- Must visit
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Major art museum with American, Asian and European works. A strong central stop for varied collections in a handsome downtown setting.
712 Gold Runner · 5612 AMTRAK
710 Gold Runner · 5910 AMTRAK · 785 Pacific Surfliner
11 Coast Starlight
11 Coast Starlight
712 Gold Runner · 5612 AMTRAK
710 Gold Runner · 5910 AMTRAK · 785 Pacific SurflinerOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the coach with prices starting from £33. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 9h 1m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.4kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a coach costs an average of £33, and a train costs an average of £45.
Distance: 441 km
Most popular Train | Coach |
|---|---|
£63 Average Price | £46 Average Price Cheapest |
9h 31m Average total duration Fastest 9h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 9h 40m Average total duration 9h 10m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.4kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.4 - 1.1kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trains for tomorrow, Wednesday 5 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
710 Gold Runner · 5910 AMTRAK · 785 Pacific Surfliner | 8:08 Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 13h48 | 21:56 Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 2 changes | |
11 Coast Starlight | 9:09 Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 9h03 | 18:12 Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
712 Gold Runner · 5612 AMTRAK | 10:18 Oakland – Jack London Square station, Oakland, CA | 9h57 | 20:15 Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 change | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare train and coach 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.
Trains from Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 5 times per day, taking around 9h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £45 but you can travel from only £33 by coach.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:39, the last at 22:05. The fastest train covers the 441 km distance in 9h 3m.
Distance 441 km |
Average train duration 9h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price £45 |
Trains per day 5 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 9h 3m |
First train 6:39 |
Last train 22:05 |
Cheapest Month Aug |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Santa Barbara, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Santa Barbara, CA trip today.
Major art museum with American, Asian and European works. A strong central stop for varied collections in a handsome downtown setting.
Engaging natural history museum with regional exhibits, astronomy and family-friendly displays. A good choice near Mission Canyon.
Contemporary art museum on State Street showing rotating exhibitions. Best for visitors interested in current visual culture and smaller-scale galleries.
Lively downtown pedestrian-friendly stretch with shops, historic architecture and regular people-watching. Ideal for browsing and an easy city walk.
Waterfront neighbourhood with beaches, harbour access and a long palm-lined promenade. Excellent for walking, cycling and sunset views.
Scenic hillside viewpoint reached by a short hike or drive. Popular for panoramic views over the city, coastline and Channel Islands on clear days.
Grilled local sea urchin roe served fresh from nearby waters. It is a prized Santa Barbara coastal delicacy known for its sweet, creamy taste.
Fresh spot prawns from the Santa Barbara Channel, often simply grilled or sautéed. They are celebrated for their sweet flavour and short seasonal availability.
Spiny lobster from local waters, commonly grilled or roasted. It is a classic regional seafood treat during the local lobster season.
Lively Mexican restaurant famous for tacos, grilled seafood and vibrant salsas. A dependable choice near the waterfront.
Refined seafood restaurant on Stearns Wharf known for local catch, ocean views and a polished but relaxed setting.
Elegant steakhouse and seafood restaurant focused on premium ingredients, classic service and a special-occasion atmosphere.
Santa Barbara is pricier than many US beach cities, with higher hotel and dining costs. Public transport is modestly priced, but tourist areas and coastal restaurants raise daily spend.
Tip 15-20% in restaurants, more for excellent service. Round up or tip 10% for taxis. Tip $1-2 for café drinks only if there is table service.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Oakland, 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.

Most Oakland, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trains use the Jack London Square to Santa Barbara Station station pair, with some services arriving at Santa Barbara, University of California. Use this guide to compare Oakland, CA and Santa Barbara, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Jack London Square is 1 km from Oakland city centre. Public transport options include:
Jack London Square has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Yoshi's Oakland, Scott's Seafood Restaurant
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Jack London Square. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Jack London Square. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Jack London Square: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Jack London Square: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Jack London Square: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Waterfront Hotel, Z Hotel Jack London Square, Executive Inn & Suites.
Coliseum/Airport is 8 km from Oakland city centre. Public transport options include:
Coliseum/Airport has practical services for this route, including Dining, Accessibility and Car Rental.
Food and drink options are available at Coliseum/Airport.
Available at Coliseum/Airport: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Coliseum/Airport.
Santa Barbara Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Lark, Santo Mezcal
Ticket office support is available at Santa Barbara Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Santa Barbara Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Santa Barbara Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Santa Barbara Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Barbara Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Californian, Harbor View Inn, Hotel Milo Santa Barbara.
Santa Barbara, University of California is 13 km from Santa Barbara city centre. Public transport options include:
Santa Barbara, University of California has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food options include: Food court located nearby on campus.
Free Wi-Fi available for passengers. ATMs are aTM located near the entrance.
Ticket office support is available at Santa Barbara, University of California.
Available at Santa Barbara, University of California: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Barbara, University of California: Wheelchair accessible with elevators and ramps.
Goleta Station is 1 km from Santa Barbara city centre. Public transport options include:
Goleta Station has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Habit Burger Grill, Pepe's Mexican Restaurant
Ticket office support is available at Goleta Station. Information desks are located near the platform.
Available at Goleta Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Goleta Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Goleta Station: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta, Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta.
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