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

The average train ticket price from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara is R 640. The best way to find cheap train tickets from San Luis Obispo 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 Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara?

A train trip between San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara is around 2h 35m, although the fastest train will take about 2h 34m. This is the time it takes to travel the 124 km that separates the two cities.

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

The number of trains from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 2. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

Which train companies travel from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara?

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

Train San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara from R 440 | Refundable Tickets

Next train departures

Next departures from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara on 14 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	16:20	AMTRAK Station	2h 34m	18:54	Train Station	CheapestFastest
Train	15:37	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	18:12	Train Station	No tags
Train	15:37	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	18:12	Train Station	No tags
Train	16:20	AMTRAK Station	2h 34m	18:54	Train Station	No tags

Next departures from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara on 15 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	06:11	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	08:46	Train Station	Cheapest
Train	16:20	AMTRAK Station	2h 34m	18:54	Train Station	Fastest
Train	06:11	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	08:46	Train Station	No tags
Train	15:37	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	18:12	Train Station	No tags
Train	15:37	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	18:12	Train Station	No tags
Train	16:20	AMTRAK Station	2h 34m	18:54	Train Station	No tags

Next departures from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara on 16 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	06:11	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	08:46	Train Station	Cheapest
Train	16:20	AMTRAK Station	2h 34m	18:54	Train Station	Fastest
Train	06:11	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	08:46	Train Station	No tags
Train	15:37	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	18:12	Train Station	No tags
Train	15:37	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	18:12	Train Station	No tags
Train	16:20	AMTRAK Station	2h 34m	18:54	Train Station	No tags

Next departures from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara on 17 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	06:11	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	08:46	Train Station	Cheapest
Train	16:20	AMTRAK Station	2h 34m	18:54	Train Station	Fastest
Train	06:11	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	08:46	Train Station	No tags
Train	15:37	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	18:12	Train Station	No tags
Train	15:37	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	18:12	Train Station	No tags
Train	16:20	AMTRAK Station	2h 34m	18:54	Train Station	No tags

Next departures from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara on 18 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	06:11	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	08:46	Train Station	Cheapest
Train	16:20	AMTRAK Station	2h 34m	18:54	Train Station	Fastest
Train	06:11	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	08:46	Train Station	No tags
Train	15:37	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	18:12	Train Station	No tags
Train	15:37	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	18:12	Train Station	No tags
Train	16:20	AMTRAK Station	2h 34m	18:54	Train Station	No tags

Next departures from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara on 19 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	06:11	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	08:46	Train Station	Cheapest
Train	16:20	AMTRAK Station	2h 34m	18:54	Train Station	Fastest
Train	06:11	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	08:46	Train Station	No tags
Train	15:37	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	18:12	Train Station	No tags
Train	15:37	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	18:12	Train Station	No tags
Train	16:20	AMTRAK Station	2h 34m	18:54	Train Station	No tags

Next departures from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara on 20 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	06:11	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	08:46	Train Station	Cheapest
Train	16:20	AMTRAK Station	2h 34m	18:54	Train Station	Fastest
Train	06:11	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	08:46	Train Station	No tags
Train	15:37	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	18:12	Train Station	No tags
Train	15:37	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	18:12	Train Station	No tags
Train	16:20	AMTRAK Station	2h 34m	18:54	Train Station	No tags

Next departures from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara on 21 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	06:11	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	08:46	Train Station	Cheapest
Train	16:20	AMTRAK Station	2h 34m	18:54	Train Station	Fastest
Train	06:11	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	08:46	Train Station	No tags
Train	15:37	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	18:12	Train Station	No tags
Train	15:37	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	18:12	Train Station	No tags
Train	16:20	AMTRAK Station	2h 34m	18:54	Train Station	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 7:44 PM PST.

Compare 2 ways to travel from San Luis Obispo 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 hours 25 minutes and with fares starting at just R 390, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

5bus per day

2h 25mAverage duration

131 kmDistance

3kgCO₂ emissions

	Average price	Average duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average priceR 390 - R 749	Average duration2h 25m	CO₂ emissions 3kg CO₂e
Train	Average priceR 477 - R 1 059	Average duration2h 35m	CO₂ emissions 12kg 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 477

Amtrak San Luis Obispo Santa Barbara recent customer reviews

Easy journey

Erin M.

10 July 2023

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 Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara?

Stops in San Luis Obispo

A - AMTRAK Station

Stops in Santa Barbara

A - Train Station

B - Greyhound Station

Frequently asked questions on the trip San Luis Obispo - Santa Barbara

How much does a cheap train ticket from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara cost?
The average train ticket price from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara is R 640. The best way to find cheap train tickets from San Luis Obispo 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 Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara?
A train trip between San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara is around 2h 35m, although the fastest train will take about 2h 34m. This is the time it takes to travel the 124 km that separates the two cities.
How many daily train are there between San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara?
The number of trains from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 2. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.
Which train companies travel from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara?
When taking the train from San Luis Obispo 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 598

13/11

R 598

Today

R 598

15/11

R 598

16/11

R 598

17/11

R 598

18/11

R 598

19/11

R 598

The cheapest trip from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara was searched and found on 12 Nov 2025 with a price of R 598

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

You can expect to pay from R 598 to R 2 882 for a train ticket from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 598, which is on 2025-11-15.