- 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.
Cheapest price
£36
Average price
£46
Fastest journey
5 h 34 m
Average duration
5 h 38 m
Trains per day
19
Distance
302 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around £46 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £36.
Of the 19 trains that leave San Diego, CA for Santa Barbara, CA every day 15 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
These direct trains cover the 302 km distance in an average of 5 h 38 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 34 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 44 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.
777 Pacific Surfliner
785 Pacific Surfliner
785 Pacific Surfliner
761 Pacific Surfliner
777 Pacific Surfliner
765 Pacific Surfliner
777 Pacific Surfliner
769 Pacific Surfliner
765 Pacific Surfliner
777 Pacific SurflinerOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from £35. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 2h 44m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £35, and a flight costs an average of £64.
Distance: 302 km
Most popular Train | Coach | Flight |
|---|---|---|
£36 Average Price Cheapest | £40 Average Price | £141 Average Price |
6h 18m Average total duration 5h 48m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 19m Average total duration 5h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 44m Average total duration Fastest 2h 44m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.9 - 1.8kg CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trains for today, Monday 24 August. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
761 Pacific Surfliner | 4:01 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 6h08 | 10:09 Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
761 Pacific Surfliner | 4:01 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 5h54 | 9:55 Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
761 Pacific Surfliner · 6296 AMTRAK | 4:01 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 7h44 | 11:45 Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 change | |
761 Pacific Surfliner | 4:10 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 5h45 | 9:55 Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
761 Pacific Surfliner · 6296 AMTRAK | 4:10 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 7h35 | 11:45 Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 change | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight | 6:01 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 6h07 | 12:08 Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 change | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight | 6:01 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 6h07 | 12:08 Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 change | |
765 Pacific Surfliner | 6:01 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 5h57 | 11:58 Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
765 Pacific Surfliner | 6:01 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 5h43 | 11:44 Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight | 6:10 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 5h58 | 12:08 Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 change | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight | 6:10 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 5h58 | 12:08 Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 change | |
765 Pacific Surfliner | 6:10 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 5h34 | 11:44 Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
769 Pacific Surfliner | 8:01 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 6h01 | 14:02 Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
769 Pacific Surfliner | 8:01 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 5h45 | 13:46 Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
769 Pacific Surfliner | 8:10 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 5h36 | 13:46 Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
777 Pacific Surfliner | 12:01 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 5h44 | 17:45 Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
777 Pacific Surfliner | 12:01 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 5h59 | 18:00 Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
777 Pacific Surfliner | 12:10 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 5h35 | 17:45 Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
785 Pacific Surfliner | 16:01 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 6h11 | 22:12 Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
785 Pacific Surfliner | 16:01 Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 5h55 | 21:56 Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
785 Pacific Surfliner | 16:10 Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 5h46 | 21:56 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 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.
Trains from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 17 times per day, taking around 5h 48m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £35 if you book in advance.
There are 13 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:50, the last at 19:19. The fastest train covers the 302 km distance in 5h 46m.
Distance 302 km |
Average train duration 5h 48m |
Cheapest ticket price £35 |
Trains per day 17 |
Direct trains 13 |
Fastest train 5h 46m |
First train 3:50 |
Last train 19:19 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 28 days |
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 San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trains use the Santa Fe Depot to Santa Barbara Station station pair, with some services arriving at Goleta Station. Use this guide to compare San Diego, CA and Santa Barbara, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Santa Fe Depot is 1 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
Santa Fe Depot has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Fish Market, Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Santa Fe Depot. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Santa Fe Depot. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Santa Fe Depot: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Santa Fe Depot: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Fe Depot: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include The Westin San Diego, The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown.
Old Town Station is 5 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:
Old Town Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Car Rental, Information Desk and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Casa Guadalajara, Old Town Mexican Cafe
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Old Town Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Old Town Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Old Town Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Old Town Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Old Town Station: Elevators, ramps.
Nearby hotels include Old Town Inn, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town, Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town.
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.
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.
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need