The cheapest and fastest trains from Santa Barbara, CA to Oceanside, CA
Cheapest price
$38
Average price
$38
Fastest journey
5 h 14 m
Average duration
5 h 14 m
Trains per day
2
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 $38 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $38.
Of the 2 trains that leave Santa Barbara, CA for Oceanside, CA on Wed, Jul 22, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jul 22 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 14 m .
On Wed, Jul 22 the slowest trains will take 5 h 14 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.
2:53 PM5h14Santa Barbara, CA8:07 PMOceanside, CA$381One-way0 transfers
1:53 PM5h14Santa Barbara, CA7:07 PMOceanside, CA$391One-way0 transfers
2:53 PM5h14Santa Barbara, CA8:07 PMOceanside, CA$381One-way0 transfers
1:53 PM5h14Santa Barbara, CA7:07 PMOceanside, CA$391One-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 $32. 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 $32, and a flight costs an average of $104.
Distance: 157 miles (254 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$37 Average price Cheapest | $219 Average price | $67 Average price | $36 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 51m Average total duration 5h 21m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 26m Average total duration Fastest 4h 26m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 6h 4m Average total duration 5h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 8m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.8 - 1.5kg CO2 emissions | 0.3 - 0.6kg 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 $29 (€29) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Oceanside, CA costing on average $67 (€67).
A train is $182 (€182) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Barbara, CA to Oceanside, CA costing on average $219 (€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 $37 (€37) compared to roughly $36 (€36) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-1.49 (€-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, Tuesday, July 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 11:40 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 5h24 | 5:04 AM Oceanside, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, July 22 | |||||
![]() | 1:53 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 5h14 | 7:07 PM Oceanside, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:53 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 5h14 | 8:07 PM 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.
Jul 22
Jul 23
Jul 24
Jul 25
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Jul 27
Jul 28
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 $32 (€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 $32 (€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 $32 (€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
Most Santa Barbara, CA to Oceanside, CA trains use the Santa Barbara Station to Oceanside Transportation Center station pair. Use this guide to compare Santa Barbara, CA and Oceanside, 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 Oceanside, 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 Oceanside, CA station do trains from Santa Barbara, CA arrive at?
Getting to Oceanside Transportation Center from Oceanside city centre
Oceanside Transportation Center train station facilities and services
Oceanside Transportation Center has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Harbor Fish & Chips, 333 Pacific
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Oceanside Transportation Center. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Oceanside Transportation Center. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Oceanside Transportation Center: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Oceanside Transportation Center: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Oceanside Transportation Center: Elevators, ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include SpringHill Suites by Marriott San Diego Oceanside/Downtown, Wyndham Oceanside Pier Resort, Best Western Plus Oceanside Palms.
More options for your journey from Santa Barbara, CA to Oceanside, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
