Next departures
| Operated by | Vehicle type | Departure time | Departure location | Trip duration | Arrival time | Arrival location | Recommended | Price and booking link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Chico | UC Santa Barbara | Cheapest | |||||
| Chico | Train Station | Fastest | |||||
| Chico | UC Santa Barbara | No tags | |||||
| Chico | UC Santa Barbara | No tags | |||||
| Chico | Train Station | No tags |
Last refresh of the prices: Today at 8:22 PM PST.
Compare 2 ways to go from Chico to Santa Barbara
Among the sustainable travel choices, the train stands out as the good way to reach Santa Barbara. The journey takes about 14 hours and with fares starting at just $75, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.
Train Companies
Based on 5652 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travelers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained with the wifi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at $75
Frequently asked questions about traveling from Chico to Santa Barbara by train
Please note that schedules, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or vary at the time of your trip.
How much is the train ticket from Chico to Santa Barbara?
The cheapest train tickets from Chico to Santa Barbara start from $75. The average price for this train route is around $155. Busbud recommends that you book your tickets in advance for a better chance to get the lowest possible price.
How long is the train journey from Chico to Santa Barbara?
The average train ride duration from Chico to Santa Barbara is 14h, covering a distance of 385 miles (621 km). The quickest train can get you there in 14h and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators service the Chico to Santa Barbara route?
Several major train operators operate on this route with 1 trains available per day.
What is the earliest and latest departure time for the train from Chico to Santa Barbara?
The earliest train departs from Chico to Santa Barbara at 4:12am. And the latest train departs at 4:12am.
Find cheapest prices for trains
Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.
The cheapest trip from Chico to Santa Barbara was searched and found on Dec 17, 2025 with a price of $95To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Chico to Santa Barbara, as early as possible.
You can expect to pay from $95 to $1,215 for a train ticket from Chico to Santa Barbara based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $95 which is on 2025-12-17.
What's the cheapest way to go from Chico to Santa Barbara?
The train is the cheapest travel choice for this destinationThe best way to travel between Chico 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 $155 on average. If you're on a budget, you'll find cheap tickets from $75. If you're looking for the fastest way to get to Santa Barbara, choose the train, as it will take you from Chico to Santa Barbara in about 14h - that's the fastest way to get there!
