Sacramento, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train with Amtrak

Thu, Jan 08
+ Add return
Amtrak
Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
iryo
Italo
1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Deutsche Bahn
Regionale
iryo
Italo
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Sacramento, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Showing times and prices for Jan 08

Cheapest price

$92

Average price

$107

Fastest journey

9 h 30 m

Average duration

12 h

Trains per day

3

Distance

490 km

Cheap tickets

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 $107 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $92.

Fast trains

Of the 3 trains that leave Sacramento, CA for Santa Barbara, CA on Thu, Jan 08, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Jan 08 the direct trains cover the 490 km distance in an average of 12 h but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 9 h 30 m .

On Thu, Jan 08 the slowest trains will take 15 h 7 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.

Amtrak3712 AMTRAK · 712 Gold Runner · 5612 AMTRAK
10:45AM9h30
Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA
08:15PMSanta Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
$921One-way
2 transfers
Amtrak11 Coast Starlight
06:48AM11h24
Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA
06:12PMSanta Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
$1071One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak11 Coast Starlight · 6241 AMTRAK
06:48AM15h07
Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA
09:55PMSanta Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
$1221One-way
1 transfer

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 tomorrow, Thursday, January 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 11:32 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak11 Coast Starlight2:48 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA
11h24
2:12 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA0 transfersDirect
amtrak11 Coast Starlight · 6241 AMTRAK2:48 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA
15h07
5:55 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA1 transfer
amtrak3712 AMTRAK · 712 Gold Runner · 5612 AMTRAK6:45 PM Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA
9h30
4:15 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA2 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.

Thu
Jan 08
Fri
Jan 09
Sat
Jan 10
Sun
Jan 11
Mon
Jan 12
Tue
Jan 13
Wed
Jan 14

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

Amtrak operates all train services from Sacramento to Santa Barbara. Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets.

Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?

  • 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 bus, train and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Sacramento to Santa Barbara.

Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?

Multiple modes of transport
  • Official reseller: Amtrak tickets can only be bought on Omio or Amtrak's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Amtrak tickets as they are not official sellers.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus, train and flight to find the ideal travel option from Sacramento to Santa Barbara.

Journey information

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

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

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 $85 (€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.

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
Bus from $56 (€45)
Distance
304 miles (490 km)
Average train duration
10h 47m
Cheapest ticket price
$85 (€68)
Trains per day
8
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
9h 25m
First train
05:10
Last train
22:20
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
Bus from $56 (€45)

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

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
9h 25m
Cheapest Price
$56 (€45)
Amtrak frequency
1 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 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.

FAQs
The distance by train from Sacramento, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is 304 miles (490 km).
Typically, spending 2 to 3 days in Santa Barbara, CA is ideal to explore its beautiful beaches, vibrant downtown, and cultural attractions.
The first train from Sacramento, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 5:10 AM.
The last train from Sacramento, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 10:20 PM.
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.
There is no high speed train available from Sacramento, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
A day trip from Sacramento, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is not feasible. The journey takes 9h 25m and covers 304 miles (490 km). Trains run 8 times per day.
Yes, you can take the train from Sacramento, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Yes, there is a direct train from Sacramento, CA to Santa Barbara, CA. This service operates 1 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
Yes, the train journey from Sacramento to Santa Barbara offers scenic views, including the rolling hills of Central California, glimpses of the Pacific Ocean, and picturesque countryside landscapes along the route.
Train ticket prices from Sacramento, CA to Santa Barbara, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $85 (€68), while the average price is around $85 (€68).
The cheapest way to get from Sacramento, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is by bus, with a cost of around $56 (€45).
The train from Sacramento, CA to Santa Barbara, CA takes 9h 25m and runs 8 per day.
The train station in Sacramento, CA that goes to Santa Barbara, CA is Sacramento Valley Station, Sacramento, CA, which connects to Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Sacramento, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.

popular train stations

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

Sacramento
Santa Barbara
The major train station for departures in Sacramento is Sacramento Valley Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Sacramento Valley Station for your trip from Sacramento to Santa Barbara.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
platformCount
Number of platforms
4
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available 24/7 with both short-term and long-term options.
Dining
Dining
  • The Firehouse Restaurant
  • Ten22
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps.
WC
WC
  • $1
Hotel
Hotel
  • Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront Promenade
  • Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown - Arena
  • Kimpton Sawyer Hotel
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • 60 places, covered
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Enterprise
  • Hertz
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • The station has a main hall with ticketing and waiting areas, platforms are accessible via a concourse.
Public transit options for Sacramento Valley Station
  • Light Rail: Blue Line, Gold Line
  • Bus: Several lines available including local and regional buses

Most popular trains to and from Santa Barbara, CA and Sacramento, CA

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Santa Barbara, CASacramento, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone