Compare 2 ways to travel from Santa Barbara to San Francisco
Busbud recommends taking the bus from Santa Barbara to San FranciscoAmong the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as a good way to reach San Francisco. The journey takes about 7 hours 35 minutes and with fares starting at just US$23, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.
Train Santa Barbara to San Francisco, US: Trip Overview
Please note, this information is subject to change.
Train Companies
Based on 5374 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 US$51
Amtrak Santa Barbara San Francisco recent customer reviews
I love using Amtrak. Unfortunately today from SB to SF our bus had a blow out in San Jose. Two hour wait for new tire. We ended up switching to CalTrain and having buy another ticket. I will still use Amtrak!
Ellen U.
Santa Barbara to San Francisco Train
Busbud shows you the best train ticket fares and train schedules so you can plan and book a trip by train easily from Santa Barbara to San Francisco.
We make sure you can find a train service from Santa Barbara to San Francisco from the most reliable train companies operating this trip.
Whether it is train tickets or first class train tickets going to San Francisco from Santa Barbara, we help you find what you're looking for based on how much of a budget you have.
Frequently asked questions on the trip Santa Barbara - San Francisco, US
How much does a cheap train ticket from Santa Barbara to San Francisco cost?
The average train ticket price from Santa Barbara to San Francisco is US$365. The best way to find cheap train tickets from Santa Barbara to San Francisco 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 train trip from Santa Barbara to San Francisco?
A train trip between Santa Barbara and San Francisco is around 10h 24m, although the fastest train will take about 8h 2m. This is the time it takes to travel the 277 miles that separates the two cities.
How many daily train are there between Santa Barbara and San Francisco?
The number of trains from Santa Barbara to San Francisco can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there is 1. Some trains are direct while others have layovers. Simplify your train trip from Santa Barbara to San Francisco by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.
Which train companies travel from Santa Barbara to San Francisco?
When taking the train from Santa Barbara to San Francisco, 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 Santa Barbara to San Francisco, US was searched and found on 6 Aug 2025 with a price of US$48To 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 Francisco, US as early as possible.
You can expect to pay from US$48 to US$380 for a train ticket from Santa Barbara to San Francisco, US based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at US$48, which is on 2025-08-07.
About Train Travel
Train Travel Tips
Do you like to go fast? With high-speed trains going faster than 300 km/h on certain routes, the time will fly by. Taking a train between Santa Barbara and San Francisco is also a great way to travel to arrive in the city centre and save more time for your stay in San Francisco.
Regional train? High-speed train? Whichever train to San Francisco you take, you’ll help reduce the environmental impact and carbon footprint of your trip. As you watch the landscapes unfold before your eyes, you can tell yourself that with this choice, you are making sure they remain protected.
By choosing the train between Santa Barbara and San Francisco, you emit up to 30 times less CO2 than for the same journey made by plane or car!
Tune out to the fine sounds of your best music playlist on your train trip from Santa Barbara to San Francisco while indulging in miles on end of beautiful scenic views.
Did you know?
The first high-speed train line was inaugurated in 1964, in Japan, to connect Tokyo with Osaka. It was during the Olympics that the first passengers travelled aboard the Shinkansen at a speed of 210 km / h.
The magnetic levitation train (Maglev for short) is currently the fastest train in the world. With a speed of 603 km/ h, it is closely followed by the French high-speed train (574.8 km / h) which remains in 2020, the fastest train to date
Railway companies played a major role as early as 1883 in the use of time zones as we know them today.
Top Travelled Train Routes
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