Previously seen trips
| Operated by | Vehicle type | Departure time | Departure location | Trip duration | Arrival time | Arrival location | Recommended | Price and booking link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Train | Chicago (Union Station), IL | Train Station | No tags | ||||
| Train | Chicago (Union Station), IL | Train Station | No tags | ||||
| Train | Chicago (Union Station), IL | Train Station | No tags | ||||
| Train | Chicago (Union Station), IL | Train Station | No tags | ||||
| Train | Chicago (Union Station), IL | Train Station | No tags |
Compare 2 ways to go from Chicago to Santa Barbara
Among the sustainable travel choices, the Bus stands out as a good way to reach Santa Barbara. The journey takes about 2 days, 4 hours 30 minutes, and with fares starting at just $314, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.
Where are the popular train stations and stops in Chicago and Santa Barbara?
Chicago
- A
Union Station
225 S Canal St, Chicago, IL 60606, USA
Santa Barbara
- A224 Chapala St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
- B
Greyhound Station
224 Chapala St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, USA
Train companies
Based on 5755 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained with the Wi‑Fi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at $292
Frequently asked questions about travelling from Chicago 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 Chicago to Santa Barbara?
The cheapest train tickets from Chicago to Santa Barbara start at $292. The average price for this train route is around $486. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance to increase your chances of getting the lowest possible price.
How long is the train ride from Chicago to Santa Barbara?
The average train trip from Chicago to Santa Barbara takes 2d 1h and covers 2905 km. The quickest train gets you there in 1d 23h and is operated by Amtrak.
Which train operators serve the Chicago to Santa Barbara route?
Several major train operators serve this route, with 4 trains available per day.
What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Chicago to Santa Barbara?
The earliest train from Chicago to Santa Barbara departs at 2:10pm. The latest train departs at 3:05pm.
Find cheapest prices for trains
Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.
The cheapest trip from Chicago to Santa Barbara was searched and found on Feb 1, 2026 with a price of $399To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from Chicago to Santa Barbara, as early as possible.
