Trains from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

  • Lowest price from ≈ $46.93 €40.40
  • Average duration 5h 44m
  • Connections per day 9
  • Distance 302 km
  • CO₂ per person 4 kg

train from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

The journey from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is about 302 km. On average a train trip takes 5h 44m with 9 connections per day.

Lowest price ≈ $46.93 €40.40
Trip duration 5h 44m
Connections per day 9
Lowest price ≈ $46.93 €40.40
Highest price ≈ $101.37 €87.27
First departure 03:50 AM
Last departure 04:10 PM
Distance 302 km
Departure San Diego, CA
Arrival Santa Barbara, CA
Travel operator Amtrak
Find the best price

Use Virail to find the best way to travel from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Virail's search tool will provide you with the options you need when you want to go from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA. All you need to do is enter the dates of your planned journey, and let us take care of everything else. Our engine does the hard work, searching through thousands of routes offered by our trusted travel partners to show you options for traveling by train, bus, plane, or carpool. You can filter the results to suit your needs. There are a number of filtering options, including price, one-way or round trip, departure or arrival time, duration of journey, or number of connections. Soon you'll find the best choice for your journey. When you're ready, Virail will transfer you to the provider's website to complete the booking. No matter where you're going, get there with Virail.

How much will I pay for train tickets from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA?

Prices will vary when you travel from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA. On average, though, you'll pay about ≈ $56.06 (€48.26) for a train ticket. You can find train tickets for prices as low as ≈ $46.93 (€40.40), but it may require some flexibility with your travel plans. If you're looking for a low price, you may need to prepare to spend more time in transit. You can also often find cheaper train tickets at particular times of day, or on certain days of the week. Of course, ticket prices often change during the year, too; expect to pay more in peak season. For the lowest prices, it's usually best to make your reservation in advance. Be careful, though, as many providers do not offer refunds or exchanges on their cheapest train tickets.
Unfortunately, no price was found for your trip from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find price results.
The prices for train tickets from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA vary depending on a range of factors including how far in advance you're booking, your travel dates, and the type of transport you want to use. On certain routes, there may be different classes available, which will also affect the price. The average train ticket price is approximately ≈ $56.06 (€48.26). For the lowest prices, it is usually best to book as far in advance as possible and look out for low-cost options, such as non-refundable tickets or traveling outside of peak hours. Be aware that some providers do not offer refunds or changes on their lower priced tickets, so it is advised to check before completing your transaction.

How long is the journey from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA by train?

The average journey time is 5h 44m. This is how long it takes to cross the 302 km from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA. When planning your journey, remember that delays are a possibility. Some unplanned events could cause your journey from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA to take longer than 5h 44m. The journey between San Diego, CA and Santa Barbara, CA runs for about 302 km and usually takes approximately 5h 44m. However, this figure is an average and will vary according to a number of factors. Depending on the method of transport that you choose, you might be able to arrive in less time. The shortest time in which you can complete this journey is 5h 20m. If you are trying to get from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA as quickly as possible, look for express routes or non-stopping services. Direct routes are not always the fastest way to travel. At times, you may even find a quicker route that involves a connection in another city.

When traveling from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA by train, which stations can I use?

Depending on the type of transport, and the provider you decide to use for your journey, you will be able to depart San Diego, CA from the following stations: . Arriving at Santa Barbara, CA, your route will pass through all or some of the following stations: . Not all transport providers serve every station, so check in advance to see exactly where your route takes you. You may need to use another form of transport to get from one station to another or to your final destination when you arrive in Santa Barbara, CA.

How many journeys from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA take place each day?

On average, there are 9 daily departures from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA. However, there may be more or less on different days. Providers' timetables can change on certain days of the week or public holidays, and many also vary at particular times of year. Some providers change their schedules during the summer season, for example. At very busy times, there may be up to departures each day. The providers that travel along this route include , and each operates according to their own specific schedules. As a traveler, you may prefer a direct journey, or you may not mind making changes and connections. If you have heavy suitcases, a direct journey could be best; otherwise, you might be able to save money and enjoy more flexibility by making a change along the way. Every day, there are an average of 6 departures from San Diego, CA which travel directly to Santa Barbara, CA. There are 3 journeys with one change or more. Unfortunately, no connection was found for your trip from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA. Selecting a new departure or arrival city, without dramatically changing your itinerary could help you find connections.

Amtrak21.14 kg CO₂
16:10San Diego, CA - Old Town
5h 49m
21:59Santa Barbara Station
≈ $47.61 R$244.00
direct
Amtrak21.14 kg CO₂
08:10San Diego, CA - Old Town
5h 39m
13:49Santa Barbara Station
≈ $47.61 R$244.00
direct
Amtrak21.14 kg CO₂
12:01San Diego CA - Santa Fe Depot (SAN)
5h 45m
17:46Santa Barbara Station
≈ $47.61 R$244.00
direct

Next departures from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Sample times and fares for the coming days — book to confirm availability and price.

Amtrak ≈ $367.07 €316.00
03:50 San Diego CA - Santa Fe Depot (SAN)
5h 55m · 1 changes
09:55 Santa Barbara Station
Amtrak ≈ $612.16 €527.00
05:50 San Diego CA - Santa Fe Depot (SAN)
5h 20m · 2 changes
12:14 Santa Barbara Station
Amtrak ≈ $367.07 €316.00
05:50 San Diego CA - Santa Fe Depot (SAN)
5h 50m · 1 changes
11:50 Santa Barbara Station
Amtrak ≈ $283.43 €244.00
08:01 San Diego CA - Santa Fe Depot (SAN)
5h 48m · direct
13:49 Santa Barbara Station
Amtrak ≈ $283.43 €244.00
08:10 San Diego, CA - Old Town
5h 39m · direct
13:49 Santa Barbara Station
Amtrak ≈ $283.43 €244.00
12:01 San Diego CA - Santa Fe Depot (SAN)
5h 45m · direct
17:46 Santa Barbara Station
Amtrak ≈ $283.43 €244.00
12:10 San Diego, CA - Old Town
5h 36m · direct
17:46 Santa Barbara Station
Amtrak ≈ $283.43 €244.00
16:10 San Diego, CA - Old Town
5h 49m · direct
21:59 Santa Barbara Station
See all timetables

Carriers on this route

Learn more about carriers on this route.

Amtrak, formally known as the National Railroad Passenger Corporation, is a U.S. government-owned entity that delivers intercity passenger train services across the country. Operating over 300 trains daily, Amtrak connects more than 500 destinations in 46 states, the District of Columbia, and three Canadian provinces. Its services include a variety of routes, from short-distance commuter lines to extended journeys featuring sleeper car accommodations.

Ticket types and services from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Compare different ticket types and on-board services for the journey from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.

Coach

Coach Class passengers enjoy reclining seats with plenty of legroom and fold-down tray tables, along with outlets for electronic devices. They also have access to the Cafe car for food and beverages, along with carry-on baggage service and, on some routes, checked baggage service.
  • Wi-Fi
  • Power sockets
  • Luggage
  • Accessibility
  • Food and drink
  • Air conditioning
  • Bicycle

First Class

On Acela trains, First Class passengers enjoy all the benefits of Business Class with further enhancements. The seats are adjustable leather with extra space for comfort. There is also a complimentary meal service delivered directly to the passengers' seats. First Class travelers have access to ClubAcela lounges at select stations.
  • Wi-Fi
  • Quiet zone
  • Power sockets
  • Luggage
  • Accessibility
  • Food and drink
  • Air conditioning
  • Bicycle

Business

Stepping up to Business Class, passengers receive all the amenities of Coach Class plus additional legroom and complimentary non-alcoholic drinks. They also gain access to lounges at select stations for a more relaxed wait before boarding.
  • Wi-Fi
  • Quiet zone
  • Power sockets
  • Luggage
  • Accessibility
  • Food and drink
  • Air conditioning
  • Bicycle

Facility description

Learn more about the services available on board each carrier on this route.

Facilities Description
Wi-Fi
Free basic WiFi available in select trains and stations. Some include Acela, Adirondack (not available in Canada), Amtrak Cascades (not available in Canada), Amtrak Hartford Line, Auto Train, Blue Water, Capitol Corridor, Cardinal, Carolinian, Crescent, Downeaster, Empire Service, Ethan, Allen Express, Hiawatha Service, Illini/Saluki, and Illinois Zephyr/Carl Sandburg
Quiet zone
Quiet Cars, designed for limited conversation and subdued tones, are available on various trains like Acela, Northeast Regional, and more. The atmosphere is calm with low lighting. Seating follows first-come, first-served and one seat per person policies. First Class Rooms: For those seeking privacy and space, First Class private rooms are an available option.
Power sockets
Electric outlets are distributed on trains. For example, Superliner and Viewliner sleepers provide outlets in Roomettes and Bedrooms.
Air conditioning
All trains are air-conditioned. In coaches, temperature is staff-controlled. Sleeper cars offer air temperature adjustments, with vent positioning recommended for comfort.
Luggage
On Amtrak, regardless of your ticket type, you can typically bring two carry-on bags and two personal items. Just make sure your carry-ons are within 28 x 22 x 14 inches and under 50 lbs. Some locations even allow up to four checked bags: two come free, and two for $20 each, but they should stay under 75 linear inches and 50 lbs. You can also check in overweight luggage, up to 70 lbs and 100 linear inches, for an additional $20 fee.
Accessibility
All trains accommodate passengers with disabilities. Features include accessible seats with extra room and areas where passengers can remain in their wheelchairs.
Food and drink
Trains offer various dining options, from meals to café services. Meal service is available for passengers with disabilities. Guidelines are present for personal food, beverages, and medication. Nutritional and allergen information provided for menu items.
Bicycle
Amtrak accommodates various types of special equipment with certain conditions. Bicycles are allowed on many routes, often requiring a reservation and small fee. Wheelchairs, scooters, and other mobility devices are accepted on all trains, with specific accessible seating and bedrooms available. Small musical instruments can be carried on if they fit under the seat or overhead rack, while larger ones must meet carry-on restrictions or be checked. Some sports equipment, like skis or golf clubs, can be carried on or checked depending on size.

CO₂ emissions by mode

train 21.14kg
bus 22.65kg
flight 60.4kg
carpool 48.32kg
How much CO₂ is emitted travelling by train from San Diego, CA to Santa Barbara, CA?

The train journey between San Diego, CA and Santa Barbara, CA emits 21.14kg of CO₂.

How much CO₂ do I save by taking the train between San Diego, CA and Santa Barbara, CA?

Taking the train between San Diego, CA and Santa Barbara, CA saves 39.26kg of CO₂ compared to a flight, 1.51kg compared to the bus and 27.18kg compared to the car.

FAQ