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

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

Showing times and prices for Dec 16

Cheapest price

$126

Average price

$126

Fastest journey

7 h 46 m

Average duration

7 h 46 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

380 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Jose, 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 Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $126 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $126.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave San Jose, CA for Santa Barbara, CA on Tue, Dec 16, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Tue, Dec 16 the direct trains cover the 380 km distance in an average of 7 h 46 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 46 m .

On Tue, Dec 16 the slowest trains will take 7 h 46 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.

Amtrak11 Coast Starlight
10:26AM7h46
San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA
06:12PMSanta Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
$1261One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

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

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €37. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 6h 32m. 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 bus costs an average of €37, and a flight costs an average of €237.

Distance: 236 miles (380 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

€106

Average price

€56

Average price

Cheapest

€670

Average price

8h 15m

Average total duration

7h 45m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

7h 2m

Average total duration

Fastest

6h 32m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

11h 46m

Average total duration

8h 46m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.4 - 0.9kg

CO2 emissions

1.1 - 2.3kg

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

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

Live departures

San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train times

The table below shows live departures for San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, December 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 8:03 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak11 Coast Starlight6:26 PM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA
7h46
2:12 AM 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 Jose, 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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Why should you book San Jose to Santa Barbara trains with Omio?

Amtrak operates all train services from San Jose to Santa Barbara. Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets.

Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?

  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Amtrak with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from San Jose to Santa Barbara.

Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?

Multiple modes of transport
  • Official reseller: Amtrak tickets can only be bought on Omio or Amtrak's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Amtrak tickets as they are not official sellers.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from San Jose to Santa Barbara.

Journey information

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

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 7h 45m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $61 (€49) but you can travel from only $46 (€37) by bus.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:39, the last at 22:05. The fastest train covers the 236 miles (380 km) distance in 7h 46m.

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 $46 (€37)
Distance
236 miles (380 km)
Average train duration
7h 45m
Cheapest ticket price
$61 (€49)
Trains per day
4
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
7h 46m
First train
06:39
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 $46 (€37)

Train companies: Amtrak from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between San Jose, CA and Santa Barbara, CA from $46 (€37). 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
6h 35m
Cheapest Price
$61 (€49)
Amtrak frequency
3 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

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

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from San Jose, 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
Typically, spending 2 to 3 days in Santa Barbara, CA is ideal to explore its beautiful beaches, vibrant downtown, and cultural attractions.
The distance by train from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is 236 miles (380 km).
A day trip from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is not feasible, as the journey takes 7h 46m and covers a distance of 236 miles (380 km). There are 4 trains per day.
The first train from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 6:39 AM.
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 last train from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 10:05 PM.
The train journey from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is considered scenic as it travels along the Pacific coastline, offering views of the ocean, beaches, and rolling hills. The route passes through charming towns and lush landscapes, providing a picturesque experience.
There is no high speed train available from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Train ticket prices from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $61 (€49), while the average price is around $132 (€106).
Yes, you can take the train from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
The cheapest way to get from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is by bus, with a cost of around $46 (€37).
Yes, there is a direct train from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA. This service operates 1 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
The train from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA takes 7h 46m and runs 4 per day.
The train station in San Jose, CA that goes to Santa Barbara, CA is San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA, which connects to Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.

popular train stations

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

San Jose
Santa Barbara
The major train station for departures in San Jose is San José Diridon Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at San José Diridon Station for your trip from San Jose to Santa Barbara.
San José Diridon StationLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
5
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available 7 days a week, with multiple lots surrounding the station.
Dining
Dining
  • The Farmers Union
  • Poor House Bistro
  • La Victoria Taqueria
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $0.50
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel De Anza
  • The Westin San Jose
  • AC Hotel by Marriott San Jose Downtown
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Enterprise
  • Hertz
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • The station has a main hall with ticketing and waiting areas, platforms for Caltrain, Amtrak, and ACE services, and connections to VTA buses and light rail.
Public transit options for San José Diridon Station
  • Bus: VTA Bus Lines 22, 64A, 64B, 68, 168, 181
  • Light Rail: VTA Green Line
  • Caltrain
  • Amtrak
  • ACE
Santa Clara StationDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWC
Amenities at train station
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km

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

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

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