The cheapest and fastest trains from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA
Cheapest price
$96
Average price
$100
Fastest journey
8 h 51 m
Average duration
9 h 38 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
441 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA will cost around $100 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $96.
Of the 2 trains that leave Santa Barbara, CA for Oakland, CA on Thu, Jul 09, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Jul 09 the direct trains cover the 441 km distance in an average of 9 h 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h 51 m .
On Thu, Jul 09 the slowest trains will take 10 h 24 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.
5619 AMTRAK · 719 Gold Runner12:00 PM10h24Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA10:24 PMOakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA$961One-way1 transfer
14 Coast Starlight12:15 PM8h51Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA9:06 PMOakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA$1031One-way0 transfers
14 Coast Starlight12:15 PM8h51Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA9:06 PMOakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA$1031One-way0 transfers
5619 AMTRAK · 719 Gold Runner12:00 PM10h24Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA10:24 PMOakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA$961One-way1 transfer
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $48. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 8h 20m. 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 $48, and a train costs an average of $60.
Distance: 274 miles (441 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$82 Average price | $53 Average price Cheapest | $64 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 22m Average total duration 8h 52m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 50m Average total duration Fastest 8h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 57m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA:
A bus is $29 (€24) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA costing on average $82 (€68).
Other travel options to Oakland, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 52m.
Tickets start at around $82 (€68) compared to roughly $64 (€52) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-18.45 (€-15.19). The journey takes 8h 52m versus 4h 57m 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.
Live departures
Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA trains for today, Wednesday, July 8. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
5619 AMTRAK · 719 Gold Runner | 12:00 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 10h24 | 10:24 PM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 1 transfer | |
14 Coast Starlight | 12:15 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 8h51 | 9:06 PM Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
Jul 09
Jul 10
Jul 11
Jul 12
Jul 13
Jul 14
Jul 15
Journey information
Overview: Train from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA
Trains from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 8h 52m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $60 (€49) but you can travel from only $48 (€40) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:00, the last at 22:41. The fastest train covers the 274 miles (441 km) distance in 8h 45m.
Distance 274 miles (441 km) |
Average train duration 8h 52m |
Cheapest ticket price $60 (€49) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 8h 45m |
First train 6:00 AM |
Last train 10:41 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Fri |
Least Busy Day Fri |
Best time to book 1 day |
Train companies: Amtrak from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Santa Barbara, CA and Oakland, CA from $48 (€40). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, 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 Oakland, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA
Most Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA trains use the Santa Barbara Station to Jack London Square station pair, with some services arriving at Emeryville Station. Use this guide to compare Santa Barbara, CA and Oakland, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Santa Barbara, CA station do trains to Oakland, CA leave from?
Getting to Santa Barbara Station from Santa Barbara city centre
Santa Barbara Station 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 and drink
Food options include: The Lark, Santo Mezcal
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Santa Barbara Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Santa Barbara Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Santa Barbara Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Santa Barbara Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Barbara Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Californian, Harbor View Inn, Hotel Milo Santa Barbara.
Getting to Goleta Station from Santa Barbara city centre
Goleta Station is 1 km from Santa Barbara city centre. Public transport options include:
Goleta Station train station facilities and services
Goleta Station has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Habit Burger Grill, Pepe's Mexican Restaurant
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Goleta Station. Information desks are located near the platform.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Goleta Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Goleta Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Goleta Station: Ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta, Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta.
Which Oakland, CA station do trains from Santa Barbara, CA arrive at?
Getting to Jack London Square from Oakland city centre
Jack London Square is 1 km from Oakland city centre. Public transport options include:
Jack London Square train station facilities and services
Jack London Square has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Yoshi's Oakland, Scott's Seafood Restaurant
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Jack London Square. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Jack London Square. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Jack London Square: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Jack London Square: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Jack London Square: Ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Waterfront Hotel, Z Hotel Jack London Square, Executive Inn & Suites.
Getting to Coliseum/Airport from Oakland city centre
Coliseum/Airport is 8 km from Oakland city centre. Public transport options include:
Coliseum/Airport train station facilities and services
Coliseum/Airport has practical services for this route, including Dining, Accessibility, and Car Rental.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Coliseum/Airport.
Bike and car services
Available at Coliseum/Airport: Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Coliseum/Airport.
More options for your journey from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA
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