San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train with Amtrak

Tue, Aug 25
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Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
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Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
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Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Showing times and prices for Aug 25

Cheapest price

€40

Average price

€51

Fastest journey

5 h 34 m

Average duration

5 h 38 m

Trains per day

19

Distance

302 km

Cheap tickets

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 €40.

Fast trains

Of the 19 trains that leave San Diego, CA for Santa Barbara, CA on Tue, Aug 25, 15 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Tue, Aug 25 the direct trains cover the 302 km distance in an average of 5 h 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 34 m .

On Tue, Aug 25 the slowest trains will take 5 h 44 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.

  • Amtrak777 Pacific Surfliner
    12:01 PM5h44
    Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
    5:45 PMSanta Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
    401One-way
    0 transfers
  • Amtrak785 Pacific Surfliner
    4:01 PM5h55
    Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
    9:56 PMSanta Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
    401One-way
    0 transfers
  • Amtrak785 Pacific Surfliner
    4:10 PM5h46
    Old Town Station, San Diego, CA
    9:56 PMSanta Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
    401One-way
    0 transfers
  • Amtrak777 Pacific Surfliner
    12:10 PM5h35
    Old Town Station, San Diego, CA
    5:45 PMSanta Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
    401One-way
    0 transfers
  • Amtrak761 Pacific Surfliner
    4:10 AM5h45
    Old Town Station, San Diego, CA
    9:55 AMSanta Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
    401One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight 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 €39. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 44m. 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 €39, and a flight costs an average of €72.

Distance: 187 miles (302 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight
Driving

€40

Average price

Cheapest

€44

Average price

€157

Average price

€43

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

6h 18m

Average total duration

5h 48m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 19m

Average total duration

5h 49m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

5h 44m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 44m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

3h 46m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.8kg

CO2 emissions

0.9 - 1.8kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is a train with an average price of €40.

This is compared to other travel options from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:

A train is €4 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average €44.

A train is €116 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average €157.

The fastest way to travel from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 44m.

Other travel options to Santa Barbara, CA take longer:

Train takes on average 5h 48m.

Bus takes on average 5h 49m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between San Diego, CA and Santa Barbara, CA including taking a train, bus, and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around €40 compared to roughly €43 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €2. The journey takes 5h 48m versus 3h 46m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.

Direct services run with Amtrak.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

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, Monday, August 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Amtrak761 Pacific Surfliner4:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
6h08
10:09 AM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak761 Pacific Surfliner4:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
5h54
9:55 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak761 Pacific Surfliner · 6296 AMTRAK4:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
7h44
11:45 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA1 transfer
Amtrak761 Pacific Surfliner4:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA
5h45
9:55 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak761 Pacific Surfliner · 6296 AMTRAK4:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA
7h35
11:45 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA1 transfer
Amtrak765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight6:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
6h07
12:08 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA1 transfer
Amtrak765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight6:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
6h07
12:08 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA1 transfer
Amtrak765 Pacific Surfliner6:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
5h57
11:58 AM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak765 Pacific Surfliner6:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
5h43
11:44 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight6:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA
5h58
12:08 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA1 transfer
Amtrak765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight6:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA
5h58
12:08 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA1 transfer
Amtrak765 Pacific Surfliner6:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA
5h34
11:44 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak769 Pacific Surfliner8:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
6h01
2:02 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak769 Pacific Surfliner8:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
5h45
1:46 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak769 Pacific Surfliner8:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA
5h36
1:46 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak777 Pacific Surfliner12:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
5h44
5:45 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak777 Pacific Surfliner12:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
5h59
6:00 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak777 Pacific Surfliner12:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA
5h35
5:45 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak785 Pacific Surfliner4:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
6h11
10:12 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak785 Pacific Surfliner4:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
5h55
9:56 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak785 Pacific Surfliner4:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA
5h46
9:56 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets San Diego, 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.

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How far in advance should I book train tickets from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA?

The best time to book your train from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is 21 days before departure. See how prices for trains change on the San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA route.
Prices are for one-way tickets for one passenger from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA per month. Insights are sourced from fares found by Omio users in the last 12 months. Current prices may differ as prices vary depending on the time of day, class or how far in advance you book your train from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.

Journey information

Overview: Train from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 18 times per day, taking around 5h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €39 if you book in advance.

There are 14 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 43m.

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
187 miles (302 km)
Average train duration
5h 48m
Cheapest ticket price
€39
Trains per day
18
Direct trains
14
Fastest train
5h 43m
First train
3:50 AM
Last train
7:19 PM
Cheapest Month
Sep
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Thu
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

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 €39. 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
5h 46m
Cheapest Price
€39
Amtrak frequency
4 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

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 Art

Leading regional art museum with American, Asian, and contemporary works in a refined downtown setting with strong rotating exhibitions.

  • 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.

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.

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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at €39, while the average price is around €40.
The train from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA takes 5h 43m and runs 18 per day.
The first train from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 3:50 AM.
The distance by train from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is 187 miles (302 km).
The last train from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 7:19 PM.
There is no high speed train available from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Yes, there is a direct train from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA. This service operates 14 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
The train station in San Diego, CA that goes to Santa Barbara, CA is Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA, which connects to Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA.
The cheapest way to get from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is by train, with a cost of around €39.
Yes, the train journey from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is considered scenic. It offers picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean, coastal landscapes, charming beach towns, and stretches of natural beauty along the way.
A day trip from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is not feasible as the journey takes 5h 43m. However, there are 16 train trips available per day for this route, covering a distance of 187 miles (302 km).
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.
Typically, spending 2 to 3 days in Santa Barbara, CA is ideal to explore its beautiful beaches, vibrant downtown, and cultural attractions.
Yes, you can take the train from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Since neither San Diego, CA nor Santa Barbara, CA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Santa Barbara, CA include Ventura, CA, Camarillo, CA, Oxnard, CA, Simi Valley, CA, Moorpark, CA.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
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.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Most San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trains use the Santa Fe Depot to Santa Barbara Station station pair, with some services arriving at Goleta Station. Use this guide to compare San Diego, CA and Santa Barbara, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in San Diego
Arrival train stations in Santa Barbara

Which San Diego, CA station do trains to Santa Barbara, CA leave from?

Trains from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leave from Santa Fe Depot. The station is 0 miles (1 km) from San Diego, CA city centre at 1050 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, USA.
Santa Fe Depot1050 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, USA+1 800-872-7245WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Santa Fe Depot from San Diego city centre

Santa Fe Depot is 1 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus215, 225, 235, 910 · 5m · €5 · every ~22 min
TramBlue, Orange · 2m · every ~15 min

Santa Fe Depot train station facilities and services

Santa Fe Depot has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.

Food and drink

Food options include: The Fish Market, Karl Strauss Brewing Company

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Santa Fe Depot. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Santa Fe Depot. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Santa Fe Depot: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Santa Fe Depot: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Fe Depot: Ramps.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include The Westin San Diego, The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown.

Old Town Station4009 Taylor Street, San Diego, CA 92110, United StatesWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Old Town Station from San Diego city centre

Old Town Station is 5 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainCoaster · 7m · €6 · every ~2 min
Pacific Surfliner · 7m · €1 · every ~2 min
BusFlixBus 2017 · 15m · €1
83 · 26m · €5
TramGreen, Blue, Event · 9m · every ~18 min
Blue · 14m · every ~9 min

Old Town Station train station facilities and services

Old Town Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.

Food and drink

Food options include: Casa Guadalajara, Old Town Mexican Cafe

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Old Town Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Old Town Station. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Old Town Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Old Town Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Old Town Station: Elevators, ramps.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Old Town Inn, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town, Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town.

Most popular trains to and from Santa Barbara, CA and San Diego, CA

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Santa Barbara, CASan Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train

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