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

Sat, Mar 14
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Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
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Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Santa Maria, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Showing times and prices for Mar 18

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast trains

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.

Amtrak
02:47PM1h59
Santa Maria, CA
04:46PMSanta Barbara, CA
$331One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak
12:56AM1h58
Santa Maria, CA
02:54AMSanta Barbara, CA
$341One-way
0 transfers

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*

Amtrak

Most popular train company

FlixBus

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.

Last updated at 1:25 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak12:56 AM Santa Maria, CA
1h58
2:54 AM Santa Barbara, CA0 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.

Wed
Mar 18
Thu
Mar 19
Fri
Mar 20
Sat
Mar 21
Sun
Mar 22
Mon
Mar 23
Tue
Mar 24

Journey information

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

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Icon of train

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.

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 $21 (€17)
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
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 $21 (€17)

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

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
1h 58m
Cheapest Price
$33 (€27)
Amtrak frequency
2 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 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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Santa Maria, CA to Santa Barbara, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $33 (€27), while the average price is around $33 (€27).
The train from Santa Maria, CA to Santa Barbara, CA takes 1h 58m and runs 2 per day.
The distance by train from Santa Maria, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is 55 miles (90 km).
The first train from Santa Maria, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 6:39 AM.
The last train from Santa Maria, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 7:01 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Santa Maria, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Yes, there is a direct train from Santa Maria, CA to Santa Barbara, CA. This service operates 2 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Santa Maria, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
The train station in Santa Maria, CA that goes to Santa Barbara, CA is Guadalupe station, Guadalupe, CA, which connects to Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA.
The cheapest way to get from Santa Maria, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is by bus, with a cost of around $21 (€17).
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 Maria, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.

popular train stations

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

Santa Maria
Santa Barbara
The major train station for departures in Santa Maria is Santa Maria, South Nicholson Avenue (IHOP Restaurant). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Santa Maria, South Nicholson Avenue (IHOP Restaurant) for your trip from Santa Maria to Santa Barbara.
Santa Maria, South Nicholson Avenue (IHOP Restaurant)
information

Most popular train connections from Santa Maria, CA

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

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Santa Barbara, CASanta Maria, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train

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