How much does a cheap train ticket from Chicago to Santa Barbara cost?

The average train ticket price from Chicago to Santa Barbara is R 6 097. The best way to find cheap train tickets from Chicago 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 train trip from Chicago to Santa Barbara?

A train trip between Chicago and Santa Barbara is around 2d 1h, although the fastest train will take about 1d 23h. This is the time it takes to travel the 2907 km that separates the two cities.

How many daily train are there between Chicago and Santa Barbara?

The number of trains from Chicago to Santa Barbara can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 4. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from Chicago to Santa Barbara by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

Which train companies travel from Chicago to Santa Barbara?

When taking the train from Chicago to Santa Barbara, you can travel comfortably and safely with Amtrak.

Train Chicago to Santa Barbara from R 3 603 | Refundable Tickets

Next train departures

Next departures from Chicago to Santa Barbara on 13 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	14:25	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d 23h	11:50	Train Station	CheapestFastest
Train	14:25	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d 23h	11:50	Train Station	No tags
Train	14:25	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d 23h	11:50	Train Station	No tags
Train	14:25	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d 23h	12:14	Train Station	No tags
Train	14:25	Chicago (Union Station), IL	1d 23h	12:14	Train Station	No tags
Train	14:25	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 1h	13:49	Train Station	No tags
Train	14:25	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 1h	13:49	Train Station	No tags
Train	14:25	Chicago (Union Station), IL	2d 1h	13:49	Train Station	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Last Friday at 2:50 PM CST.

Compare 2 ways to travel from Chicago to Santa Barbara

We recommend taking the bus

Among the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as a good way to reach Santa Barbara. The journey takes about 2 days, 13 hours 50 minutes and with fares starting at just R 4 027, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

3bus per day

2d 13hAverage duration

2905 kmDistance

73kgCO₂ emissions

	Average price	Average duration	CO₂ emissions
Bus	Average priceR 4 027 - R 7 761	Average duration2d 13h	CO₂ emissions 73kg CO₂e
Train	Average priceR 3 750 - R 49 002	Average duration2d 1h	CO₂ emissions 264kg CO₂e

Train Companies

Amtrak

4/55 576 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

WiFi3.6

Based on 5576 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 R 3 750

US train companies: Amtrak, Trenitalia, Renfe, VIA Rail Canada, Amtrak Acela, NS Nederlandse Spoorwegen, Iryo

Where are the popular train stations and stops in Chicago and Santa Barbara?

Stops in Chicago

A - Union Station

Stops in Santa Barbara

A - Train Station

B - Greyhound Station

Frequently asked questions on the trip Chicago - Santa Barbara

How much does a cheap train ticket from Chicago to Santa Barbara cost?
The average train ticket price from Chicago to Santa Barbara is R 6 097. The best way to find cheap train tickets from Chicago 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 train trip from Chicago to Santa Barbara?
A train trip between Chicago and Santa Barbara is around 2d 1h, although the fastest train will take about 1d 23h. This is the time it takes to travel the 2907 km that separates the two cities.
How many daily train are there between Chicago and Santa Barbara?
The number of trains from Chicago to Santa Barbara can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 4. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from Chicago to Santa Barbara by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.
Which train companies travel from Chicago to Santa Barbara?
When taking the train from Chicago 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.

Best price found

09/11

R 5 009

10/11

R 7 469

Today

No data

12/11

R 3 603

13/11

R 4 271

14/11

No data

15/11

No data

16/11

No data

The cheapest trip from Chicago to Santa Barbara was searched and found on 12 Nov 2025 with a price of R 3 603

To 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.

You can expect to pay from R 3 603 to R 50 839 for a train ticket from Chicago to Santa Barbara based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 3 603, which is on 2025-11-12.