The cheapest and fastest trains from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Cheapest price
$50
Average price
$51
Fastest journey
5 h 49 m
Average duration
5 h 53 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
302 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $51 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $50.
Of the 2 trains that leave San Diego, CA for Santa Barbara, CA on Wed, Feb 25, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Feb 25 the direct trains cover the 302 km distance in an average of 5 h 53 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 49 m .
On Wed, Feb 25 the slowest trains will take 5 h 57 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 train, flight, and bus for San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $49. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 23m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $49, and a flight costs an average of $116.
Distance: 187 miles (302 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$50 Average price Cheapest | $61 Average price | $257 Average price |
6h 18m Average total duration 5h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 19m Average total duration 5h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 23m Average total duration Fastest 5h 23m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.9 - 1.8kg CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trains for today, Tuesday, February 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
761 Pacific Surfliner | 12:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 5h54 | 5:55 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | ||
761 Pacific Surfliner | 12:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 6h08 | 6:09 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 0 transfersDirect | ||
761 Pacific Surfliner | 12:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 5h45 | 5:55 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | ||
765 Pacific Surfliner | 2:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 6h00 | 8:01 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 0 transfersDirect | ||
765 Pacific Surfliner | 2:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 5h46 | 7:47 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | ||
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight | 2:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 6h13 | 8:14 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | ||
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight | 2:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 6h13 | 8:14 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | ||
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight | 2:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 6h04 | 8:14 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | ||
765 Pacific Surfliner | 2:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 5h37 | 7:47 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | ||
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight | 2:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 6h04 | 8:14 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | ||
769 Pacific Surfliner | 4:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 6h01 | 10:02 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 0 transfersDirect | ||
769 Pacific Surfliner | 4:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 5h45 | 9:46 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | ||
769 Pacific Surfliner | 4:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 5h36 | 9:46 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | ||
777 Pacific Surfliner | 8:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 5h44 | 1:45 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | ||
777 Pacific Surfliner | 8:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 6h06 | 2:07 AM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 0 transfersDirect | ||
777 Pacific Surfliner | 8:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 5h35 | 1:45 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | ||
| Wednesday, February 25 | ||||||
785 Pacific Surfliner | 12:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 6h11 | 6:12 AM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 0 transfersDirect | ||
785 Pacific Surfliner | 12:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 5h55 | 5:56 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | ||
785 Pacific Surfliner | 12:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 5h46 | 5:56 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | ||
This is the last train of the day. | ||||||
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Compare prices and tickets San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA by train, flight, or bus
Compare train, flight, and bus 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 San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Trains from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 17 times per day, taking around 5h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $49 (€39) but you can travel from only $34 (€27) by bus.
There are 13 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:50, the last at 19:19. The fastest train covers the 187 miles (302 km) distance in 5h 46m.
Distance 187 miles (302 km) |
Average train duration 5h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price $49 (€39) |
Trains per day 17 |
Direct trains 13 |
Fastest train 5h 46m |
First train 03:50 |
Last train 19:19 |
Train companies: Amtrak from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between San Diego, CA and Santa Barbara, CA from $34 (€27). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
- 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available nearby with various public and private options.
- The Fish Market
- Karl Strauss Brewing Company
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- $1.25
- The Westin San Diego
- The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
- Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
- Hall 2: Trolley connections
- San Diego Trolley: Blue Line, Green Line
- Bus: Several lines available
- Amtrak: Pacific Surfliner
- 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available with several spaces for commuters and visitors.
- Casa Guadalajara
- Old Town Mexican Cafe
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- $0.25
- Old Town Inn
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town
- Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
- Hall 2: Trolley connections
- Trolley: Green Line
- Bus: Several lines available including 8, 9, 10, 28, 30, 35, 44, 88, 105, 150, 923, 928
- 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 San Diego, CA
More options for your journey from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
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