Train from San Diego, CA, US to Santa Barbara: Tickets & Timetables

Next departures

Next departures from San Diego to Santa Barbara on 27 January
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
Amtrak
Old Town San Diego
Train StationCheapest
Amtrak
Old Town San Diego
Train StationFastest
Amtrak
Santa Fe Depot
UC Santa BarbaraNo tags
Amtrak
Santa Fe Depot
UC Santa BarbaraNo tags
Amtrak
Santa Fe Depot
UC Santa BarbaraNo tags

Last refresh of the prices: Last Friday at 2:13 AM PST.

Compare 2 ways to travel from San Diego to Santa Barbara

We recommend taking the train

Among the sustainable travel choices, the Train stands out as a good way to reach Santa Barbara. The journey takes about 5 hours 49 minutes and with fares starting at just R 764, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

11train per day
5h 49mAverage duration
296 kmDistance
27kgCO₂ emissions
Bus
Average priceR 883 - R 2 160Average duration9h 40m
8kg CO₂e
Train
Average priceR 764 - R 1 509Average duration5h 49m
27kg CO₂e

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

Please note that timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or differ at the time of your trip.

  1. How much is the train ticket from San Diego to Santa Barbara?

    The cheapest train tickets from San Diego to Santa Barbara start from R 764. The average price for this train route is around R 764. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.

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

    The average train journey time from San Diego to Santa Barbara is 5h 49m, covering a distance of 296 km. The quickest train can get you there in 4h 36m and is operated by Amtrak.

  3. Which train operators serve the San Diego to Santa Barbara route?

    Several major train operators run on this route, with 11 trains available per day.

  4. What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from San Diego to Santa Barbara?

    The earliest train from San Diego to Santa Barbara departs at 04:01. And the latest train departs at 16:10.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found
24/01
R 719
25/01
R 834
Today
R 719
27/01
R 719
28/01
R 719
29/01
R 719
30/01
R 719
31/01
R 719
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from San Diego, CA, US to Santa Barbara was searched and found on 24 Jan 2026 with a price of R 719

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

You can expect to pay from R 719 to R 4 755 for a train ticket from San Diego, CA, US to Santa Barbara based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 719, which is on 2026-01-27.

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

busbud logoThe Train is the cheapest travel choice for this destination

The best way to travel between San Diego, CA, US and Santa Barbara is by train. By choosing the train, you'll get to save some money as you travel to your destination, as ticket prices cost R 764 on average. If you're on a budget, you'll find cheap tickets from R 764. If you're looking for the fastest way to get to Santa Barbara, choose the train, as it will take you from San Diego, CA, US to Santa Barbara in about 5h 49m – that's the fastest way to get there!

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