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The cheapest and fastest trains from Salinas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 06 Sept
Cheapest price on 06 Sept
£84
Average ticket price on 06 Sept
£84
Fastest journey on 06 Sept
6 h 6 m
Average journey duration on 06 Sept
6 h 6 m
Trains on 06 Sept
1
Distance
307 km
Cheap tickets
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Salinas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Salinas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around £84 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £84.
Fast trains
On Sun 06 Sept, we found 1 trains from Salinas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA, including 1 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 307 km distance in an average of 6 h 6 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 6 m .
The slowest trains will take 6 h 6 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.
19:066h06Salinas, CA1:12Santa Barbara, CA£841One-way0 changes
- 19:066h06Salinas, CA1:12Santa Barbara, CA£841One-way0 changes
Travel Information
Compare train, coach and flight for Salinas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Salinas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £66 For those with little time, consider booking a coach, which has an average total journey time of 4h 58m. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £66, while a flight costs an average of £246.
Distance: 307 km
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight | Driving |
|---|---|---|---|
£66 Average Price Cheapest | £70 Average Price | £246 Average Price | £33 Average Price (fuel + tolls) |
6h 32m Average total duration 6h 2m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 58m Average total duration Fastest 4h 28m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 8m Average total duration 6h 8m Onboard + 2h 0m Additional time* | 3h 24m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
The cheapest way to travel from Salinas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is a train with an average price of £66.
This is compared to other travel options from Salinas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
A train is £5 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Salinas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average £70.
A train is £180 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Salinas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average £246.
The fastest way to travel from Salinas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is by coach with an average journey time of 4h 28m.
Other travel options to Santa Barbara, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 6h 2m.
Flight takes on average 6h 8m.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Salinas, CA and Santa Barbara, CA including taking a train, coach and flight.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.
Tickets start at around £66 compared to roughly £33 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £-32.36. The journey takes 6h 2m versus 3h 24m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
Live departures
Salinas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Salinas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trains for today, Saturday 5 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 11 Coast Starlight | 12:06 Salinas Station, Salinas, CA | 6h06 | 18:12 Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Salinas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA by train, coach or flight
Compare train, coach 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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06 Sept
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Salinas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
USAUSA
Trains from Salinas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 6h 2m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £53 if you book in advance.
There are 1 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:39, the last at 12:50. The fastest train covers the 307 km distance in 6h 6m.
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 307 km |
Average train duration 6h 2m |
Cheapest ticket price £53 |
Trains per day 2 |
Direct trains 1 |
Fastest train 6h 6m |
First train 6:39 |
Last train 12:50 |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sept |
Busiest Day Thu |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 1 day |
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 Salinas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Salinas, CA and Santa Barbara, CA from £53. 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 Amtrak Duration
6h 6m
Cheapest Amtrak Price
£53
Amtrak frequency
3 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
Train companies: Amtrak from Salinas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Salinas, CA and Santa Barbara, CA from £53. 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 Amtrak Duration
6h 6m
Cheapest Amtrak Price
£53
Amtrak frequency
3 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
What's included in each class
Compare Amtrak classes and the amenities included in each one.
Business Class Seat
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
- Wide seats
- Extra legroom
- Free Drinks
- Meals to buy
- Snacks to buy
- WC
Business Travel Roomette
- Power plugs
- Extra legroom
- Free Drinks
- Free meal
- Lounge Access
Coach Lower Level Seat
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
- Extra legroom
- Meals to buy
- Snacks to buy
Coach Reserved Seat
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
- Extra legroom
- Meals to buy
- Snacks to buy
Coach Seat
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
Coach Unreserved Seat
- Free Wi-Fi
- Power plugs
- Extra legroom
- Meals to buy
- Snacks to buy
Family Bedroom
- Power plugs
- Extra legroom
- Free Drinks
- Free meal
- Lounge Access
Superliner Roomette
- Power plugs
- Extra legroom
- Free Drinks
- Free meal
- Lounge Access
Viewliner Roomette
- Power plugs
- Extra legroom
- Free Drinks
- Free meal
- Lounge Access
Complete guide to Santa Barbara, CA
Things to do in Santa Barbara, CA
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.
- 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.
- Recommended
Santa Barbara Museum of Natural History
Engaging natural history museum with regional exhibits, astronomy and family-friendly displays. A good choice near Mission Canyon.
- Recommended
Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara
Contemporary art museum on State Street showing rotating exhibitions. Best for visitors interested in current visual culture and smaller-scale galleries.
- Must visit
State Street
Lively downtown pedestrian-friendly stretch with shops, historic architecture and regular people-watching. Ideal for browsing and an easy city walk.
- Recommended
West Beach
Waterfront neighbourhood with beaches, harbour access and a long palm-lined promenade. Excellent for walking, cycling and sunset views.
- Recommended
Franceschi Park
Scenic hillside viewpoint reached by a short hike or drive. Popular for panoramic views over the city, coastline and Channel Islands on clear days.
- Gluten-free
Santa Barbara Sea Urchin (Uni)
Grilled local sea urchin roe served fresh from nearby waters. It is a prized Santa Barbara coastal delicacy known for its sweet, creamy taste.
- Gluten-free
Santa Barbara Spot Prawns
Fresh spot prawns from the Santa Barbara Channel, often simply grilled or sautéed. They are celebrated for their sweet flavour and short seasonal availability.
- Gluten-free
California Spiny Lobster
Spiny lobster from local waters, commonly grilled or roasted. It is a classic regional seafood treat during the local lobster season.
Los Agaves
Lively Mexican restaurant famous for tacos, grilled seafood and vibrant salsas. A dependable choice near the waterfront.
Santa Barbara Shellfish Company
Refined seafood restaurant on Stearns Wharf known for local catch, ocean views and a polished but relaxed setting.
Lucky's
Elegant steakhouse and seafood restaurant focused on premium ingredients, classic service and a special-occasion atmosphere.
US dollar ($)
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.
Average meal costs
- Budget
- $12-20 for fast food or a casual meal.
- Mid-range
- $25-45 per person for a restaurant meal.
- Fine dining
- $75+ per person for upscale dining.
- Coffee
- $4-6 for a cappuccino or latte.
Tipping culture
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.
FAQs: Salinas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Salinas, 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.
The cost of a train ticket from Salinas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £53, while the average price tends to be around £66.
The train journey from Salinas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA covers a distance of 307 km and takes approximately 6h 6m. Trains run 2 per day.
The train distance from Salinas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is 307 km.
The first train from Salinas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 6:39.
The last train from Salinas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA departs at 12:50.
Trains from Salinas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run approximately 2 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Salinas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Yes, there is a direct train between Salinas, CA and Santa Barbara, CA. The service operates 1 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
To get from Salinas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Salinas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
The train station in Salinas, CA that goes to Santa Barbara, CA is Salinas Station, Salinas, CA, and it arrives at Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA.
The cheapest way to get from Salinas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is by train, costing approximately £53.
Booking trains from Salinas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
Yes, the train journey from Salinas to Santa Barbara is quite scenic, offering views of the Pacific coastline, rolling hills, and picturesque vineyards along the way.
A day trip from Salinas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is not feasible, given the travel duration of 6h 6m and the distance of 307 km. Train frequency is 2 per day.
In Santa Barbara, CA, you can explore State Street with its vibrant shopping, dining, and entertainment, or visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Art for a diverse collection of artwork. Take a wine tasting tour in the Santa Ynez Valley, known for its beautiful vineyards. Enjoy a scenic hike in the Santa Ynez Mountains for breathtaking views, or visit the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum to learn about the region's maritime history. For sights, the Santa Barbara Mission offers stunning architecture and gardens, while Stearns Wharf provides shops and ocean views. The Santa Barbara Botanic Garden showcases native plants, the Santa Barbara Zoo offers family-friendly animal exhibits, and Lotusland features exotic botanical gardens.
Three to four days in Santa Barbara, CA, is ideal to explore the key attractions, enjoy the beaches, and experience the local cuisine and culture.
Yes, you can take the train from Salinas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
popular train stations
Important Stations and Airports in Salinas, CA and Santa Barbara, CA
Most Salinas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trains use the Salinas Station to Santa Barbara Station station pair, with some services arriving at Goleta Station. Use this guide to compare Salinas, CA and Santa Barbara, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Departure train stations in Salinas
Arrival train stations in Santa Barbara
Which Salinas, CA station do trains to Santa Barbara, CA leave from?
Trains from Salinas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leave from Salinas Station. The station is from Salinas, CA city centre at 11 Station Place, Salinas, CA 93901, USA.
Salinas Station11 Station Place, Salinas, CA 93901, USA+1 800-872-7245
City-centre transport
Getting to Salinas Station from Salinas city centre
BusMonterey-Salinas Transit (MST) services available
Salinas Station train station facilities and services
Salinas Station has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food and drink options are available at Salinas Station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Salinas Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Salinas Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Salinas Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Which Santa Barbara, CA station do trains from Salinas, CA arrive at?
Trains from Salinas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA most often arrive at Santa Barbara Station. Some services arrive at Goleta Station, so check your ticket before travel to confirm your Santa Barbara, CA arrival station.
Santa Barbara Station209 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, USA+1 800-872-7245
City-centre transport
Getting to Santa Barbara Station from Santa Barbara city centre
Bus33 · 5m · £2 · every ~2 min
Santa Barbara Station train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: The Lark, Santo Mezcal
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Santa Barbara Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Santa Barbara Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Santa Barbara Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Santa Barbara Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Barbara Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Californian, Harbor View Inn, Hotel Milo Santa Barbara.
Goleta Station25 South La Patera Lane, Goleta, CA 93117, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to Goleta Station from Santa Barbara city centre
Goleta Station is 1 km from Santa Barbara city centre. Public transport options include:
TrainPacific Surfliner · 14m · £3
Bus12X, 6 · 53m · £2 · every ~5 min
Goleta Station train station facilities and services
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 and drink
Food options include: The Habit Burger Grill, Pepe's Mexican Restaurant
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Goleta Station. Information desks are located near the platform.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Goleta Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Goleta Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Goleta Station: Ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta, Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta.
Santa Barbara, University of CaliforniaSanta Barbara, CA 93106, USA
City-centre transport
Getting to Santa Barbara, University of California from Santa Barbara city centre
Santa Barbara, University of California is 13 km from Santa Barbara city centre. Public transport options include:
TRUE
Santa Barbara, University of California train station facilities and services
Santa Barbara, University of California has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Shower and Ticket Office.
Food and drink
Food options include: Food court located nearby on campus.
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free Wi-Fi available for passengers. ATMs are aTM located near the entrance.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Santa Barbara, University of California.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Santa Barbara, University of California: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Barbara, University of California: Wheelchair accessible with elevators and ramps.
More options for your journey from Salinas, 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 Salinas, CA
Most popular train connections to Santa Barbara, CA
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