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

The average train ticket price from San Jose to Santa Barbara is R 1 277. The best way to find cheap train tickets from San Jose 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 San Jose to Santa Barbara?

A train trip between San Jose and Santa Barbara is around 7h 46m, although the fastest train will take about 7h 46m. This is the time it takes to travel the 381 km that separates the two cities.

How many daily train are there between San Jose and Santa Barbara?

The number of trains from San Jose to Santa Barbara 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 San Jose to Santa Barbara by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

Which train companies travel from San Jose to Santa Barbara?

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

Train San Jose to Santa Barbara from R 949 | Refundable Tickets

Next departures

Next departures from San Jose to Santa Barbara on 15 November
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
10:26	Diridon Station	10h 49m	21:15	UC Santa Barbara	Cheapest
10:26	Diridon Station	7h 46m	18:12	Train Station	Fastest
10:26	Diridon Station	7h 46m	18:12	Train Station	No tags
10:26	Diridon Station	10h 49m	21:15	UC Santa Barbara	No tags

Next departures from San Jose to Santa Barbara on 16 November
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
10:26	Diridon Station	10h 49m	21:15	UC Santa Barbara	Cheapest
10:26	Diridon Station	7h 46m	18:12	Train Station	Fastest
10:26	Diridon Station	7h 46m	18:12	Train Station	No tags
10:26	Diridon Station	10h 49m	21:15	UC Santa Barbara	No tags

Next departures from San Jose to Santa Barbara on 17 November
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
10:26	Diridon Station	11h 29m	21:55	Train Station	Cheapest
10:26	Diridon Station	7h 46m	18:12	Train Station	Fastest
10:26	Diridon Station	7h 46m	18:12	Train Station	No tags
10:26	Diridon Station	11h 29m	21:55	Train Station	No tags
10:26	Diridon Station	11h 14m	21:40	UC Santa Barbara	No tags
10:26	Diridon Station	11h 14m	21:40	UC Santa Barbara	No tags
10:26	Diridon Station	11h 14m	21:40	UC Santa Barbara	No tags
10:26	Diridon Station	11h 14m	21:40	UC Santa Barbara	No tags

Next departures from San Jose to Santa Barbara on 18 November
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
10:26	Diridon Station	7h 46m	18:12	Train Station	CheapestFastest
10:26	Diridon Station	7h 46m	18:12	Train Station	No tags
10:26	Diridon Station	11h 29m	21:55	Train Station	No tags
10:26	Diridon Station	11h 29m	21:55	Train Station	No tags
10:26	Diridon Station	11h 14m	21:40	UC Santa Barbara	No tags
10:26	Diridon Station	11h 14m	21:40	UC Santa Barbara	No tags
10:26	Diridon Station	11h 14m	21:40	UC Santa Barbara	No tags
10:26	Diridon Station	11h 14m	21:40	UC Santa Barbara	No tags

Next departures from San Jose to Santa Barbara on 19 November
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
10:26	Diridon Station	11h 29m	21:55	Train Station	Cheapest
10:26	Diridon Station	7h 46m	18:12	Train Station	Fastest
10:26	Diridon Station	7h 46m	18:12	Train Station	No tags
10:26	Diridon Station	11h 29m	21:55	Train Station	No tags
10:26	Diridon Station	11h 14m	21:40	UC Santa Barbara	No tags
10:26	Diridon Station	11h 14m	21:40	UC Santa Barbara	No tags
10:26	Diridon Station	11h 14m	21:40	UC Santa Barbara	No tags
10:26	Diridon Station	11h 14m	21:40	UC Santa Barbara	No tags

Next departures from San Jose to Santa Barbara on 20 November
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
10:26	Diridon Station	11h 29m	21:55	Train Station	Cheapest
10:26	Diridon Station	7h 46m	18:12	Train Station	Fastest
10:26	Diridon Station	7h 46m	18:12	Train Station	No tags
10:26	Diridon Station	11h 29m	21:55	Train Station	No tags
10:26	Diridon Station	11h 14m	21:40	UC Santa Barbara	No tags
10:26	Diridon Station	11h 14m	21:40	UC Santa Barbara	No tags
10:26	Diridon Station	11h 14m	21:40	UC Santa Barbara	No tags
10:26	Diridon Station	11h 14m	21:40	UC Santa Barbara	No tags

Next departures from San Jose to Santa Barbara on 21 November
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
10:26	Diridon Station	11h 29m	21:55	Train Station	Cheapest
10:26	Diridon Station	7h 46m	18:12	Train Station	Fastest
10:26	Diridon Station	7h 46m	18:12	Train Station	No tags
10:26	Diridon Station	11h 29m	21:55	Train Station	No tags
10:26	Diridon Station	11h 14m	21:40	UC Santa Barbara	No tags
10:26	Diridon Station	11h 14m	21:40	UC Santa Barbara	No tags
10:26	Diridon Station	11h 14m	21:40	UC Santa Barbara	No tags
10:26	Diridon Station	11h 14m	21:40	UC Santa Barbara	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 9:34 PM PST.

Compare 2 ways to travel from San Jose 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 6 hours 20 minutes and with fares starting at just R 759, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

3bus per day

6h 20mAverage duration

374 kmDistance

9kgCO₂ emissions

	Average price	Average duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average priceR 759 - R 3 377	Average duration6h 20m	CO₂ emissions 9kg CO₂e
Train	Average priceR 1 004 - R 2 295	Average duration7h 46m	CO₂ emissions 35kg CO₂e

Train Companies

Amtrak

4/55 583 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

WiFi3.6

Based on 5583 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 1 004

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

Where are the popular train stations and stops in San Jose, US and Santa Barbara?

Stops in San Jose, US

A - Diridon Station

Stops in Santa Barbara

A - Train Station

B - Greyhound Station

Frequently asked questions on the trip San Jose, US - Santa Barbara

How much does a cheap train ticket from San Jose to Santa Barbara cost?
The average train ticket price from San Jose to Santa Barbara is R 1 277. The best way to find cheap train tickets from San Jose 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 San Jose to Santa Barbara?
A train trip between San Jose and Santa Barbara is around 7h 46m, although the fastest train will take about 7h 46m. This is the time it takes to travel the 381 km that separates the two cities.
How many daily train are there between San Jose and Santa Barbara?
The number of trains from San Jose to Santa Barbara 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 San Jose to Santa Barbara by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.
Which train companies travel from San Jose to Santa Barbara?
When taking the train from San Jose 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

12/11

R 1 670

13/11

R 1 600

Today

R 1 740

15/11

R 1 793

16/11

R 1 793

17/11

R 1 600

18/11

R 1 529

19/11

R 1 600

The cheapest trip from San Jose, US to Santa Barbara was searched and found on 18 Nov 2025 with a price of R 1 529

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from San Jose, US to Santa Barbara as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from R 1 529 to R 4 446 for a train ticket from San Jose, US to Santa Barbara based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 1 529, which is on 2025-11-18.