Train tickets from Santa Barbara to San Diego, CA, US

Next train departures

Next departures for Santa Barbara to San Diego on November 24
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
AmtrakTrain
Train Station
Santa Fe DepotCheapest
AmtrakTrain
Train Station
Old Town San DiegoFastest
AmtrakTrain
Train Station
Santa Fe DepotNo tags
AmtrakTrain
Train Station
Santa Fe DepotNo tags
AmtrakTrain
Train Station
Santa Fe DepotNo tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 9:15 PM PST.

Compare 2 ways to go from Santa Barbara to San Diego

We recommend taking the train

Among the sustainable travel choices, the train stands out as a good way to reach San Diego. The journey takes about 6 hours 15 minutes, and with fares starting at just $68, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

13train per day
6h 15mAverage Duration
301 kmDistance
27kgCO₂ emissions
Bus
Average Price$43 - $137Average Duration7h 30m
7kg CO₂e
Train
Average Price$68 - $179Average Duration6h 15m
27kg CO₂e

Frequently asked questions about travelling from Santa Barbara to San Diego, CA, US by train

  1. How much does a cheap train ticket from Santa Barbara to San Diego cost?

    The average train ticket price from Santa Barbara to San Diego is $68. The best way to find cheap train tickets from Santa Barbara to San Diego is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!

  2. How long is the trip from Santa Barbara to San Diego?

    A train trip between Santa Barbara and San Diego is around 6h 15m, although the fastest train will take about 5h 53m. This is the time it takes to travel the 303 km that separates the two cities.

  3. How many daily trains are there between Santa Barbara and San Diego?

    The number of trains from Santa Barbara to San Diego can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 13. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from Santa Barbara to San Diego by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

  4. Which train companies travel from Santa Barbara to San Diego?

    When taking the train from Santa Barbara to San Diego, you can travel comfortably and safely with Amtrak.

Find cheapest prices for trains

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found
11-21
$64
11-22
$64
Today
$64
11-24
$64
11-25
$64
11-26
$64
11-27
$64
11-28
$64
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Santa Barbara to San Diego, CA, US was searched and found on Nov 21, 2025 with a price of $64

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Santa Barbara to San Diego, CA, US, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $64 to $467 for a train ticket from Santa Barbara to San Diego, CA, US based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $64 which is on 2025-11-24.

What's the cheapest way to go from Santa Barbara to San Diego, CA, US?

busbud logoThe train is the cheapest travel choice for this destination

The best way to travel between Santa Barbara and San Diego, CA, US is by train. By choosing the train, you'll get to save some money as you travel to your destination, as ticket prices cost $68 on average. If you're on a budget, you'll find cheap tickets from $68. If you're looking for the fastest way to get to San Diego, CA, US, choose the train, as it will take you from Santa Barbara to San Diego, CA, US in about 6h 15m —that's the fastest way to get there!

People from around the world trust Busbud

‌