The cheapest and fastest trains from Santa Barbara, CA to Modesto, CA
Cheapest price
$75
Average price
$75
Fastest journey
7 h 29 m
Average duration
7 h 29 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
376 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Modesto, 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 Modesto, CA will cost around $75 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $75.
Of the 1 trains that leave Santa Barbara, CA for Modesto, CA on Fri, Mar 20, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Fri, Mar 20 the direct trains cover the 376 km distance in an average of 7 h 29 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 7 h 29 m .
On Fri, Mar 20 the slowest trains will take 7 h 29 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.


Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Santa Barbara, CA to Modesto, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Barbara, CA to Modesto, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $75. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 4h 13m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $75, and a flight costs an average of $330.
Distance: 233 miles (376 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$75 Average price Cheapest | $366 Average price | $83 Average price |
7h 44m Average total duration 7h 14m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 13m Average total duration Fastest 4h 13m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 9h 49m Average total duration 9h 19m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare prices and tickets Santa Barbara, CA to Modesto, CA by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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.
Mar 20
Mar 21
Mar 22
Mar 23
Mar 24
Mar 25
Mar 26
Journey information
Overview: Train from Santa Barbara, CA to Modesto, CA
Trains from Santa Barbara, CA to Modesto, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 7h 14m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $75 (€61) but you can travel from only $73 (€60) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 08:31, the last at 22:05. The fastest train covers the 233 miles (376 km) distance in 7h 29m.
Distance 233 miles (376 km) |
Average train duration 7h 14m |
Cheapest ticket price $75 (€61) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 7h 29m |
First train 08:31 |
Last train 22:05 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Santa Barbara, CA to Modesto, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Santa Barbara, CA and Modesto, CA from $73 (€60). 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 Modesto, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to Modesto, 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 Modesto, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Santa Barbara, CA to Modesto, 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 at the station.
- Outside the main entrance.
- $1
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station has a single main hall with ticketing and waiting areas.
- Bus: Modesto Area Express (MAX) routes available
More options for your journey from Santa Barbara, CA to Modesto, CA
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