Tucson, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA train with Amtrak

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The cheapest and fastest trains from Tucson, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA

Showing times and prices for Mar 04

Cheapest price

$123

Average price

$123

Fastest journey

16 h 59 m

Average duration

16 h 59 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

851 km

Cheap tickets

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 $123 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $123.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Tucson, AZ for Santa Barbara, CA on Wed, Mar 04, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Wed, Mar 04 the direct trains cover the 851 km distance in an average of 16 h 59 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 16 h 59 m .

On Wed, Mar 04 the slowest trains will take 16 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
03:15AM16h59
Tucson, AZ
08:14PMSanta Barbara, CA
$1231One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for Tucson, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA

Omio recommends booking the train 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 train with prices starting from $111. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 7h 35m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $111, and a flight costs an average of $397.

Distance: 528 miles (851 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Flight

$131

Average price

Cheapest

$145

Average price

$401

Average price

13h 13m

Average total duration

12h 43m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

21h 25m

Average total duration

20h 55m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

10h 35m

Average total duration

Fastest

7h 35m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

Tucson, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA train times

The table below shows live departures for Tucson, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, March 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 5:44 AM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak3:15 AM Tucson, AZ
16h59
8:14 PM 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 Tucson, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA by train, bus, or flight

Compare train, bus, and flight 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.

Tue
Mar 03
Wed
Mar 04
Thu
Mar 05
Fri
Mar 06
Sat
Mar 07
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Mar 08
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Mar 09

Journey information

Overview: Train from Tucson, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

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 $111 (€89) if you book in advance.

The earliest train runs at 12:40, the last at 19:15. The fastest train covers the 528 miles (851 km) distance in 16h 59m.

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
Distance
528 miles (851 km)
Average train duration
12h 43m
Cheapest ticket price
$111 (€89)
Trains per day
2
Fastest train
16h 59m
First train
12:40
Last train
19:15
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

Train companies: Amtrak from Tucson, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Tucson, AZ and Santa Barbara, CA from $111 (€89). 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
16h 59m
Cheapest Price
$111 (€89)
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 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.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Tucson, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $111 (€89), while the average price is around $131 (€104).
The train from Tucson, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA takes 16h 59m and runs 2 per day.
The distance by train from Tucson, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA is 528 miles (851 km).
The first train from Tucson, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 12:40 PM.
The last train from Tucson, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 7:15 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Tucson, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA.
There is no direct train service currently available from Tucson, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Tucson, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA.
The train station in Tucson, AZ that goes to Santa Barbara, CA is Tucson Amtrak Station, Tucson, AZ, which connects to Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA.
The cheapest way to get from Tucson, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA is by train, with a cost of around $111 (€89).
The train journey from Tucson, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA offers varied scenery, including desert landscapes, mountain views, and glimpses of the Pacific Ocean, making it a visually appealing trip.
A day trip from Tucson, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA is not feasible as the journey takes 16h 59m and covers 528 miles (851 km). The frequency of trips is 2 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 Tucson, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Tucson, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA

Tucson
Santa Barbara
The major train station for departures in Tucson is Tucson Amtrak Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Tucson Amtrak Station for your trip from Tucson to Santa Barbara.
Tucson Amtrak StationParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation Desk
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
3 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
1
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available at the station.
Dining
Dining
  • Maynards Market & Kitchen
  • The Cup Cafe
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Congress
  • AC Hotel by Marriott Tucson Downtown
  • The Downtown Clifton Hotel
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Station Plan
  • The station is a historic 1907 building with a single platform for the Sunset Limited/Texas Eagle trains.
Public transit options for Tucson Amtrak Station
  • Bus: Sun Tran routes available nearby

More options for your journey from Tucson, AZ to Santa Barbara, CA

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

Most popular trains to and from Santa Barbara, CA and Tucson, AZ

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