- Must visit
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Leading regional art museum with American, Asian, and contemporary works in a refined downtown setting with strong rotating exhibitions.
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 $88. 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 $88, and a train costs an average of $111.
Distance: 219 miles (353 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$125 Average price | $117 Average price Cheapest | $54 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
9h 7m Average total duration Fastest 8h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 10m Average total duration 8h 40m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 5m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Cruz, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
A bus is $8 (€7) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santa Cruz, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $125 (€101).
Other travel options to Santa Barbara, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 40m.
Tickets start at around $125 (€101) compared to roughly $54 (€43) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-71.68 (€-57.60). The journey takes 8h 37m versus 4h 5m 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.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
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.
Trains from Santa Cruz, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 8h 37m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $111 (€89) but you can travel from only $88 (€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 10h 17m.
Distance 219 miles (353 km) |
Average train duration 8h 37m |
Cheapest ticket price $111 (€89) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 10h 17m |
First train 7:55 AM |
Last train 12:21 PM |
Cheapest Month Sep |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Discover the best of Santa Barbara, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Santa Barbara, CA trip today.
Leading regional art museum with American, Asian, and contemporary works in a refined downtown setting with strong rotating exhibitions.
Natural history museum in Mission Canyon with exhibits on wildlife, geology, and Chumash heritage, plus a popular butterfly pavilion seasonally.
Waterfront maritime museum covering Channel history, shipwrecks, navigation, and regional seafaring culture in a polished harbor location.
Lively main street lined with Spanish-style architecture, shops, theaters, and landmarks, making it the heart of downtown walking routes.
Classic beachside promenade ideal for walking and biking, with palm-lined ocean views, parks, and access to the harbor and wharf.
Popular waterfront district with marina views, boat activity, museums, and easy walking access to coastal paths and sunset scenery.
Fresh sea urchin roe landed from the Santa Barbara Channel. Briny, sweet, and prized because the region is one of California's best-known uni sources.
Spot prawns from local waters, often grilled or served simply to highlight their sweetness. Seasonal and celebrated for their freshness on the Central Coast.
Local spiny lobster, usually prepared grilled or roasted. A prized seasonal catch tied to the Santa Barbara Channel fishing tradition.
Refined downtown restaurant serving elegant Central Coast cuisine with strong local seafood and wine in a polished setting.
Long-running fine dining restaurant focused on seasonal ingredients and local catch, with a classic upscale atmosphere.
Historic waterfront oyster bar known for very fresh local seafood, chowder, and a lively harbor setting.
Santa Barbara is pricier than many US beach cities, with higher hotel rates, dining, and parking; transit is affordable but limited for tourists.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis and rideshares, and $1-2 at cafes for counter service or drinks.
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.

Most Santa Cruz, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trains use the Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center to Santa Barbara Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Santa Cruz, CA and Santa Barbara, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower, and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food court with various options available.
Free WiFi available throughout the station. ATMs are several ATMs available near ticket counters.
Ticket office support is available at Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center.
Available at Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center: Station is fully accessible with ramps and elevators.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need