Next departures
| Operated by | Vehicle type | Departure time | Departure location | Trip duration | Arrival time | Arrival location | Recommended | Price and booking link |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
 | Old Town San Diego | Train Station | Cheapest | |||||
| Old Town San Diego | Train Station | Fastest | |||||
| Santa Fe Depot | UC Santa Barbara | No tags | |||||
| Santa Fe Depot | UC Santa Barbara | No tags | |||||
| Santa Fe Depot | UC Santa Barbara | No tags |
Last refresh of the prices: Last Saturday at 8:35 PM PST.
Compare 2 ways to go from San Diego to Santa Barbara
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 $68, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.
Train companies
Based on 5591 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 WiFi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at $68
Amtrak San Diego Santa Barbara recent customer reviews
Averting perfect
Rossella A.
Frequently asked questions about travelling from San Diego, CA, US to Santa Barbara by train
How much does a cheap train ticket from San Diego to Santa Barbara cost?
The average train ticket price from San Diego to Santa Barbara is $68. The best way to find cheap train tickets from San Diego to Santa Barbara 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!
How long is the trip from San Diego to Santa Barbara?
A train trip between San Diego and Santa Barbara is around 5h 49m, although the fastest train will take about 5h 39m. This is the time it takes to travel the 303 km that separates the two cities.
How many daily trains are there between San Diego and Santa Barbara?
The number of trains from San Diego to Santa Barbara can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 11. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from San Diego to Santa Barbara by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.
Which train companies travel from San Diego to Santa Barbara?
When taking the train from San Diego to Santa Barbara, 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.
The cheapest trip from San Diego, CA, US to Santa Barbara was searched and found on Nov 15, 2025 with a price of $64To 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 $64 to $382 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 $64 which is on 2025-11-18.
What's the cheapest way to go from San Diego, CA, US to Santa Barbara?
The train is the cheapest travel choice for this destinationThe 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 $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 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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