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

Fri, Nov 21
+ Add return
Amtrak
Caltrain
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
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1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Caltrain
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Deutsche Bahn
Italo
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Showing times and prices for Nov 22

Cheapest price

$71

Average price

$80

Fastest journey

9 h 33 m

Average duration

9 h 39 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

446 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Francisco, 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 Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $80 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $71.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave San Francisco, CA for Santa Barbara, CA on Sat, Nov 22, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sat, Nov 22 the direct trains cover the 446 km distance in an average of 9 h 39 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 9 h 33 m .

On Sat, Nov 22 the slowest trains will take 9 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.

Amtrak
03:39PM9h33
San Francisco, CA
01:12AMSanta Barbara, CA
$711One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak
04:46PM9h44
San Francisco, CA
02:30AMSanta Barbara, CA
$891One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €32. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 12m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €32, and a flight costs an average of €68.

Distance: 277 miles (446 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Flight

€66

Average price

€53

Average price

Cheapest

€228

Average price

10h 15m

Average total duration

9h 45m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

8h 9m

Average total duration

7h 39m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 12m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 12m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.4 - 1.1kg

CO2 emissions

1.3 - 2.7kg

CO2 emissions

Amtrak

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

United

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train times

The table below shows live departures for San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trains for today, Friday, November 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 3:22 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak11 Coast Starlight4:39 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA
9h33
2:12 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA0 transfersDirect
amtrak11 Coast Starlight · 6241 AMTRAK4:39 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA
13h01
5:40 AM Santa Barbara, CA1 transfer
amtrak712 Gold Runner · 5612 AMTRAK5:46 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA
10h09
3:55 AM Santa Barbara, CA1 transfer
amtrak712 Gold Runner · 5612 AMTRAK5:46 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA
9h44
3:30 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA1 transfer

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets San Francisco, 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.

Sat
Nov 22
Sun
Nov 23
Mon
Nov 24
Tue
Nov 25
Wed
Nov 26
Thu
Nov 27
Fri
Nov 28

Journey information

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

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 9h 45m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $61 (€49) but you can travel from only $39 (€32) by bus.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:49, the last at 22:05. The fastest train covers the 277 miles (446 km) distance in 9h 33m.

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 $39 (€32)
Distance
277 miles (446 km)
Average train duration
9h 45m
Cheapest ticket price
$61 (€49)
Trains per day
4
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
9h 33m
First train
06:49
Last train
22:05
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 $39 (€32)

Train companies: Amtrak, Caltrain from San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trainsAmtrak, Caltrain trains will get you between San Francisco, CA and Santa Barbara, CA from $39 (€32). 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 33m
Cheapest Price
$61 (€50)
Amtrak frequency
2 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

Caltrain

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 17m
Cheapest Price
$135 (€110)
Caltrain frequency
1 a day

FAQs: Trains from San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Francisco, 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
A day trip from San Francisco to Santa Barbara is not feasible as the journey takes 9h 33m each way. However, there are 4 trains per day for this route.
Typically, spending 2 to 3 days in Santa Barbara, CA is ideal to explore its beautiful beaches, vibrant downtown, and cultural attractions.
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.
The distance by train from San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is 277 miles (446 km).
Train ticket prices from San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $61 (€49), while the average price is around $81 (€66).
Yes, the train journey from San Francisco to Santa Barbara is scenic, offering travelers views of California's picturesque coastline, rolling hills, and charming small towns along the route.
The cheapest way to get from San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is by bus, with a cost of around $39 (€32).
The train from San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA takes 9h 33m and runs 4 per day.
The train station in San Francisco, CA that goes to Santa Barbara, CA is Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA, which connects to Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA.
The last train from San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 10:05 PM.
The first train from San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 6:49 AM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Yes, you can take the train from San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
There is no high speed train available from San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Yes, there is a direct train from San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA. This service operates 1 times per day, provided by Amtrak.

popular train stations

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

San Francisco
Santa Barbara
The major train station for departures in San Francisco is San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank) for your trip from San Francisco to Santa Barbara.
San Francisco, Mission Street (Chase Bank)
information

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

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

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