- 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.
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Salinas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 21 Oct
Cheapest price on 21 Oct
£77
Average ticket price on 21 Oct
£77
Fastest journey on 21 Oct
6 h 6 m
Average journey duration on 21 Oct
6 h 6 m
Trains on 21 Oct
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 £77 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £77.
Fast trains
On Wed 21 Oct, 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.
11 Coast Starlight12:066h06Salinas Station, Salinas, CA18:12Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA£771One-way0 changes
- 11 Coast Starlight12:066h06Salinas Station, Salinas, CA18:12Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA£771One-way0 changes
Journey information
Overview: Train from Salinas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
USAUSA
Trains from Salinas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 1 times per day, taking around 6h 6m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £54 but you can travel from only £49 by coach.
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £49
Distance 307 km |
Average train duration 6h 6m |
Cheapest ticket price £54 |
Trains per day 1 |
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Coach from £49
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, Tuesday 20 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
Last updated at
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 19:06 Salinas, CA | 6h06 | 1:12 Santa Barbara, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
| 20:06 Salinas, CA | 6h06 | 2:12 Santa Barbara, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Train companies: Amtrak from Salinas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Salinas, CA and Santa Barbara, CA from £49. 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
£54
Amtrak frequency
1 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
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.
- 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 £54, while the average price tends to be around £73.
The train from Salinas, CA to Santa Barbara, CA takes 6h 6m and runs once a 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 1 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.
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.
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.
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. 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 arrive at Santa Barbara Station. Santa Barbara Station is 1 km from Santa Barbara, CA city centre.
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.
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
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