The cheapest and fastest trains from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA
Cheapest price
$44
Average price
$44
Fastest journey
10 h 31 m
Average duration
10 h 31 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
258 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, 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 Carlsbad, CA will cost around $44 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $44.
Of the 1 trains that leave Santa Barbara, CA for Carlsbad, CA on Sat, May 09, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, May 09 the direct trains cover the 258 km distance in an average of 10 h 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 10 h 31 m .
On Sat, May 09 the slowest trains will take 10 h 31 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.
2:19 AM10h31Santa Barbara, CA12:50 PMCarlsbad, CA$441One-way0 transfers
2:19 AM10h31Santa Barbara, CA12:50 PMCarlsbad, CA$441One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, flight, and bus for Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $44. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 15m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $44, and a flight costs an average of $132.
Distance: 160 miles (258 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$44 Average price Cheapest | $132 Average price | $118 Average price |
5h 45m Average total duration Fastest 5h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 24m Average total duration 5h 24m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 7h 18m Average total duration 6h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA:
A train is $74 (€59) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA costing on average $118 (€94).
A train is $88 (€70) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA costing on average $132 (€105).
Other travel options to Carlsbad, CA take longer:
Flight takes on average 5h 24m.
Bus takes on average 6h 48m.
Live departures
Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA trains for today, Thursday, May 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:53 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 5h14 | 12:07 PM Carlsbad, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:49 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 5h15 | 2:04 PM Carlsbad, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 1:45 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 5h19 | 7:04 PM Carlsbad, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:40 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 5h21 | 10:01 PM Carlsbad, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 6:50 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 5h14 | 12:04 AM Carlsbad, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:19 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 10h31 | 12:50 PM Carlsbad, 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 Carlsbad, CA by train, flight, or bus
Compare train, flight, 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 08
May 09
May 10
May 11
May 12
May 13
May 14
Journey information
Overview: Train from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA
Trains from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA run on average 15 times per day, taking around 5h 15m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $44 (€35) if you book in advance.
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:40, the last at 18:57. The fastest train covers the 160 miles (258 km) distance in 10h 31m.
Distance 160 miles (258 km) |
Average train duration 5h 15m |
Cheapest ticket price $44 (€35) |
Trains per day 15 |
Direct trains 9 |
Fastest train 10h 31m |
First train 4:40 AM |
Last train 6:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
Busiest Day Wed |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 3 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Santa Barbara, CA and Carlsbad, CA from $44 (€35). 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 Carlsbad, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, 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 Carlsbad, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, 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
More options for your journey from Santa Barbara, CA to Carlsbad, CA
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