The cheapest and fastest trains from San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
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
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.
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.




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 |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() 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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
11 Coast Starlight | 4:39 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 9h33 | 2:12 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
11 Coast Starlight · 6241 AMTRAK | 4:39 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 13h01 | 5:40 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
712 Gold Runner · 5612 AMTRAK | 5:46 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 10h09 | 3:55 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
712 Gold Runner · 5612 AMTRAK | 5:46 PM Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA | 9h44 | 3:30 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 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.
Nov 22
Nov 23
Nov 24
Nov 25
Nov 26
Nov 27
Nov 28
Journey information
Overview: Train from San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
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.
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 |
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
Caltrain
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
- 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 Francisco, CA
More options for your journey from San Francisco, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
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