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

Thu 17 Sept
+ 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 Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for 17 Sept

Cheapest price on 17 Sept

£35

Average ticket price on 17 Sept

£36

Fastest journey on 17 Sept

6 h 14 m

Average journey duration on 17 Sept

6 h 14 m

Trains on 17 Sept

2

Distance

302 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid travelling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around £36 if you buy it on the day, but you can find cheap train tickets today for only £35.

Fast trains

On Thu 17 Sept, we found 2 trains from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA, including 2 direct services.

These direct trains cover the 302 km distance in an average of 6 h 14 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 14 m .

The slowest trains will take 6 h 14 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.

  • Amtrak
    14:536h14
    Santa Barbara, CA
    21:07San Diego, CA
    £351One-way
    0 changes
  • Amtrak
    13:536h14
    Santa Barbara, CA
    20:07San Diego, CA
    £361One-way
    0 changes

Travel Information

Compare train, coach and flight for Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of £36 For those with little time, consider booking a flight, which has an average total journey time of 4h 52m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.3kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of £36, while a flight costs an average of £143.

Distance: 302 km

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Coach
Flight
Driving

£36

Average Price

Cheapest

£45

Average Price

£143

Average Price

£39

Average Price

(fuel + tolls)

6h 38m

Average total duration

6h 8m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

6h 31m

Average total duration

6h 1m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 52m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 52m

Onboard

+

2h 0m

Additional time*

3h 44m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

0.1 - 0.3kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.3 - 0.8kg

CO2 emissions

0.9 - 1.8kg

CO2 emissions

-

CO2 emissions

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

The cheapest way to travel from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA is a train with an average price of £36.

This is compared to other travel options from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA:

A train is £8 less than a coach for this route with tickets for a coach from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average £45.

A train is £106 less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA costing on average £143.

The fastest way to travel from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 2h 52m.

Other travel options to San Diego, CA take longer:

Coach takes on average 6h 1m.

Train takes on average 6h 8m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Santa Barbara, CA and San Diego, 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 £36 compared to roughly £39 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about £2. The journey takes 6h 8m versus 3h 44m 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.

Direct services run with Amtrak.

Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.

Live departures

Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA train times

The table below shows live departures for Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA trains for today, Wednesday 16 September. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesChanges
Tickets
Amtrak20:40 Santa Barbara, CA
6h27
3:07 San Diego, CA0 changesdirect
Thursday 17 September
Amtrak13:53 Santa Barbara, CA
6h14
20:07 San Diego, CA0 changesdirect
Amtrak14:53 Santa Barbara, CA
6h14
21:07 San Diego, CA0 changesdirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, 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.

Thu
17 Sept
Fri
18 Sept
Sat
19 Sept
Sun
20 Sept
Mon
21 Sept
Tue
22 Sept
Wed
23 Sept

Journey information

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

USAUSA
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Icon of train

Trains from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 19 times per day, taking around 6h 8m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at £36 but you can travel from only £31 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 55m.

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 £31
Distance
302 km
Average train duration
6h 8m
Cheapest ticket price
£36
Trains per day
19
Direct trains
14
Fastest train
5h 55m
First train
3:50
Last train
19:19
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Fri
High Season
Jul - Sept
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Mon
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 £31

Train companies: Amtrak from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Santa Barbara, CA and San Diego, CA from £31. 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 55m
Cheapest Amtrak Price
£34
Amtrak frequency
5 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 Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Santa Barbara, CA and San Diego, CA from £31. 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 55m
Cheapest Amtrak Price
£34
Amtrak frequency
5 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.

Bedroom
  • Power plugs
  • Extra legroom
  • Free Drinks
  • Free meal
  • Lounge Access
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 San Diego, CA

Things to do in San Diego, CA

Discover the best of San Diego, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect San Diego, CA trip today.

  • Must visit

USS Midway Museum

Extensive naval aviation museum aboard a historic aircraft carrier. Visit for flight decks, restored aircraft, and hands-on maritime history.

  • Recommended

San Diego Museum of Art

Major Balboa Park art museum with Spanish old masters, Asian art, and sculpture. A strong choice for architecture and varied collections.

  • Recommended

Museum of Us

Interactive Balboa Park museum exploring anthropology, culture, and race. Climb the tower for city views with a separate ticket.

US dollar ($)

San Diego is pricier than many US cities, with high hotel and dining costs, though tacos, casual eats and public transport can help keep daily spending manageable.

Average meal costs

Budget
$10-18 for fast food or casual tacos.
Mid-range
$25-45 per person for a meal.
Fine dining
$80+ per person for upscale restaurants.
Coffee
$4-6 for a cappuccino.

Tipping culture

Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 10-15% for taxis, and $1-2 for café drinks if table service or special prep is involved.

FAQs: Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA train

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, 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 San Diego, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The cost of a train ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA can vary. The cheapest tickets are usually available from £36, while the average price tends to be around £36.
The train journey from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA covers a distance of 302 km and takes approximately 5h 55m. Trains run 19 per day.
The train distance from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA is 302 km.
The first train from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 3:50.
The last train from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA departs at 19:19.
Trains from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA run approximately 19 times per day.
Currently, there is no high-speed train service from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA.
Yes, there is a direct train between Santa Barbara, CA and San Diego, CA. The service operates 14 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
To get from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA, you can choose from several travel options including train, coach and flight.
There is no night train service from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA.
The train station in Santa Barbara, CA that goes to San Diego, CA is Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA, and it arrives at Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA.
The cheapest way to get from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA is by coach, costing approximately £31.
Booking trains from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA in advance is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons or for long journeys, to ensure availability and secure better fares.
The train journey from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA is considered scenic, offering passengers views of the Pacific Ocean, picturesque beaches, charming coastal towns, and rolling hills throughout much of the route.
A day trip from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA is not feasible, as the journey takes 5h 55m. The frequency is 16 per day for trains, covering a distance of 302 km.
In San Diego, CA, you can explore the vibrant art scene at the Museum of Contemporary Art San Diego and enjoy a harbour cruise for stunning views of the skyline and naval ships. Hike the scenic trails at Torrey Pines State Natural Reserve, visit the Birch Aquarium to learn about marine life and ocean conservation, and experience the thrill of a whale watching tour off the coast. Discover Balboa Park with its museums, gardens, and the San Diego Zoo, explore the USS Midway Museum, and take in the picturesque views at La Jolla Cove. Enjoy the lively atmosphere of the Gaslamp Quarter and relax at Coronado Beach.
To fully explore San Diego, CA, and enjoy its main attractions such as the San Diego Zoo, Balboa Park, and the beaches, a stay of three to five days is typically recommended.
Yes, you can take the train from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA.

popular train stations

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

Most Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA trains use the Santa Barbara Station to Santa Fe Depot station pair, with some services arriving at Old Town Station. Use this guide to compare Santa Barbara, CA and San Diego, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

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

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

Trains from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA leave from Santa Barbara Station. The station is 1 km from Santa Barbara, CA city centre at 209 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, USA.
Santa Barbara Station209 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, USA+1 800-872-7245LockersParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
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, USAParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation DeskLuggage Carts
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, USAWifiParkingDiningATMTaxisAccessibilityWCShowerTicket Office
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.

Most popular train connections from Santa Barbara, CA

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

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

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

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