The cheapest and fastest trains from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA
Cheapest price
$72
Average price
$84
Fastest journey
8 h 45 m
Average duration
9 h 18 m
Trains per day
3
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 $84 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $72.
Of the 3 trains that leave Santa Barbara, CA for Oakland, CA on Mon, May 25, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, May 25 the direct trains cover the 441 km distance in an average of 9 h 18 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 8 h 45 m .
On Mon, May 25 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.
7:21 PM8h45Santa Barbara, CA4:06 AMOakland, CA$721One-way0 transfers
8:21 PM8h45Santa Barbara, CA5:06 AMOakland, CA$871One-way0 transfers
8:00 PM10h24Santa Barbara, CA6:24 AMOakland, CA$941One-way0 transfers
8:21 PM8h45Santa Barbara, CA5:06 AMOakland, CA$871One-way0 transfers
7:21 PM8h45Santa Barbara, CA4:06 AMOakland, CA$721One-way0 transfers
8:00 PM10h24Santa Barbara, CA6:24 AMOakland, CA$941One-way0 transfers
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 $49. 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 $49, and a train costs an average of $61.
Distance: 274 miles (441 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$84 Average price | $54 Average price Cheapest | $65 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 $30 (€24) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA costing on average $84 (€68).
Other travel options to Oakland, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 8h 52m.
Tickets start at around $84 (€68) compared to roughly $65 (€52) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-18.77 (€-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, Sunday, May 24. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 7:00 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 10h24 | 5:24 AM Oakland, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:21 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 8h45 | 4:06 AM Oakland, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:00 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 10h24 | 6:24 AM 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.
May 25
May 26
May 27
May 28
May 29
May 30
May 31
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 $61 (€49) but you can travel from only $49 (€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 $61 (€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 $49 (€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
- 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
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available nearby, with several public parking lots in the vicinity.
- Yoshi's Oakland
- Scott's Seafood Restaurant
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- Waterfront Hotel
- Z Hotel Jack London Square
- Executive Inn & Suites
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, ticket office, and waiting area
- Hall 2: platforms for Amtrak services
- Bus: AC Transit lines 12, 72, 72M
- Ferry: San Francisco Bay Ferry
More options for your journey from Santa Barbara, CA to Oakland, CA
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