The cheapest and fastest trains from Sacramento, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Cheapest price
$83
Average price
$83
Fastest journey
9 h 25 m
Average duration
9 h 25 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
490 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $83 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $83.
Of the 1 trains that leave Sacramento, CA for Santa Barbara, CA on Sun, Nov 23, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Nov 23 the direct trains cover the 490 km distance in an average of 9 h 25 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 9 h 25 m .
On Sun, Nov 23 the slowest trains will take 9 h 25 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.


Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Sacramento, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Sacramento, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €45. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 10h 0m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €45, and a flight costs an average of €408.
Distance: 304 miles (490 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
€68 Average price | €50 Average price Cheapest | €516 Average price |
11h 17m Average total duration 10h 47m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 30m Average total duration Fastest 10h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 7m Average total duration 10h 7m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Sacramento, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Sacramento, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trains for today, Saturday, November 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
11 Coast Starlight | 2:48 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 11h24 | 2:12 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
727 Capitol Corridor · 4794 AMTRAK · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 2:55 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 11h52 | 2:47 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 2 transfers | |
3712 AMTRAK · 712 Gold Runner · 5612 AMTRAK | 6:05 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA | 9h25 | 3:30 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 2 transfers | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Sacramento, 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.
Nov 23
Nov 24
Nov 25
Nov 26
Nov 27
Nov 28
Nov 29
Journey information
Overview: Train from Sacramento, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Trains from Sacramento, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 8 times per day, taking around 10h 47m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $83 (€68) but you can travel from only $56 (€45) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:10, the last at 22:20. The fastest train covers the 304 miles (490 km) distance in 9h 25m.
Distance 304 miles (490 km) |
Average train duration 10h 47m |
Cheapest ticket price $83 (€68) |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 9h 25m |
First train 05:10 |
Last train 22:20 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Sacramento, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Sacramento, CA and Santa Barbara, CA from $56 (€45). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Sacramento, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available 24/7 with both short-term and long-term options.
- The Firehouse Restaurant
- Ten22
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- $1
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront Promenade
- Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown - Arena
- Kimpton Sawyer Hotel
- Located in the main hall
- 60 places, covered
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station has a main hall with ticketing and waiting areas, platforms are accessible via a concourse.
- Light Rail: Blue Line, Gold Line
- Bus: Several lines available including local and regional buses
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available at the station.
- The Lark
- Santo Mezcal
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- Hotel Californian
- Harbor View Inn
- Hotel Milo Santa Barbara
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station has a main hall with ticketing and waiting areas.
- Bus: Several lines available
- Trolley: Downtown Waterfront Shuttle
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available adjacent to the station, with spaces for both short-term and long-term parking.
- The Habit Burger Grill
- Pepe's Mexican Restaurant
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- Free for passengers
- Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta
- Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta
- Located near the platform
- Free
- The station consists of a single platform with a waiting area and parking facilities nearby.
- Bus: Santa Barbara MTD Line 6, Line 11
Most popular train connections from Sacramento, CA
More options for your journey from Sacramento, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
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