5h56
9:46 PM 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 Palm Springs, CA to Santa Barbara, CA by bus, train, or flight

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.

Tue
Mar 17
Wed
Mar 18
Thu
Mar 19
Fri
Mar 20
Sat
Mar 21
Sun
Mar 22
Mon
Mar 23

Journey information

Overview: Train from Palm Springs, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

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Icon of train

Trains from Palm Springs, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 5h 50m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $43 (€35) if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 02:02, the last at 18:19. The fastest train covers the 185 miles (298 km) distance in 5h 56m.

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
Distance
185 miles (298 km)
Average train duration
5h 50m
Cheapest ticket price
$43 (€35)
Trains per day
4
Fastest train
5h 56m
First train
02:02
Last train
18:19
Cheapest month
Mar
Cheapest day
Tue
High season
Jan - Mar
Low season
Jul - Sep
Busiest day
Wed
Least busy day
Sun
Best day to book ahead
56 days
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

Train companies: Amtrak from Palm Springs, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Palm Springs, CA and Santa Barbara, CA from $43 (€35). 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
5h 56m
Cheapest Price
$43 (€35)
Amtrak frequency
4 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 Palm Springs, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Palm Springs, 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 Palm Springs, CA to Santa Barbara, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $43 (€35), while the average price is around $44 (€36).
The train from Palm Springs, CA to Santa Barbara, CA takes 5h 56m and runs 4 per day.
The first train from Palm Springs, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 2:02 AM.
The distance by train from Palm Springs, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is 185 miles (298 km).
The last train from Palm Springs, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 6:19 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Palm Springs, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
There is no direct train service currently available from Palm Springs, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Palm Springs, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
The cheapest way to get from Palm Springs, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is by train, with a cost of around $43 (€35).
The train journey from Palm Springs, CA to Santa Barbara, CA offers scenic views as it travels through diverse landscapes including desert vistas, rolling hills, and coastal stretches, making it a visually pleasant experience.
A day trip from Palm Springs, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is not feasible as the journey takes 5h 56m. There are 4 trips per day by train, and the distance is 185 miles (298 km).
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 Palm Springs, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Palm Springs, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Palm Springs
Santa Barbara
The major train station for departures in Palm Springs is Palm Springs, International Airport (E Tahquitz Canyon Way). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Palm Springs, International Airport (E Tahquitz Canyon Way) for your trip from Palm Springs to Santa Barbara.
Palm Springs, International Airport (E Tahquitz Canyon Way)
information
Palm Springs, SunLine Transit Bus Stop
information
Palm Springs StationDiningAccessibility
Amenities at train station
DiningDining
AccessibilityAccessibility

Most popular train connections from Palm Springs, CA

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