The cheapest and fastest trains from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA
Cheapest price
$104
Average price
$255
Fastest journey
10 h 24 m
Average duration
10 h 35 m
Trains per day
3
Distance
446 km
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 $255 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $104.
Of the 3 trains that leave Santa Barbara, CA for San Francisco, CA on Mon, Apr 20, 3 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Apr 20 the direct trains cover the 446 km distance in an average of 10 h 35 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 10 h 24 m .
On Mon, Apr 20 the slowest trains will take 10 h 50 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.
8:00 PM10h30Santa Barbara, CA6:30 AMSan Francisco, CA$1041One-way0 transfers
7:55 PM10h50Santa Barbara, CA6:45 AMSan Francisco, CA$1061One-way0 transfers
8:21 PM10h24Santa Barbara, CA6:45 AMSan Francisco, CA$5541One-way0 transfers
8:21 PM10h24Santa Barbara, CA6:45 AMSan Francisco, CA$5541One-way0 transfers
8:00 PM10h30Santa Barbara, CA6:30 AMSan Francisco, CA$1041One-way0 transfers
7:55 PM10h50Santa Barbara, CA6:45 AMSan Francisco, CA$1061One-way0 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 $44. 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 $44, and a flight costs an average of $110.
Distance: 277 miles (446 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$94 Average price | $79 Average price Cheapest | $302 Average price |
10h 0m Average total duration 9h 30m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 50m Average total duration 8h 20m 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 |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | ![]() 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, Sunday, April 19. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:55 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 11h23 | 6:18 AM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 7:55 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 10h23 | 6:18 AM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:00 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 10h30 | 6:30 AM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:15 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 10h15 | 6:30 AM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 8:21 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 9h10 | 5:31 AM San Francisco, CA | 0 transfersDirect |
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.
Apr 20
Apr 21
Apr 22
Apr 23
Apr 24
Apr 25
Apr 26
Journey information
Overview: Train from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA
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 $63 (€50) but you can travel from only $44 (€35) by bus.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:49, the last at 13:46. The fastest train covers the 277 miles (446 km) distance in 9h 10m.
Distance 277 miles (446 km) |
Average train duration 9h 30m |
Cheapest ticket price $63 (€50) |
Trains per day 6 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 9h 10m |
First train 6:49 AM |
Last train 1:46 PM |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 42 days |
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 $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 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, 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
Most popular train connections from Santa Barbara, CA
More options for your journey from Santa Barbara, CA to San Francisco, CA
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