The cheapest and fastest trains from Santa Maria, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Cheapest price
$33
Average price
$34
Fastest journey
1 h 58 m
Average duration
1 h 59 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
90 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santa Maria, 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 Maria, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $34 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $33.
Of the 2 trains that leave Santa Maria, CA for Santa Barbara, CA on Wed, Mar 18, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Mar 18 the direct trains cover the 90 km distance in an average of 1 h 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 58 m .
On Wed, Mar 18 the slowest trains will take 1 h 59 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 Maria, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Maria, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $21. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 1h 20m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $21, and a train costs an average of $33.
Distance: 55 miles (90 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
$33 Average price | $32 Average price Cheapest |
2h 29m Average total duration 1h 59m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 50m Average total duration Fastest 1h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Santa Maria, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Santa Maria, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, March 17. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:56 AM Santa Maria, CA | 1h58 | 2:54 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 Maria, 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.
Mar 18
Mar 19
Mar 20
Mar 21
Mar 22
Mar 23
Mar 24
Journey information
Overview: Train from Santa Maria, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Trains from Santa Maria, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 1h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $33 (€27) but you can travel from only $21 (€17) by bus.
There are 2 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:39, the last at 19:01. The fastest train covers the 55 miles (90 km) distance in 1h 58m.
Distance 55 miles (90 km) |
Average train duration 1h 59m |
Cheapest ticket price $33 (€27) |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 2 |
Fastest train 1h 58m |
First train 06:39 |
Last train 19:01 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Santa Maria, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Santa Maria, CA and Santa Barbara, CA from $21 (€17). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Santa Maria, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Maria, 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 Maria, 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 Maria, CA
More options for your journey from Santa Maria, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
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