The cheapest and fastest trains from Santa Cruz, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Cheapest price
$121
Average price
$136
Fastest journey
9 h 52 m
Average duration
10 h 5 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
353 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santa Cruz, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Santa Cruz, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $136 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $121.
Of the 2 trains that leave Santa Cruz, CA for Santa Barbara, CA on Sat, Nov 29, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Nov 29 the direct trains cover the 353 km distance in an average of 10 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 9 h 52 m .
On Sat, Nov 29 the slowest trains will take 10 h 17 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 and train for Santa Cruz, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Cruz, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €70. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 8h 37m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €70, and a train costs an average of €70.
Distance: 219 miles (353 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€93 Average price | €70 Average price Cheapest |
9h 7m Average total duration Fastest 8h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 10m Average total duration 8h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Santa Cruz, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Santa Cruz, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trains for today, Friday, November 28. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 3:45 PM Santa Cruz, CA | 9h27 | 1:12 AM Santa Barbara, 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 Cruz, CA to Santa Barbara, CA by bus or train
Compare bus and train 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.
Nov 29
Nov 30
Dec 01
Dec 02
Dec 03
Dec 04
Dec 05
Journey information
Overview: Train from Santa Cruz, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Trains from Santa Cruz, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 8h 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $86 (€70) but you can travel from only $86 (€70) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 07:55, the last at 12:21. The fastest train covers the 219 miles (353 km) distance in 9h 27m.
Distance 219 miles (353 km) |
Average train duration 8h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price $86 (€70) |
Trains per day 1 |
Fastest train 9h 27m |
First train 07:55 |
Last train 12:21 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Santa Cruz, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Santa Cruz, CA and Santa Barbara, CA from $86 (€70). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Santa Cruz, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Cruz, CA to Santa Barbara, 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 Santa Barbara, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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