Riverside, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train with Amtrak

Tue, Dec 16
+ Add return
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Riverside, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Showing times and prices for Dec 16

Cheapest price

$45

Average price

$45

Fastest journey

6 h 34 m

Average duration

6 h 34 m

Trains per day

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 $45 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $45.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Riverside, CA for Santa Barbara, CA on Tue, Dec 16, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Tue, Dec 16 the direct trains cover the 218 km distance in an average of 6 h 34 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 34 m .

On Tue, Dec 16 the slowest trains will take 6 h 34 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
10:25PM6h34
Riverside, CA
04:59AMSanta Barbara, CA
$451One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, 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 train with prices starting from €35. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 32m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €35, and a flight costs an average of €156.

Distance: 135 miles (218 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

€36

Average price

Cheapest

€75

Average price

€298

Average price

5h 2m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 32m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

11h 34m

Average total duration

11h 4m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

9h 6m

Average total duration

6h 6m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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, December 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 7:58 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak4985 AMTRAK · 785 Pacific Surfliner11:25 PM Riverside Station, Riverside, CA
6h34
5:59 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA1 transfer
amtrak4985 AMTRAK · 785 Pacific Surfliner11:25 PM Riverside Station, Riverside, CA
6h47
6:12 AM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA1 transfer

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 train, bus, or flight

Compare train, bus, 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
Dec 16
Wed
Dec 17
Thu
Dec 18
Fri
Dec 19
Sat
Dec 20
Sun
Dec 21
Mon
Dec 22

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

Amtrak as well as Metrolink Trains offer trains services from Riverside to Santa Barbara. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Riverside to Santa Barbara.

Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Amtrak, but also compare tickets for the likes of Metrolink Trains to find the best option for your trip from Riverside to Santa Barbara.
  • 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, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Riverside to Santa Barbara.

Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?

Multiple modes of transport
  • Multiple travel company options: While Amtrak tickets can be bought on Amtrak's website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of Metrolink Trains to help you choose the right option for your journey from Riverside to Santa Barbara.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Riverside to Santa Barbara.

Journey information

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

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Riverside, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 3 times per day, taking around 4h 32m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $44 (€35) if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 06:00, the last at 15:25. The fastest train covers the 135 miles (218 km) distance in 6h 34m.

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
135 miles (218 km)
Average train duration
4h 32m
Cheapest ticket price
$44 (€35)
Trains per day
3
Fastest train
6h 34m
First train
06:00
Last train
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

Train companies: Amtrak, Metrolink Trains from Riverside, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trainsAmtrak, Metrolink Trains trains will get you between Riverside, CA and Santa Barbara, CA from $44 (€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
6h 34m
Cheapest Price
$44 (€35)
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

Metrolink Trains

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
4h 13m
Cheapest Price
$99 (€79)
Metrolink Trains frequency
5 a day

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.

FAQs
Typically, spending 2 to 3 days in Santa Barbara, CA is ideal to explore its beautiful beaches, vibrant downtown, and cultural attractions.
The distance by train from Riverside, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is 135 miles (218 km).
Train ticket prices from Riverside, CA to Santa Barbara, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $44 (€35), while the average price is around $44 (€36).
The first train from Riverside, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 6:00 AM.
The cheapest way to get from Riverside, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is by train, with a cost of around $44 (€35).
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.
The last train from Riverside, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 3:25 PM.
The train from Riverside, CA to Santa Barbara, CA takes 6h 34m and runs 3 per day.
The train station in Riverside, CA that goes to Santa Barbara, CA is Riverside Station, Riverside, CA, which connects to Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA.
There is no direct train service currently available from Riverside, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
A day trip from Riverside, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is not feasible due to the travel time of 6h 34m and the 135 miles (218 km) between the two locations. There are 3 trains available per day.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Riverside, CA to 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.
There is no high speed train available from Riverside, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Yes, you can take the train from Riverside, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.

popular train stations

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

Riverside
Santa Barbara
The major train station for departures in Riverside is Riverside Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Riverside Station for your trip from Riverside to Santa Barbara.
Riverside StationWifiLockersParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
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
3 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
2
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available 7 days a week with multiple entry and exit points.
Dining
Dining
  • Mission Inn Restaurant
  • The Salted Pig
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $0.50
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hyatt Place Riverside/Downtown
  • The Mission Inn Hotel & Spa
  • Marriott Riverside at the Convention Center
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
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
  • Platform 1: Metrolink services
  • Platform 2: Amtrak services
Public transit options for Riverside Station
  • Bus: Riverside Transit Agency (RTA) routes available
  • Metrolink: 91/Perris Valley Line, Inland Empire-Orange County Line, Riverside Line

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

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