The cheapest and fastest trains from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA
Cheapest price
$51
Average price
$67
Fastest journey
5 h 59 m
Average duration
6 h 5 m
Trains per day
19
Distance
302 km
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 $67 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $51.
Of the 19 trains that leave Santa Barbara, CA for San Diego, CA on Thu, Apr 02, 15 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, Apr 02 the direct trains cover the 302 km distance in an average of 6 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 59 m .
On Thu, Apr 02 the slowest trains will take 6 h 12 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.
770 Pacific Surfliner6:53 AM5h59Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA12:52 PMOld Town Station, San Diego, CA$511One-way0 transfers
790 Pacific Surfliner4:40 PM6h11Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA10:51 PMOld Town Station, San Diego, CA$511One-way0 transfers
790 Pacific Surfliner4:40 PM6h27Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA11:07 PMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA$511One-way0 transfers
770 Pacific Surfliner6:53 AM6h14Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA1:07 PMSanta Fe Depot, San Diego, CA$511One-way0 transfers
794 Pacific Surfliner6:50 PM6h00Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA12:50 AMOld Town Station, San Diego, CA$511One-way0 transfers
770 Pacific Surfliner6:53 AM5h59Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA12:52 PMOld Town Station, San Diego, CA$511One-way0 transfers
794 Pacific Surfliner6:50 PM6h00Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA12:50 AMOld Town Station, San Diego, CA$511One-way0 transfers
774 Pacific Surfliner8:49 AM6h03Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA2:52 PMOld Town Station, San Diego, CA$511One-way0 transfers
790 Pacific Surfliner4:40 PM6h11Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA10:51 PMOld Town Station, San Diego, CA$511One-way0 transfers
782 Pacific Surfliner12:40 PM6h12Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA6:52 PMOld Town Station, San Diego, CA$511One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train, bus, and flight for Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $48. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 5h 24m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.3kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $48, and a flight costs an average of $117.
Distance: 187 miles (302 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Flight |
|---|---|---|
$49 Average price Cheapest | $72 Average price | $277 Average price |
6h 39m Average total duration 6h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 6h 37m Average total duration 6h 7m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 8h 24m Average total duration Fastest 5h 24m Onboard + 3h 0m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.3 - 0.8kg CO2 emissions | 0.9 - 1.8kg CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
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, Wednesday, April 1. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
14 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 7:21 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 12h29 | 7:50 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
14 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 7:21 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 12h43 | 8:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
782 Pacific Surfliner | 7:26 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 6h41 | 2:07 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
782 Pacific Surfliner | 7:40 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 6h12 | 1:52 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
782 Pacific Surfliner | 7:40 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 6h27 | 2:07 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
790 Pacific Surfliner | 11:25 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 6h42 | 6:07 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
790 Pacific Surfliner | 11:40 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 6h11 | 5:51 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
790 Pacific Surfliner | 11:40 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 6h27 | 6:07 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Thursday, April 2 | |||||
11 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 1:19 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 6h31 | 7:50 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
11 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 1:19 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 6h45 | 8:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 1 transfer | |
794 Pacific Surfliner | 1:30 AM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 6h34 | 8:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
794 Pacific Surfliner | 1:50 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 6h00 | 7:50 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
794 Pacific Surfliner | 1:50 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 6h14 | 8:04 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
770 Pacific Surfliner | 1:39 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 6h28 | 8:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
770 Pacific Surfliner | 1:53 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 5h59 | 7:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
770 Pacific Surfliner | 1:53 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 6h14 | 8:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
774 Pacific Surfliner | 3:31 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 6h36 | 10:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
774 Pacific Surfliner | 3:49 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 6h03 | 9:52 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
774 Pacific Surfliner | 3:49 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 6h18 | 10:07 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA by train, bus, or flight
Compare train, bus, and flight 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA
Trains from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA run on average 17 times per day, taking around 6h 9m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $48 (€39) but you can travel from only $42 (€34) by bus.
There are 12 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 03:50, the last at 19:19. The fastest train covers the 187 miles (302 km) distance in 5h 53m.
Distance 187 miles (302 km) |
Average train duration 6h 9m |
Cheapest ticket price $48 (€39) |
Trains per day 17 |
Direct trains 12 |
Fastest train 5h 53m |
First train 3:50 AM |
Last train 7:19 PM |
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 $42 (€34). 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, 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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Santa Barbara, CA to San Diego, CA
- 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
- 5:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available nearby with various public and private options.
- The Fish Market
- Karl Strauss Brewing Company
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- $1.25
- The Westin San Diego
- The Guild Hotel, San Diego, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel
- Embassy Suites by Hilton San Diego Bay Downtown
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
- Hall 2: Trolley connections
- San Diego Trolley: Blue Line, Green Line
- Bus: Several lines available
- Amtrak: Pacific Surfliner
- 6:00 AM - 9:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available with several spaces for commuters and visitors.
- Casa Guadalajara
- Old Town Mexican Cafe
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, ramps.
- $0.25
- Old Town Inn
- Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott San Diego Old Town
- Best Western Plus Hacienda Hotel Old Town
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Coaster trains
- Hall 2: Trolley connections
- Trolley: Green Line
- Bus: Several lines available including 8, 9, 10, 28, 30, 35, 44, 88, 105, 150, 923, 928
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