- 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 on 09 Oct
£37
Average ticket price on 09 Oct
£52
Fastest journey on 09 Oct
5 h 35 m
Average journey duration on 09 Oct
5 h 39 m
Trains on 09 Oct
16
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 £52 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £37.
On Fri 09 Oct, we found 16 trains from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA, including 10 direct services.
These direct trains cover the 302 km distance in an average of 5 h 39 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 35 m .
The slowest trains will take 5 h 45 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.
769 Pacific Surfliner
761 Pacific Surfliner
769 Pacific Surfliner
777 Pacific Surfliner
765 Pacific Surfliner
777 Pacific Surfliner
769 Pacific Surfliner
765 Pacific Surfliner
777 Pacific Surfliner
761 Pacific SurflinerTrains from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 17 times per day, taking around 5h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £35 but you can travel from only £23 by coach.
There are 14 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 4m.
Distance 302 km |
Average train duration 5h 46m |
Cheapest ticket price £35 |
Trains per day 17 |
Direct trains 14 |
Fastest train 5h 4m |
First train 3:50 |
Last train 19:19 |
Cheapest Month Sept |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Jul - Sept |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 28 days |
The table below shows live departures for San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trains for today, Thursday 8 October. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Changes | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 13:01 San Diego, CA | 5h46 | 18:47 Santa Barbara, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
![]() | 14:01 San Diego, CA | 5h46 | 19:47 Santa Barbara, CA | 0 changesdirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need