- Must visit
Santa Barbara Museum Of Art
Leading regional art museum with American, Asian, and European collections in a central downtown setting.
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Travel Information
Compare bus, train, and flight for Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $48. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 21m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $48, and a flight costs an average of $355.
Distance: 274 miles (442 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$100 Average price | $355 Average price | $49 Average price Cheapest |
9h 38m Average total duration 9h 8m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 21m Average total duration Fastest 1h 21m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* | 9h 24m Average total duration 8h 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is a bus with an average price of $49 (€40).
This is compared to other travel options from Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
A bus is $51 (€42) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $100 (€82).
A bus is $306 (€251) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $355 (€292).
The fastest way to travel from Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 21m.
Other travel options to Santa Barbara, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 8h 54m.
Train takes on average 9h 8m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Walnut Creek, CA and Santa Barbara, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
Compare prices and tickets Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Barbara, CA by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, train, 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
USAUSA
Trains from Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 18 times per day, taking around 9h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $95 (€78) but you can travel from only $48 (€40) by bus.
There are 3 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:53, the last at 22:05. The fastest train covers the 274 miles (442 km) distance in 9h 8m.
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 $48 (€40)
Distance 274 miles (442 km) |
Average train duration 9h 8m |
Cheapest ticket price $95 (€78) |
Trains per day 18 |
Direct trains 3 |
Fastest train 9h 8m |
First train 6:53 AM |
Last train 10:05 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Oct - Dec |
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 $48 (€40)
Complete guide to Santa Barbara
Things to do in Santa Barbara
Discover the best of Santa Barbara — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Santa Barbara trip today.
- Recommended
MOXI, The Wolf Museum Of Exploration + Innovation
Hands-on science and technology museum popular with families, featuring interactive exhibits and a rooftop sky garden.
- Recommended
Santa Barbara Maritime Museum
Compact waterfront museum covering regional seafaring history, diving, Channel Islands heritage, and navigation.
- Must visit
State Street
Main downtown corridor lined with shops, historic buildings, and people-watching, central to the city experience.
- Must visit
Stearns Wharf
Historic wharf with ocean views, strolling paths, and easy access to the waterfront and marine attractions.
- Recommended
Santa Barbara Harbor
Scenic marina and waterfront walking area popular for sunsets, harbor views, and access to the breakwater.
Santa Maria-Style Barbecue
Central Coast tri-tip grilled over red oak, traditionally served with pinquito beans, salsa, and garlic bread. It is one of the region’s signature local meals.
- Gluten-free
Santa Barbara Spot Prawns
Sweet local prawns from nearby waters, often simply grilled or served crudo when in season. They are prized for freshness and strong coastal identity.
- Gluten-free
Local Sea Urchin
Fresh uni from the Santa Barbara Channel, known for its rich, creamy texture. It is a standout local seafood delicacy tied to the city’s fishing culture.
Cold Spring Tavern Santa Barbara
Historic stagecoach-era tavern in the hills above the city, known for rustic atmosphere, hearty fare, and weekend barbecue traditions.
The Lark Santa Barbara
Popular Funk Zone restaurant serving seasonal California cuisine with local seafood, vegetables, and strong Central Coast sourcing in a lively upscale setting.
Loquita Santa Barbara
Stylish Spanish restaurant known for tapas, paella, cocktails, and a polished downtown atmosphere. Good choice for shared plates and evening dining.
United States Dollar
Prices are high by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining near the beach and downtown.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- USD 12-20 for casual eats or takeout.
- Mid-range
- USD 25-45 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
- Fine dining
- USD 75+ per person at upscale restaurants.
- Coffee
- USD 4-7 for a coffee drink.
Tipping culture
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 15-20% for taxis and rideshares, USD 1-2 per drink at bars, and a few dollars for hotel staff.
FAQs: Trains from Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Walnut Creek, 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.
Train ticket prices from Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Barbara, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $95 (€78), while the average price is around $100 (€82).
The train from Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Barbara, CA takes 9h 8m and runs 18 per day.
The first train from Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 6:53 AM.
The distance by train from Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is 274 miles (442 km).
The last train from Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 10:05 PM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
The train station in Walnut Creek, CA that goes to Santa Barbara, CA is Martinez station, Martinez, CA, which connects to Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA.
The cheapest way to get from Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is by bus, with a cost of around $48 (€40).
The train journey from Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is considered scenic, offering views of diverse landscapes including coastal areas, rolling hills, and picturesque vineyards along the route, particularly as you travel through parts of the Central Coast.
A day trip from Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is not feasible as the journey takes 9h 8m each way. Trains operate 16 times per day.
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.
No, you cannot take the train from Walnut Creek, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Since neither Walnut Creek, CA nor Santa Barbara, CA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Santa Barbara, CA include Ventura, CA, Camarillo, CA, Oxnard, CA, Simi Valley, CA, Moorpark, CA.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Santa Barbara, CA, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins, especially in crowded areas and popular tourist spots like State Street and the waterfront. Common scams include overcharging by some taxi or ride-share drivers and unofficial street vendors selling counterfeit goods. It is advisable to use authorized transportation services and keep personal belongings secure to avoid these issues.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.
More options for your journey from Walnut Creek, CA 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 Walnut Creek, CA
Most popular train connections to Santa Barbara, CA
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