The cheapest and fastest trains from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego International Airport
Cheapest price
$50
Average price
$50
Fastest journey
6 h 14 m
Average duration
6 h 14 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
298 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego International Airport 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 International Airport will cost around $50 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $50.
Of the 1 trains that leave Santa Barbara, CA for San Diego International Airport on Tue, Dec 16, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Dec 16 the direct trains cover the 298 km distance in an average of 6 h 14 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 6 h 14 m .
On Tue, Dec 16 the slowest trains will take 6 h 14 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.


Compare prices and tickets Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego International Airport by bus or train
Compare bus and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Dec 16
Dec 17
Dec 18
Dec 19
Dec 20
Dec 21
Dec 22
Why should you book Santa Barbara to San Diego International Airport trains with Omio?
Amtrak operates all train services from Santa Barbara to San Diego International Airport. Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets.
Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?
- Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
- Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Amtrak with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Santa Barbara to San Diego International Airport.
Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?
- Official reseller: Amtrak tickets can only be bought on Omio or Amtrak's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Amtrak tickets as they are not official sellers.
- Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Santa Barbara to San Diego International Airport.
Journey information
Overview: Train from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego International Airport
Take a train from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego International Airport and enjoy the approximately 185 miles (298 km) long journey. Find schedules and pricing options for a convenient and affordable trip.
There are 15 trains per day.
Distance 185 miles (298 km) |
Average train duration 6h 9m |
Trains per day 20 |
Direct trains 15 |
Train companies: Amtrak from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego International Airport trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Santa Barbara, CA and San Diego International Airport from $78 (€63). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego International Airport
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego International Airport 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 International Airport, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego International Airport
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available at the station.
- The Lark
- Santo Mezcal
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- Hotel Californian
- Harbor View Inn
- Hotel Milo Santa Barbara
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station has a main hall with ticketing and waiting areas.
- Bus: Several lines available
- Trolley: Downtown Waterfront Shuttle
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available adjacent to the station, with spaces for both short-term and long-term parking.
- The Habit Burger Grill
- Pepe's Mexican Restaurant
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- Free for passengers
- Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta
- Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta
- Located near the platform
- Free
- The station consists of a single platform with a waiting area and parking facilities nearby.
- Bus: Santa Barbara MTD Line 6, Line 11
More options for your journey from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego International Airport
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
