- Must visit
Albuquerque Museum
Leading city museum for Albuquerque history, Southwestern art, and rotating exhibitions in Old Town.
Cheapest price
$406
Average price
$406
Fastest journey
21 h 7 m
Average duration
21 h 7 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
1193 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Albuquerque, NM 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 Albuquerque, NM will cost around $406 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $406.
It's difficult to get from Santa Barbara, CA to Albuquerque, NM without transferring at least once.


Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Barbara, CA to Albuquerque, NM among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $124. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 7h 15m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $124, and a flight costs an average of $419.
Distance: 741 miles (1193 km)
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$161 Average price Cheapest | $462 Average price | $229 Average price | $174 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
20h 6m Average total duration 19h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 10h 15m Average total duration Fastest 7h 15m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 30h 45m Average total duration 30h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 13h 4m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Barbara, CA to Albuquerque, NM:
A train is $68 (€55) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Albuquerque, NM costing on average $229 (€185).
A train is $301 (€243) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Barbara, CA to Albuquerque, NM costing on average $462 (€374).
Other travel options to Albuquerque, NM take longer:
Train takes on average 19h 36m.
Bus takes on average 30h 15m.
Tickets start at around $161 (€130) compared to roughly $174 (€141) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $13 (€10). The journey takes 19h 36m versus 13h 4m 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.
The table below shows live departures for Santa Barbara, CA to Albuquerque, NM trains for today, Thursday, May 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 4:49 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 25h03 | 5:52 PM Albuquerque, NM | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Santa Barbara, CA to Albuquerque, NM run on average 6 times per day, taking around 19h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $124 (€100) if you book in advance.
The earliest train runs at 06:00, the last at 15:34. The fastest train covers the 741 miles (1193 km) distance in 25h 3m.
Distance 741 miles (1193 km) |
Average train duration 19h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $124 (€100) |
Trains per day 6 |
Fastest train 25h 3m |
First train 6:00 AM |
Last train 3:34 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Discover the best of Albuquerque — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Albuquerque trip today.
Leading city museum for Albuquerque history, Southwestern art, and rotating exhibitions in Old Town.
Museum and cultural center sharing the history, art, and living traditions of New Mexico’s Pueblo communities.
Smithsonian-affiliated museum covering the Atomic Age, nuclear science, space, and military history.
Most atmospheric historic district for adobe architecture, shopping, plazas, and classic Albuquerque walks.
Famous mountain viewpoint experience with sweeping desert and city views, especially popular at sunset.
Trendy Route 66 neighborhood known for neon signs, local boutiques, and a lively street scene.
A classic New Mexican stew made with roasted green chile, pork, potatoes, and broth. It is one of Albuquerque's most iconic comfort foods.
Corn tortillas filled with cheese, meat, or beans and covered with New Mexico red or green chile sauce. Asking for "Christmas" gets both sauces.
Puffy fried pastries served with honey or as a savory side. They are a beloved part of traditional New Mexican meals in Albuquerque.
An upscale farm-to-table restaurant highlighting refined New Mexican flavors and local ingredients in an elegant setting on the Los Poblanos property.
A long-running local institution celebrated for classic New Mexican cooking, especially red chile and carne adovada, in a simple traditional setting.
An Albuquerque favorite across from the university, known for breakfast burritos, sweet rolls, and affordable New Mexican comfort food in a bustling diner setting.
Costs are moderate by U.S. standards. Dining and coffee are reasonable, while hotels vary by season and events.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants. Tip USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up taxis, and tip hotel staff USD 2-5. Little or no tip is expected for counter service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to Albuquerque, NM 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 Albuquerque, NM, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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