Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA train with Amtrak

Wed, Nov 11
+ Add return
Amtrak
Renfe AVANT
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
CrossCountry
2,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Renfe AVANT
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
CrossCountry
2,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA

Showing times, prices and bookable tickets for Nov 11
Cheapest price on Nov 11
€42
Average ticket price on Nov 11
€46
Fastest journey on Nov 11
5 h 48 m
Average journey duration on Nov 11
5 h 57 m
Trains on Nov 11
18
Distance
302 km
Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA will cost around €46 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €42.

Fast trains

On Wed, Nov 11, we found 18 trains from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA, including 18 direct services.

On Wed, Nov 11 the direct trains cover the 302 km distance in an average of 5 h 57 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 48 m .

On Wed, Nov 11 the slowest trains will take 6 h 3 m and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.

  • Amtrak790 Pacific Surfliner
    0 transfers
  • Amtrak782 Pacific Surfliner
    0 transfers
  • Amtrak790 Pacific Surfliner
    0 transfers
  • Amtrak786 Pacific Surfliner
    0 transfers
  • Amtrak774 Pacific Surfliner
    0 transfers

Journey information

Overview: Train from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 19 times per day, taking around 6h 40m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €40 but you can travel from only €28 by bus.

There are 16 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:50, the last at 19:19. The fastest train covers the 302 km distance in 5h 32m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €28
Distance
302 km
Average train duration
6h 40m
Cheapest ticket price
€40
Trains per day
19
Direct trains
16
Fastest train
5h 32m
First train
3:50 AM
Last train
7:19 PM
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Fri
High Season
Jul - Sep
Low Season
Jan - Mar
Busiest Day
Thu
Least Busy Day
Mon
Best time to book
1 day
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from €28

Live departures

Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA train times

The table below shows live departures for Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA trains for today, Tuesday, November 10. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Amtrak770 Pacific Surfliner6:39 AM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA
6h28
1:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak770 Pacific Surfliner6:53 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
6h14
1:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak770 Pacific Surfliner6:53 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
5h59
12:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak774 Pacific Surfliner8:31 AM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA
6h36
3:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak774 Pacific Surfliner8:49 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
6h03
2:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak774 Pacific Surfliner8:49 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
6h18
3:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak14 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner12:15 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
12h49
1:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA1 transfer
Amtrak14 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner12:15 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
12h35
12:50 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA1 transfer
Amtrak782 Pacific Surfliner12:29 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA
6h38
7:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak782 Pacific Surfliner12:45 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
6h22
7:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak782 Pacific Surfliner12:45 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
6h07
6:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak786 Pacific Surfliner2:47 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA
6h20
9:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak786 Pacific Surfliner3:04 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
5h48
8:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak786 Pacific Surfliner3:04 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
6h03
9:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak790 Pacific Surfliner4:25 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA
6h42
11:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak790 Pacific Surfliner4:40 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
6h11
10:51 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak790 Pacific Surfliner4:40 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
6h27
11:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak794 Pacific Surfliner6:38 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA
6h26
1:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak794 Pacific Surfliner7:00 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
5h50
12:50 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak794 Pacific Surfliner7:00 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
6h04
1:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA0 transfersDirect

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Train companies: Amtrak from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Santa Barbara, CA and San Diego, CA from €28. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Amtrak Duration
5h 32m
Cheapest Amtrak Price
€40
Amtrak frequency
19 a day
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

Companies, tickets, and onboard amenities between Santa Barbara, CA and San Diego, CA

Review the details behind your booking, from operators and ticket rules to luggage, onboard amenities, accessibility, and route-specific travel policies.

When taking a train from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA, you can count on Amtrak for the best way to get you to San Diego, CA. You can also check all possible train companies who offer a service between Santa Barbara, CA and San Diego, CA and compare the amenities they offer before buying a train ticket.

FAQs: Trains from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at San Diego, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Cheap train tickets from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA can start from as little as €40 when you book in advance. The average train ticket price for Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA is €52; however, prices vary depending on the time of day and class and they tend to be more expensive on the day.
The average journey time by train from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA is 5h 32m to travel the 302 km long route. Journey times can vary on weekends and holidays, so use our Journey Planner to search for a specific date.
The earliest train from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 3:50 AM. Plan your trip with the Journey Planner   from Omio.
The latest train from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA leaves at 7:19 PM.
Yes,there are 16 direct trains a day from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA with Amtrak. Schedules can vary on holidays or weekends with fewer direct trains.
Yes, there are multiple high-speed train options for your journey from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA. You can choose between Amtrak. Amtrak trains take around 5h 32m
Yes, you can take a night train from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA with Amtrak. Find all the info regarding night trains in Europe.
A trip to San Diego, CA from Santa Barbara, CA is worth doing but not as a day trip with a journey time of 5h 32m each way. Check with Omio app the best way to travel.
It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Santa Barbara, CA and San Diego, CA including taking a train, bus, and flight.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA

Most Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA trains use the Santa Barbara Station to Santa Fe Depot station pair, with some services arriving at Old Town Station. Use this guide to compare Santa Barbara, CA and San Diego, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Santa Barbara
Arrival train stations in San Diego

Which Santa Barbara, CA station do trains to San Diego, CA leave from?

Trains from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA leave from Santa Barbara Station. The station is 1 km from Santa Barbara, CA city centre at 209 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, USA.
Santa Barbara Station209 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, USA+1 800-872-7245LockersParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Santa Barbara Station from Santa Barbara city centre

Bus33 · 5m · €2 · every ~2 min

Santa Barbara Station train station facilities and services

Santa Barbara Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.

Food and drink

Food options include: The Lark, Santo Mezcal

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Santa Barbara Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Santa Barbara Station. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Santa Barbara Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Santa Barbara Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Barbara Station: Ramps, restrooms.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hotel Californian, Harbor View Inn, Hotel Milo Santa Barbara.

Goleta Station25 South La Patera Lane, Goleta, CA 93117, USAParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Goleta Station from Santa Barbara city centre

Goleta Station is 1 km from Santa Barbara city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainPacific Surfliner · 14m · €3
Bus12X, 6 · 53m · €2 · every ~5 min

Goleta Station train station facilities and services

Goleta Station has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.

Food and drink

Food options include: The Habit Burger Grill, Pepe's Mexican Restaurant

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Goleta Station. Information desks are located near the platform.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Goleta Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Goleta Station: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Goleta Station: Ramps.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta, Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta.

More options for your journey from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

Most popular train connections to San Diego, CA

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to San Diego, CASanta Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone