The cheapest and fastest trains from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Cheapest price
$284
Average price
$284
Fastest journey
7 h 46 m
Average duration
7 h 46 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
380 km
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 $284 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $284.
Of the 1 trains that leave San Jose, CA for Santa Barbara, CA on Fri, Mar 20, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Mar 20 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 Fri, Mar 20 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.


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 $41. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 6h 22m. 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 $41, and a flight costs an average of $265.
Distance: 236 miles (380 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$179 Average price | $85 Average price Cheapest | $726 Average price |
8h 15m Average total duration 7h 45m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 52m Average total duration Fastest 6h 22m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 17h 12m Average total duration 14h 12m 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 today, Thursday, March 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
11 Coast Starlight | 5:26 PM San José Diridon Station, San Jose, CA | 7h46 | 1:12 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 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.
Mar 20
Mar 21
Mar 22
Mar 23
Mar 24
Mar 25
Mar 26
Journey information
Overview: Train from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
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 (€50) but you can travel from only $41 (€34) 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.
Distance 236 miles (380 km) |
Average train duration 7h 45m |
Cheapest ticket price $61 (€50) |
Trains per day 4 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 7h 46m |
First train 06:39 |
Last train 22:05 |
Cheapest month May |
Cheapest day Tue |
High season Oct - Dec |
Low season Jan - Mar |
Busiest day Sun |
Least busy day Thu |
Best day to book ahead 70 days |
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 $41 (€34). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available 7 days a week, with multiple lots surrounding the station.
- The Farmers Union
- Poor House Bistro
- La Victoria Taqueria
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $0.50
- Hotel De Anza
- The Westin San Jose
- AC Hotel by Marriott San Jose Downtown
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- 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.
- Bus: VTA Bus Lines 22, 64A, 64B, 68, 168, 181
- Light Rail: VTA Green Line
- Caltrain
- Amtrak
- ACE
- 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 Jose, CA
More options for your journey from San Jose, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
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