San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train with Amtrak

Fri 09 Oct
+ Add return
Amtrak
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Avanti West Coast
Great Western Railway
Regionale
West Midlands Trains
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 09 Oct

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast trains

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.

  • Amtrak769 Pacific Surfliner
    8:105h36
    Old Town Station, San Diego, CA
    13:46Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
    £371One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak761 Pacific Surfliner
    4:105h45
    Old Town Station, San Diego, CA
    9:55Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
    £371One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak769 Pacific Surfliner
    8:015h45
    Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
    13:46Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
    £371One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak777 Pacific Surfliner
    12:105h35
    Old Town Station, San Diego, CA
    17:45Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
    £371One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak765 Pacific Surfliner
    6:015h46
    Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA
    11:47Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
    £371One-way
    0 changes

Journey information

Overview: Train from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

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Trains 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.

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 £23
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
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 £23

Live departures

San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train times

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.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Amtrak13:01 San Diego, CA
5h46
18:47 Santa Barbara, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak14:01 San Diego, CA
5h46
19:47 Santa Barbara, CA0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Train companies: Amtrak from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between San Diego, CA and Santa Barbara, CA from £23. 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
5h 4m
Cheapest Amtrak Price
£35
Amtrak frequency
19 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.

  • 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.

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: San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train

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.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £35, while the average price tends to be around £46.
The train journey from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA covers a distance of 302 km and takes approximately 5h 4m. Trains run 17 per day.
The train distance from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is 302 km.
The first train from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 3:50.
The last train from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA departs at 19:19.
Trains from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run approximately 17 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Yes, there is a direct train between San Diego, CA and Santa Barbara, CA. The service operates 14 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
There is no night train service from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
The train station in San Diego, CA that goes to Santa Barbara, CA is Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA, and it arrives at Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA.
Booking trains from San Diego, 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, you can take the train from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.

popular train stations

Important Stations and Airports in San Diego, CA and Santa Barbara, CA

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.

Departure train stations in San Diego
Arrival train stations in Santa Barbara

Which San Diego, CA station do trains to Santa Barbara, CA leave from?

Trains from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leave from Santa Fe Depot. The station is 1 km from San Diego, CA city centre at 1050 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, USA.
Santa Fe Depot1050 Kettner Blvd, San Diego, CA 92101, USA+1 800-872-7245WifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Santa Fe Depot from San Diego city centre

Santa Fe Depot is 1 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:

Bus215, 225, 235, 910 · 5m · £4 · every ~22 min
TramBlue, Orange · 2m · every ~15 min

Santa Fe Depot train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: The Fish Market, Karl Strauss Brewing Company

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Santa Fe Depot. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Santa Fe Depot. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Santa Fe Depot: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Santa Fe Depot: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Fe Depot: Ramps.

Shops, hotels and contact

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 Station4009 Taylor Street, San Diego, CA 92110, United StatesWifiLockersParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingCar RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Old Town Station from San Diego city centre

Old Town Station is 5 km from San Diego city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainCoaster · 7m · £5 · every ~2 min
Pacific Surfliner · 7m · £0.89 · every ~2 min
BusFlixBus 2017 · 15m · £0.89
83 · 26m · £4
TramGreen, Blue, Event · 9m · every ~18 min
Blue · 14m · every ~9 min

Old Town Station train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: Casa Guadalajara, Old Town Mexican Cafe

Wi-Fi and ATMs

Free. ATMs are available in the train station.

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Old Town Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Old Town Station. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Old Town Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Old Town Station: Bike Parking, Car Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Old Town Station: Elevators, ramps.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Old Town Inn, Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town, Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town.

Most popular train connections from San Diego, CA

More options for your journey from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Santa Barbara, CA San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train

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