The cheapest and fastest trains from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA
Cheapest price
$73
Average price
$97
Fastest journey
11 h 28 m
Average duration
12 h 20 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
490 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, CA will cost around $97 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $73.
Of the 2 trains that leave Santa Barbara, CA for Sacramento, CA on Wed, Mar 18, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Mar 18 the direct trains cover the 490 km distance in an average of 12 h 20 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 11 h 28 m .
On Wed, Mar 18 the slowest trains will take 13 h 11 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 train, bus, and flight for Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $67. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 1m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $67, and a flight costs an average of $157.
Distance: 304 miles (490 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$115 Average price | $347 Average price | $100 Average price Cheapest |
11h 48m Average total duration 11h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 1m Average total duration Fastest 5h 1m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 10h 3m Average total duration 9h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA trains for today, Tuesday, March 17. 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 | 13h01 | 5:50 AM Sacramento, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:21 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 11h28 | 7:49 AM Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, 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.
Mar 18
Mar 19
Mar 20
Mar 21
Mar 22
Mar 23
Mar 24
Journey information
Overview: Train from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA
Trains from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA run on average 12 times per day, taking around 11h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $72 (€59) but you can travel from only $67 (€55) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:10, the last at 22:20. The fastest train covers the 304 miles (490 km) distance in 11h 28m.
Distance 304 miles (490 km) |
Average train duration 11h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $72 (€59) |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 11h 28m |
First train 05:10 |
Last train 22:20 |
Cheapest month Aug |
Cheapest day Sat |
High season Oct - Dec |
Low season Jan - Mar |
Busiest day Sat |
Least busy day Sat |
Best day to book ahead 63 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Santa Barbara, CA and Sacramento, CA from $67 (€55). 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 Sacramento, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, 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 Sacramento, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, 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 24/7 with both short-term and long-term options.
- The Firehouse Restaurant
- Ten22
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- $1
- Embassy Suites by Hilton Sacramento Riverfront Promenade
- Holiday Inn Sacramento Downtown - Arena
- Kimpton Sawyer Hotel
- Located in the main hall
- 60 places, covered
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station has a main hall with ticketing and waiting areas, platforms are accessible via a concourse.
- Light Rail: Blue Line, Gold Line
- Bus: Several lines available including local and regional buses
More options for your journey from Santa Barbara, CA to Sacramento, CA
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