- 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 Oct 30
Cheapest price on Oct 30
$45
Average ticket price on Oct 30
$45
Fastest journey on Oct 30
4 h 46 m
Average journey duration on Oct 30
5 h 42 m
Trains on Oct 30
4
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 $45 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $45.
Fast trains
It's difficult to get from Riverside, CA to Santa Barbara, CA without transferring at least once.
4969 NA · 769 Pacific Surfliner9:00 AM 4h46 Riverside Station, Riverside, CA 1:46 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA $45 1 One-way 1 transfer- 4985 Connecting Bus · 785 Pacific Surfliner
3:35 PM 6h21 Riverside Station, Riverside, CA 9:56 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA $45 1 One-way 1 transfer - 4969 NA · 769 Pacific Surfliner
9:00 AM 5h02 Riverside Station, Riverside, CA 2:02 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA $46 1 One-way 1 transfer - 4985 Connecting Bus · 785 Pacific Surfliner
3:35 PM 6h37 Riverside Station, Riverside, CA 10:12 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA $46 1 One-way 1 transfer
- 4969 NA · 769 Pacific Surfliner
9:00 AM 4h46 Riverside Station, Riverside, CA 1:46 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA $45 1 One-way 1 transfer - 4969 NA · 769 Pacific Surfliner
9:00 AM 5h02 Riverside Station, Riverside, CA 2:02 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA $46 1 One-way 1 transfer - 4985 Connecting Bus · 785 Pacific Surfliner
3:35 PM 6h21 Riverside Station, Riverside, CA 9:56 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA $45 1 One-way 1 transfer - 4985 Connecting Bus · 785 Pacific Surfliner
3:35 PM 6h37 Riverside Station, Riverside, CA 10:12 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA $46 1 One-way 1 transfer
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 $260 (€219)
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 $260 (€219)
Frequently asked questions about your Riverside, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trip
Use these quick route answers to check fares, travel time, departure options, and direct services before booking from Riverside, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
The distance by train from Riverside, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is 135 miles (218 km).
The first train from Riverside, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 6:00 AM.
The last train from Riverside, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 3:25 PM.
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, Thursday, October 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 4969 NA · 769 Pacific Surfliner | 9:00 AM Riverside Station, Riverside, CA | 4h46 | 1:46 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
| 4985 Connecting Bus · 785 Pacific Surfliner | 3:35 PM Riverside Station, Riverside, CA | 6h21 | 9:56 PM 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
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.
Plan your visit to Santa Barbara, CA
Get destination-focused answers for the end of your trip, including what to do, when to go, practical entry details, and tips for making the most of your time in Santa Barbara, CA.
The train journey from Riverside, CA to Santa Barbara, CA offers scenic views of Southern California's diverse landscapes, including rolling hills, coastal vistas, and picturesque towns, making it a visually enjoyable experience.
Popular day trips by train from Santa Barbara, CA include Ventura, CA, Camarillo, CA, Oxnard, CA, Simi Valley, CA, Moorpark, CA.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Santa Barbara, CA, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins, especially in crowded areas and popular tourist spots like State Street and the waterfront. Common scams include overcharging by some taxi or ride-share drivers and unofficial street vendors selling counterfeit goods. It is advisable to use authorized transportation services and keep personal belongings secure to avoid these issues.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
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.
No, you cannot take the train from Riverside, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Most popular train connections from Riverside, CA
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