Santa Cruz, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train with Amtrak

Sun, Mar 22
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Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
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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 $87. 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 $87, and a train costs an average of $135.

Distance: 219 miles (353 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

$135

Average price

$87

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

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.

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Mar 22
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Journey information

Overview: Train from Santa Cruz, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

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Icon of train

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 $135 (€110) but you can travel from only $87 (€71) 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.

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 $87 (€71)
Distance
219 miles (353 km)
Average train duration
8h 37m
Cheapest ticket price
$135 (€110)
Trains per day
1
Fastest train
10h 17m
First train
07:55
Last train
12:21
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 $87 (€71)

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 $87 (€71). 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
8h 40m
Cheapest Price
$87 (€71)
Amtrak frequency
1 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 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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Santa Cruz, CA to Santa Barbara, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $135 (€110), while the average price is around $135 (€110).
The train from Santa Cruz, CA to Santa Barbara, CA runs once a day and takes approximately 10h 17m.
The distance by train from Santa Cruz, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is 219 miles (353 km).
The first train from Santa Cruz, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 7:55 AM.
The last train from Santa Cruz, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 12:21 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Santa Cruz, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
There is no direct train service currently available from Santa Cruz, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Santa Cruz, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
The cheapest way to get from Santa Cruz, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is by bus, with a cost of around $87 (€71).
The train journey from Santa Cruz, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is considered scenic, offering views of the Pacific coastline, rolling hills, and picturesque vineyards along the route.
A day trip from Santa Cruz, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is not feasible as the journey duration is 10h 17m. The distance is 219 miles (353 km), and the frequency is 1 per day for trains.
In Santa Barbara, CA, visitors can explore State Street for shopping, dining, and entertainment, visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, and take a wine tasting tour in the Santa Ynez Valley. For outdoor activities, enjoy a scenic hike in the Santa Ynez Mountains and visit the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. Best sights include the historic Santa Barbara Mission, Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara Zoo, and the unique Lotusland botanical garden.
Typically, spending 2 to 3 days in Santa Barbara, CA is ideal to explore its beautiful beaches, vibrant downtown, and cultural attractions.
Yes, you can take the train from Santa Cruz, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Santa Cruz, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Santa Cruz
Santa Barbara
The major train station for departures in Santa Cruz is Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center for your trip from Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara.
Santa Cruz, Bus Station Metro Center
information

More options for your journey from Santa Cruz, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

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