The cheapest and fastest trains from Santa Barbara, CA to Oceanside, CA
Cheapest price
$48
Average price
$60
Fastest journey
5 h 4 m
Average duration
5 h 14 m
Trains per day
18
Distance
254 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Oceanside, 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 Oceanside, CA will cost around $60 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $48.
Of the 18 trains that leave Santa Barbara, CA for Oceanside, CA on Sun, Jun 07, 12 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sun, Jun 07 the direct trains cover the 254 km distance in an average of 5 h 14 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 4 m .
On Sun, Jun 07 the slowest trains will take 5 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.
786 Pacific Surfliner2:57 PM5h10Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA8:07 PMOceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA$481One-way0 transfers
790 Pacific Surfliner4:40 PM5h24Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA10:04 PMOceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA$481One-way0 transfers
782 Pacific Surfliner12:40 PM5h27Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA6:07 PMOceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA$481One-way0 transfers
794 Pacific Surfliner7:00 PM5h04Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA12:04 AMOceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA$481One-way0 transfers
774 Pacific Surfliner8:49 AM5h18Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA2:07 PMOceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA$481One-way0 transfers
794 Pacific Surfliner7:00 PM5h04Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA12:04 AMOceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA$481One-way0 transfers
786 Pacific Surfliner2:57 PM5h10Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA8:07 PMOceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA$481One-way0 transfers
770 Pacific Surfliner6:53 AM5h14Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA12:07 PMOceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA$481One-way0 transfers
774 Pacific Surfliner8:49 AM5h18Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA2:07 PMOceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA$481One-way0 transfers
790 Pacific Surfliner4:40 PM5h24Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA10:04 PMOceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA$481One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Santa Barbara, CA to Oceanside, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Barbara, CA to Oceanside, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $39. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 26m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $39, and a flight costs an average of $127.
Distance: 157 miles (254 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$46 Average price Cheapest | $82 Average price | $269 Average price | $44 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 51m Average total duration 5h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 4m Average total duration 5h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 26m Average total duration Fastest 4h 26m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | 0.8 - 1.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | 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 Oceanside, CA:
A train is $36 (€29) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Oceanside, CA costing on average $82 (€67).
A train is $223 (€182) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Barbara, CA to Oceanside, CA costing on average $269 (€219).
Other travel options to Oceanside, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 5h 21m.
Bus takes on average 5h 34m.
Tickets start at around $46 (€37) compared to roughly $44 (€36) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-1.83 (€-1.49). The journey takes 5h 21m versus 3h 8m 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 Oceanside, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Santa Barbara, CA to Oceanside, CA trains for today, Saturday, June 6. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4770 AMTRAK · 770 Pacific Surfliner | 6:00 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 6h07 | 12:07 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 1 transfer | |
770 Pacific Surfliner | 6:39 AM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 5h28 | 12:07 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
770 Pacific Surfliner | 6:53 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 5h14 | 12:07 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
774 Pacific Surfliner | 8:31 AM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 5h36 | 2:07 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
774 Pacific Surfliner | 8:49 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 5h18 | 2:07 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
4782 AMTRAK · 782 Pacific Surfliner | 11:40 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 6h27 | 6:07 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 1 transfer | |
14 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 12:21 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 11h43 | 12:04 AM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 1 transfer | |
782 Pacific Surfliner | 12:26 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 5h41 | 6:07 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
782 Pacific Surfliner | 12:40 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 5h27 | 6:07 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
786 Pacific Surfliner | 2:35 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 5h32 | 8:07 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
786 Pacific Surfliner | 2:57 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 5h10 | 8:07 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
4790 AMTRAK · 790 Pacific Surfliner | 3:40 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 6h24 | 10:04 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 1 transfer | |
790 Pacific Surfliner | 4:25 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 5h39 | 10:04 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
790 Pacific Surfliner | 4:40 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 5h24 | 10:04 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
11 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 6:19 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 5h45 | 12:04 AM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 1 transfer | |
11 Coast Starlight · 5818 AMTRAK | 6:19 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 10h31 | 4:50 AM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 1 transfer | |
794 Pacific Surfliner | 6:38 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 5h26 | 12:04 AM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
794 Pacific Surfliner | 7:00 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 5h04 | 12:04 AM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, 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 Oceanside, 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.
Jun 07
Jun 08
Jun 09
Jun 10
Jun 11
Jun 12
Jun 13
Journey information
Overview: Train from Santa Barbara, CA to Oceanside, CA
Trains from Santa Barbara, CA to Oceanside, CA run on average 15 times per day, taking around 5h 21m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $39 (€32) if you book in advance.
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:57, the last at 19:00. The fastest train covers the 157 miles (254 km) distance in 5h 14m.
Distance 157 miles (254 km) |
Average train duration 5h 21m |
Cheapest ticket price $39 (€32) |
Trains per day 15 |
Direct trains 9 |
Fastest train 5h 14m |
First train 4:57 AM |
Last train 7:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 1 day |
Train companies: Amtrak from Santa Barbara, CA to Oceanside, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Santa Barbara, CA and Oceanside, CA from $39 (€32). 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 Oceanside, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to Oceanside, 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 Oceanside, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Santa Barbara, CA to Oceanside, 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
- 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Day-use parking is available on the West side of the train tracks, 200-600 South Myers St., Lot 27
- Both locations are enforced by the City of Oceanside Parking.
- Harbor Fish & Chips
- 333 Pacific
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
- $0.50
- SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Oceanside/Downtown
- Wyndham Oceanside Pier Resort
- Best Western Plus Oceanside Palms
- Located in the main hall
- 26 places, covered
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platform 1-4 for Amtrak, Metrolink, and Coaster trains
- Hall 2: bus connections
- Bus: Several lines available
- Metrolink
- Amtrak
- Coaster
More options for your journey from Santa Barbara, CA to Oceanside, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
