The cheapest and fastest trains from Tucson, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA
Cheapest price
$263
Average price
$263
Fastest journey
12 h 40 m
Average duration
12 h 40 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
851 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Tucson, AZ 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 Tucson, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $263 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $263.
It's difficult to get from Tucson, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA without transferring at least once.


Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Tucson, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA
Omio recommends booking the bus as it is the most popular option from Tucson, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €147. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 12h 43m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €147, and a train costs an average of €214.
Distance: 528 miles (851 km)
Compare train with
| Train | Most popular Bus |
|---|---|
€214 Average price | €149 Average price Cheapest |
13h 13m Average total duration Fastest 12h 43m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 21h 25m Average total duration 20h 55m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare prices and tickets Tucson, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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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Why should you book Tucson to Santa Barbara trains with Omio?
Amtrak operates all train services from Tucson to Santa Barbara. Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets.
Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Amtrak with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Tucson to Santa Barbara.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Official reseller: Amtrak tickets can only be bought on Omio or Amtrak's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Amtrak tickets as they are not official sellers.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Tucson to Santa Barbara.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Tucson, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA
Trains from Tucson, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 12h 43m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $265 (€214) but you can travel from only $182 (€147) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 12:40, the last at 19:15. The fastest train covers the 528 miles (851 km) distance in 12h 40m.
Distance 528 miles (851 km) |
Average train duration 12h 43m |
Cheapest ticket price $265 (€214) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 12h 40m |
First train 12:40 |
Last train 19:15 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Tucson, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Tucson, AZ and Santa Barbara, CA from $182 (€147). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Tucson, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Tucson, AZ 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 Tucson, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available at the station.
- Maynards Market & Kitchen
- The Cup Cafe
- Outside the main entrance.
- Hotel Congress
- AC Hotel by Marriott Tucson Downtown
- The Downtown Clifton Hotel
- Located in the main hall
- The station is a historic 1907 building with a single platform for the Sunset Limited/Texas Eagle trains.
- Bus: Sun Tran routes available nearby
- 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 Tucson, AZ
More options for your journey from Tucson, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA
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