Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA train with Amtrak

Thu, Dec 04
+ Add return
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1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA

Showing times and prices for Dec 04

Cheapest price

$73

Average price

$82

Fastest journey

9 h 10 m

Average duration

9 h 47 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

446 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, 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 Francisco, CA will cost around $82 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $73.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Santa Barbara, CA for San Francisco, CA on Thu, Dec 04, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Thu, Dec 04 the direct trains cover the 446 km distance in an average of 9 h 47 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 9 h 10 m .

On Thu, Dec 04 the slowest trains will take 10 h 23 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.

Amtrak
07:21PM9h10
Santa Barbara, CA
04:31AMSan Francisco, CA
$731One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak
06:55PM10h23
Santa Barbara, CA
05:18AMSan Francisco, CA
$921One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA

Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €34. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 9m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €34, and a flight costs an average of €100.

Distance: 277 miles (446 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Bus
Flight

€67

Average price

€53

Average price

Cheapest

€244

Average price

10h 0m

Average total duration

9h 30m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

8h 36m

Average total duration

8h 6m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 9m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 9m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.4kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.4 - 1.1kg

CO2 emissions

1.3 - 2.7kg

CO2 emissions

Amtrak

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

United

Most popular airline

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA train times

The table below shows live departures for Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA trains for today, Wednesday, December 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 5:55 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak5619 AMTRAK · 719 Gold Runner · 6619 AMTRAK7:55 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
10h50
6:45 AM San Francisco, CA2 transfers
amtrak14 Coast Starlight · 6619 AMTRAK8:21 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
10h24
6:45 AM San Francisco, CA1 transfer

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 San Francisco, 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.

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Dec 04
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Why should you book Santa Barbara to San Francisco trains with Omio?

Amtrak operates all train services from Santa Barbara to San Francisco. Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets.

Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?

  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Amtrak with all available travel options, which are train, bus and flight to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Santa Barbara to San Francisco.

Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?

Multiple modes of transport
  • Official reseller: Amtrak tickets can only be bought on Omio or Amtrak's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Amtrak tickets as they are not official sellers.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train, bus and flight to find the ideal travel option from Santa Barbara to San Francisco.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA run on average 6 times per day, taking around 9h 30m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $62 (€50) but you can travel from only $42 (€34) by bus.

There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:49, the last at 13:45. The fastest train covers the 277 miles (446 km) distance in 9h 10m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $42 (€34)
Distance
277 miles (446 km)
Average train duration
9h 30m
Cheapest ticket price
$62 (€50)
Trains per day
6
Direct trains
1
Fastest train
9h 10m
First train
06:49
Last train
13:45
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $42 (€34)

Train companies: Amtrak from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Santa Barbara, CA and San Francisco, CA from $42 (€34). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
9h 10m
Cheapest Price
$62 (€50)
Amtrak frequency
3 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, 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 Francisco, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
A day trip from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA is not feasible as the travel time is 9h 10m and the distance is 277 miles (446 km). There are 6 train trips per day.
Train ticket prices from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $62 (€50), while the average price is around $84 (€67).
Three to four days in San Francisco, CA, allows you to explore major attractions like the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman's Wharf, and neighborhoods like Chinatown and Haight-Ashbury, while also enjoying some of the city's renowned dining and cultural experiences.
Yes, the train journey from Santa Barbara to San Francisco is considered scenic, offering views of California's coastline, rolling hills, vineyards, and picturesque towns along the way.
The cheapest way to get from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA is by bus, with a cost of around $42 (€34).
The distance by train from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA is 277 miles (446 km).
In San Francisco, CA, you can ride a cable car through steep streets, explore vibrant murals in the Mission District, and visit the Exploratorium, an interactive science museum. Take a scenic walk along the Embarcadero for views of the Bay Bridge and access to the Ferry Building Marketplace. Enjoy a wine tasting tour in nearby Napa Valley. Key sights include the Golden Gate Bridge, Alcatraz Island, Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate Park, and Chinatown, each offering unique experiences from panoramic views to vibrant culture and cuisine.
The first train from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA leaves at 6:49 AM.
The train from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA takes 9h 10m and runs 6 per day.
There is no high speed train available from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA.
The last train from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA leaves at 1:45 PM.
The train station in Santa Barbara, CA that goes to San Francisco, CA is Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA, which connects to Emeryville station, Emeryville, CA.
Yes, you can take the train from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA.
Yes, there is a direct train from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA. This service operates 1 times per day, provided by Amtrak.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA

Santa Barbara
San Francisco
The major train station for departures in Santa Barbara is Santa Barbara Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Santa Barbara Station for your trip from Santa Barbara to San Francisco.
Amenities at train station
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
platformCount
Number of platforms
2
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available at the station.
Dining
Dining
  • The Lark
  • Santo Mezcal
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $1
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Californian
  • Harbor View Inn
  • Hotel Milo Santa Barbara
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • The station has a main hall with ticketing and waiting areas.
Public transit options for Santa Barbara Station
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • Trolley: Downtown Waterfront Shuttle
Goleta StationParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
1
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available adjacent to the station, with spaces for both short-term and long-term parking.
Dining
Dining
  • The Habit Burger Grill
  • Pepe's Mexican Restaurant
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps.
WC
WC
  • Free for passengers
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta
  • Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located near the platform
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • The station consists of a single platform with a waiting area and parking facilities nearby.
Public transit options for Goleta Station
  • Bus: Santa Barbara MTD Line 6, Line 11
Santa Barbara, University of California
information

Most popular trains to and from San Francisco, CA and Santa Barbara, CA

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