- Must visit
San Diego Museum of Art
Major Balboa Park museum with works from Spanish old masters to modern art, plus strong regional and international exhibitions.
Cheapest price
$49
Average price
$50
Fastest journey
6 h 10 m
Average duration
6 h 13 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
302 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA will cost around $50 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $49.
Of the 3 trains that leave Santa Barbara, CA for San Diego, CA on Mon, Aug 24, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Aug 24 the direct trains cover the 302 km distance in an average of 6 h 13 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 10 m .
On Mon, Aug 24 the slowest trains will take 6 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.






Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $49. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 32m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $49, and a flight costs an average of $65.
Distance: 187 miles (302 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
$50 Average price Cheapest | $63 Average price | $206 Average price | $53 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 38m Average total duration 6h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 31m Average total duration 6h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 32m Average total duration Fastest 2h 32m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 3h 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.9 - 1.8kg 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 San Diego, CA:
A train is $14 (€11) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $63 (€51).
A train is $156 (€126) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average $206 (€166).
Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 6h 1m.
Train takes on average 6h 9m.
Tickets start at around $50 (€40) compared to roughly $53 (€43) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $3 (€3). The journey takes 6h 9m versus 3h 44m 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.
Direct services run with Amtrak.
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 San Diego, CA trains for today, Sunday, August 23. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
770 Pacific Surfliner | 6:39 AM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 6h28 | 1:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
770 Pacific Surfliner | 6:53 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 6h14 | 1:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
770 Pacific Surfliner | 6:53 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 5h59 | 12:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
774 Pacific Surfliner | 8:31 AM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 6h36 | 3:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
774 Pacific Surfliner | 8:49 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 6h03 | 2:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
774 Pacific Surfliner | 8:49 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 6h18 | 3:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
14 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 12:15 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 12h49 | 1:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
14 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 12:15 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 12h35 | 12:50 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
782 Pacific Surfliner | 12:29 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 6h38 | 7:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
782 Pacific Surfliner | 12:45 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 6h22 | 7:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
782 Pacific Surfliner | 12:45 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 6h07 | 6:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
786 Pacific Surfliner | 2:47 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 6h20 | 9:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
6299 AMTRAK · 786 Pacific Surfliner | 2:55 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 6h12 | 9:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
6299 AMTRAK · 786 Pacific Surfliner | 2:55 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 5h57 | 8:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
786 Pacific Surfliner | 3:04 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 5h48 | 8:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
786 Pacific Surfliner | 3:04 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 6h03 | 9:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
790 Pacific Surfliner | 4:25 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 6h42 | 11:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
790 Pacific Surfliner | 4:40 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 6h11 | 10:51 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
790 Pacific Surfliner | 4:40 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 6h27 | 11:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
11 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 6:19 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 6h45 | 1:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
11 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 6:19 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 6h31 | 12:50 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
794 Pacific Surfliner | 6:38 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 6h26 | 1:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
794 Pacific Surfliner | 7:00 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 5h50 | 12:50 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
794 Pacific Surfliner | 7:00 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 6h04 | 1:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, August 24 | |||||
![]() | 2:50 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 6h10 | 9:00 AM San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
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 San Diego, CA run on average 18 times per day, taking around 6h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $48 (€39) but you can travel from only $43 (€34) by bus.
There are 12 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:50, the last at 19:19. The fastest train covers the 187 miles (302 km) distance in 5h 53m.
Distance 187 miles (302 km) |
Average train duration 6h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $48 (€39) |
Trains per day 18 |
Direct trains 12 |
Fastest train 5h 53m |
First train 3:50 AM |
Last train 7:19 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Mon |
Best time to book 14 days |
Discover the best of San Diego, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Diego, CA trip today.
Major Balboa Park museum with works from Spanish old masters to modern art, plus strong regional and international exhibitions.
Acclaimed contemporary art museum in La Jolla featuring oceanfront settings, modern works, and rotating global exhibitions.
Museum aboard a historic aircraft carrier with restored aircraft, naval exhibits, and immersive views of life at sea.
Balboa Park is San Diego's grand cultural park, packed with gardens, architecture, museums, and walkable plazas worth lingering in.
Historic Gaslamp Quarter offers Victorian-era streets, nightlife energy, and preserved downtown architecture for an atmospheric walk.
Dramatic seaside cliffs and walking paths in La Jolla, famous for waves, sea lions, and sweeping Pacific views.
A San Diego staple: grilled fish in a soft tortilla with cabbage, crema, and salsa. Popularized by Baja influence and coastal seafood culture.
French fries, carne asada, cheese, guacamole, and crema wrapped in a flour tortilla. A late-night local favorite born in San Diego taquerias.
Fresh local sea urchin served raw, prized for its rich, buttery taste. It reflects San Diego's access to Pacific seafood and sushi culture.
Celebrated sushi restaurant specializing in omakase and pristine seafood, including uni. Intimate, polished, and highly respected by locals.
Iconic casual seafood counter known for fish tacos, smoked fish, and harbor views. A classic stop for San Diego's Baja-inspired seafood style.
Refined fine-dining restaurant showcasing local seafood and seasonal California ingredients. Elegant room with one of the city's strongest reputations.
San Diego is pricey for US travel, with higher hotel rates, dining, and parking than many cities, though casual food and buses stay manageable.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 for coffee drinks or small cafe orders.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA trains use the Santa Barbara Station to Santa Fe Depot station pair, with some services arriving at Old Town Station. Use this guide to compare Santa Barbara, CA and San Diego, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like 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 options include: The Lark, Santo Mezcal
Ticket office support is available at Santa Barbara Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Santa Barbara Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Santa Barbara Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Santa Barbara Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Barbara Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Californian, Harbor View Inn, Hotel Milo Santa Barbara.
Goleta Station is 1 km from Santa Barbara city centre. Public transport options include:
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 options include: The Habit Burger Grill, Pepe's Mexican Restaurant
Ticket office support is available at Goleta Station. Information desks are located near the platform.
Available at Goleta Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Goleta Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Goleta Station: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta, Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta.
Santa Barbara, University of California is 13 km from Santa Barbara city centre. Public transport options include:
Santa Barbara, University of California has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food court located nearby on campus.
Free Wi-Fi available for passengers. ATMs are aTM located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Santa Barbara, University of California.
Available at Santa Barbara, University of California: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Barbara, University of California: Wheelchair accessible with elevators and ramps.
Santa Fe Depot is 1 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
Santa Fe Depot 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 options include: The Fish Market, Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Santa Fe Depot. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Santa Fe Depot. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Santa Fe Depot: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Santa Fe Depot: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Fe Depot: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include The Westin San Diego, The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown.
Old Town Station is 5 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
Old Town Station 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 options include: Casa Guadalajara, Old Town Mexican Cafe
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Old Town Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Old Town Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Old Town Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Old Town Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Old Town Station: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Old Town Inn, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town, Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need