- Must visit
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Leading regional art museum with American, Asian, and contemporary works in a refined downtown setting with strong rotating exhibitions.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Riverside, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Sep 15
Cheapest price on Sep 15
$43
Average ticket price on Sep 15
$43
Fastest journey on Sep 15
4 h 46 m
Average journey duration on Sep 15
4 h 46 m
Trains on Sep 15
1
Distance
218 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Riverside, 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 Riverside, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $43 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $43.
Fast trains
On Tue, Sep 15, we found 1 trains from Riverside, CA to Santa Barbara, CA, including 1 direct services.
On Tue, Sep 15 the direct trains cover the 218 km distance in an average of 4 h 46 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 46 m .
On Tue, Sep 15 the slowest trains will take 4 h 46 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.
5:00 PM4h46Riverside, CA9:46 PMSanta Barbara, CA$431One-way0 transfers
- 5:00 PM4h46Riverside, CA9:46 PMSanta Barbara, CA$431One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Riverside, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Riverside, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the flight, with an average ticket price of $756 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 5h 50m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a flight costs an average of $756, while a flight costs an average of $756.
Distance: 135 miles (218 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$756 Average price Cheapest | $31 Average price (fuel + tolls) | ||
5h 50m Average total duration Fastest 3h 50m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 2h 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) | ||
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Riverside, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is a flight with an average price of $756 (€613).
The fastest way to travel from Riverside, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 3h 50m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Riverside, CA and Santa Barbara, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Riverside, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users.
Live departures
Riverside, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Riverside, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trains for today, Monday, September 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4:00 PM Riverside, CA | 4h46 | 8:46 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Riverside, 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Riverside, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
USAUSA
Take a train from Riverside, CA to Santa Barbara, CA and enjoy the approximately 135 miles (218 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
The earliest train runs at 06:00, the last at 15:25.
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
Flight from $272 (€221)
Distance 135 miles (218 km) |
First train 6:00 AM |
Last train 3:25 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Best time to book 28 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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Flight from $272 (€221)
Complete guide to Santa Barbara, CA
Things to do in Santa Barbara, CA
Discover the best of Santa Barbara, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Santa Barbara, CA trip today.
- Must visit
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
Natural history museum in Mission Canyon with exhibits on wildlife, geology, and Chumash heritage, plus a popular butterfly pavilion seasonally.
- Recommended
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
Waterfront maritime museum covering Channel history, shipwrecks, navigation, and regional seafaring culture in a polished harbor location.
- Must visit
State Street
Lively main street lined with Spanish-style architecture, shops, theaters, and landmarks, making it the heart of downtown walking routes.
- Must visit
Cabrillo Boulevard
Classic beachside promenade ideal for walking and biking, with palm-lined ocean views, parks, and access to the harbor and wharf.
- Must visit
Santa Barbara Harbor
Popular waterfront district with marina views, boat activity, museums, and easy walking access to coastal paths and sunset scenery.
- Gluten-free
Santa Barbara Uni
Fresh sea urchin roe landed from the Santa Barbara Channel. Briny, sweet, and prized because the region is one of California's best-known uni sources.
- Gluten-free
Santa Barbara Spot Prawns
Spot prawns from local waters, often grilled or served simply to highlight their sweetness. Seasonal and celebrated for their freshness on the Central Coast.
- Gluten-free
California Spiny Lobster
Local spiny lobster, usually prepared grilled or roasted. A prized seasonal catch tied to the Santa Barbara Channel fishing tradition.
Barbareño
Refined downtown restaurant serving elegant Central Coast cuisine with strong local seafood and wine in a polished setting.
The Lark
Long-running fine dining restaurant focused on seasonal ingredients and local catch, with a classic upscale atmosphere.
Brophy Bros.
Historic waterfront oyster bar known for very fresh local seafood, chowder, and a lively harbor setting.
US Dollar ($)
Santa Barbara is pricier than many US beach cities, with higher hotel rates, dining, and parking; transit is affordable but limited for tourists.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $12-20 for fast food or casual lunch.
- Mid-range
- $25-45 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- $75+ per person for upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- $4-6 for coffee or cappuccino.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis and rideshares, and $1-2 at cafes for counter service or drinks.
FAQs: Trains from Riverside, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Riverside, 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 Riverside, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Most Riverside, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trains use the Riverside Station to Santa Barbara Station station pair, with some services arriving at Goleta Station. Use this guide to compare Riverside, CA and Santa Barbara, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Riverside
Arrival train stations in Santa Barbara
Which Riverside, CA station do trains to Santa Barbara, CA leave from?
Trains from Riverside, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leave from Riverside Station. The station is 1 miles (3 km) from Riverside, CA city centre at 4066 Vine Street, Riverside, CA 92507, USA.
Riverside Station4066 Vine Street, Riverside, CA 92507, USA+1 800-371-5465
City-centre transport
Getting to Riverside Station from Riverside city centre
Riverside Station is 3 km from Riverside city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainSouthwest Chief · 61h 25m · $1071
Southwest Chief · 64h 42m · $1070
BusGreyhound US1210 · 77h 36m · $679
Riverside Station train station facilities and services
Riverside Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Mission Inn Restaurant, The Salted Pig
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Riverside Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Riverside Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Riverside Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Riverside Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Riverside Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hyatt Place Riverside/Downtown, The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa, Marriott Riverside at the Convention Center.
Which Santa Barbara, CA station do trains from Riverside, CA arrive at?
Trains from Riverside, CA to Santa Barbara, CA most often arrive at Santa Barbara Station. Some services arrive at Goleta Station, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Santa Barbara, CA arrival station.
Santa Barbara Station209 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, USA+1 800-872-7245
City-centre transport
Getting to Santa Barbara Station from Santa Barbara city centre
Bus33 · 5m · $2 · every ~2 min
Santa Barbara Station train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: The Lark, Santo Mezcal
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Santa Barbara Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Santa Barbara Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Santa Barbara Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Santa Barbara Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Barbara Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Californian, Harbor View Inn, Hotel Milo Santa Barbara.
Goleta Station25 South La Patera Lane, Goleta, CA 93117, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to Goleta Station from Santa Barbara city centre
Goleta Station is 1 km from Santa Barbara city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainPacific Surfliner · 14m · $4
Bus12X, 6 · 53m · $2 · every ~5 min
Goleta Station train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: The Habit Burger Grill, Pepe's Mexican Restaurant
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Goleta Station. Information desks are located near the platform.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Goleta Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Goleta Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Goleta Station: Ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta, Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta.
Santa Barbara, University of CaliforniaSanta Barbara, CA 93106, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to Santa Barbara, University of California from Santa Barbara city centre
Santa Barbara, University of California is 13 km from Santa Barbara city centre. Public transport options include:
TRUE
Santa Barbara, University of California train station facilities and services
Santa Barbara, University of California has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Food court located nearby on campus.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi available for passengers. ATMs are aTM located near the entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Santa Barbara, University of California.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Santa Barbara, University of California: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Barbara, University of California: Wheelchair accessible with elevators and ramps.
Most popular train connections from Riverside, CA
More options for your journey from Riverside, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Santa Barbara, CA and Riverside, CA
Most popular train connections to Santa Barbara, CA
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