- Must visit
Santa Barbara Museum Of Art
Leading regional art museum with American, Asian, and European collections in a central downtown setting.
We are not able to find a train between these two places.
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Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Fernando, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $29. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 1h 30m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $29, and a train costs an average of $28.
Distance: 72 miles (117 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$29 Average price | $29 Average price Cheapest | $17 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 41m Average total duration 2h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 0m Average total duration Fastest 1h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 26m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from San Fernando, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
A bus is $0.09 (€0.07) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from San Fernando, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $29 (€24).
Other travel options to Santa Barbara, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 11m.
Tickets start at around $29 (€24) compared to roughly $17 (€14) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-12.23 (€-10.04). The journey takes 2h 11m versus 1h 26m 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.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for San Fernando, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trains for tomorrow, Friday, July 10. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:55 PM San Fernando, CA | 2h00 | 4:55 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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.
Trains from San Fernando, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 13 times per day, taking around 2h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $28 (€23) if you book in advance.
There are 11 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:53, the last at 19:44. The fastest train covers the 72 miles (117 km) distance in 1h 50m.
Distance 72 miles (117 km) |
Average train duration 2h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price $28 (€23) |
Trains per day 13 |
Direct trains 11 |
Fastest train 1h 50m |
First train 6:53 AM |
Last train 7:44 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Discover the best of Santa Barbara — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Santa Barbara trip today.
Leading regional art museum with American, Asian, and European collections in a central downtown setting.
Hands-on science and technology museum popular with families, featuring interactive exhibits and a rooftop sky garden.
Compact waterfront museum covering regional seafaring history, diving, Channel Islands heritage, and navigation.
Main downtown corridor lined with shops, historic buildings, and people-watching, central to the city experience.
Historic wharf with ocean views, strolling paths, and easy access to the waterfront and marine attractions.
Scenic marina and waterfront walking area popular for sunsets, harbor views, and access to the breakwater.
Central Coast tri-tip grilled over red oak, traditionally served with pinquito beans, salsa, and garlic bread. It is one of the region’s signature local meals.
Sweet local prawns from nearby waters, often simply grilled or served crudo when in season. They are prized for freshness and strong coastal identity.
Fresh uni from the Santa Barbara Channel, known for its rich, creamy texture. It is a standout local seafood delicacy tied to the city’s fishing culture.
Historic stagecoach-era tavern in the hills above the city, known for rustic atmosphere, hearty fare, and weekend barbecue traditions.
Popular Funk Zone restaurant serving seasonal California cuisine with local seafood, vegetables, and strong Central Coast sourcing in a lively upscale setting.
Stylish Spanish restaurant known for tapas, paella, cocktails, and a polished downtown atmosphere. Good choice for shared plates and evening dining.
Prices are high by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining near the beach and downtown.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 15-20% for taxis and rideshares, USD 1-2 per drink at bars, and a few dollars for hotel staff.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Fernando, 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.

Most San Fernando, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trains use the Van Nuys, Metrolink Station to Santa Barbara Station station pair. Use this guide to compare San Fernando, CA and Santa Barbara, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Santa Barbara Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Lark, Santo Mezcal
Ticket office support is available at Santa Barbara Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Santa Barbara Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Santa Barbara Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Santa Barbara Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Barbara Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Californian, Harbor View Inn, Hotel Milo Santa Barbara.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need