Looking to take the train to Santa Barbara, California? Whether you’re coming from Los Angeles, San Diego, San Luis Obispo, or beyond, Amtrak offers an easy and scenic ride along the Pacific coast. In this travel guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Amtrak routes to Santa Barbara, including train schedules, ticket prices, and booking tips.
If you’re planning a weekend getaway, a day trip, or a longer vacation, traveling by train is a stress-free way to reach this beautiful coastal city.
Why Travel to Santa Barbara by Amtrak?
Santa Barbara is one of Amtrak’s most scenic destinations. Known for its palm-lined beaches, Spanish-style architecture, and relaxed vibe, this Central Coast gem is a favorite among travelers.
Here’s why Amtrak to Santa Barbara is a great travel choice:
- 🚄 No traffic stress – skip the highway congestion
- 🌊 Stunning ocean views – especially between LA and Santa Barbara
- 🧳 Spacious, comfortable seating – no middle seats!
- ♻️ Eco-friendly – trains are more sustainable than driving or flying
Which Amtrak Routes Go to Santa Barbara?
Two main Amtrak services offer routes to Santa Barbara:
1. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner
This is the primary Amtrak train to Santa Barbara, running between San Diego and San Luis Obispo with stops at:
- San Diego
- Orange County (Irvine, Anaheim)
- Los Angeles (Union Station)
- Burbank Airport
- Ventura
- Santa Barbara
- Goleta
- San Luis Obispo
The Pacific Surfliner runs multiple times daily, and Santa Barbara is one of its most popular stops. This route offers coastal views, business class upgrades, and easy access to Southern California cities.
2. Amtrak Coast Starlight
The Coast Starlight is a long-distance Amtrak route that travels between Los Angeles and Seattle, with a stop in Santa Barbara.
It runs once daily in each direction and is ideal for travelers coming from:
- San Jose
- Oakland
- Sacramento
- Portland
- Seattle
The Coast Starlight is famous for its panoramic windows and sightseeing lounge, making it a great way to enjoy California’s coastline.
Amtrak Schedule to Santa Barbara
🚆 Pacific Surfliner Schedule
There are typically 10 to 12 daily trains serving Santa Barbara, depending on the day of the week.
From Los Angeles to Santa Barbara:
- First train departs around 7:00 AM
- Last train leaves around 6:00 PM
- Travel time: Approx. 2.5 hours
From San Diego to Santa Barbara:
- First departure around 6:00 AM
- Last departure around 3:00 PM
- Travel time: Approx. 5.5 hours
🚆 Coast Starlight Schedule
- Northbound (to Seattle): Departs Los Angeles Union Station ~9:50 AM, arrives in Santa Barbara ~12:40 PM
- Southbound (to Los Angeles): Departs Santa Barbara ~1:30 PM, arrives in LA ~4:30 PM
📅 Tip: Schedules may vary by season and holiday, so always check the current timetable on Amtrak.com or the Amtrak app before your trip.
Ticket Prices to Santa Barbara
Amtrak uses dynamic pricing, meaning the cost of your ticket can vary based on availability, demand, and how far in advance you book.
🎟️ Sample One-Way Fares:
- Los Angeles to Santa Barbara: $20 – $35
- San Diego to Santa Barbara: $35 – $55
- San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara: $18 – $30
- Seattle to Santa Barbara (Coast Starlight): $100+ (depending on class and availability)
Business Class upgrades are available on the Pacific Surfliner and include:
- More legroom
- Free bottled water
- Priority boarding
👉 Pro Tip: Book early for lower fares. Use Amtrak Guest Rewards for points and discounts.
How to Book Amtrak Tickets
You can easily book tickets for Amtrak to Santa Barbara through several options:
- 💻 Online: Amtrak.com
- 📱 Mobile App: Download the official Amtrak app
- 📞 By Phone: Call 1-800-USA-RAIL
- 🏢 At the Station: Buy from a kiosk or agent
Tickets can be shown digitally on your phone — no need to print!
Santa Barbara Amtrak Station Info
Santa Barbara Station (Code: SBA)
📍 Address: 209 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
🕒 Open daily during train service hours
Station features include:
- Restrooms
- Waiting room
- Ticket office
- Parking nearby
- Easy access to downtown Santa Barbara, hotels, beaches, and the pier
The station is located right by the beach and within walking distance of major attractions.
Helpful Travel Tips
Here are a few quick tips to make your trip smoother:
- 🚴♂️ Bringing a bike? Most trains allow bike reservations — just add it when booking.
- 🍴 Food onboard: Pacific Surfliner trains offer snacks, sandwiches, and drinks in the café car.
- 🧳 Luggage: Carry-on bags are free; you can also check larger bags on some routes.
- 🚍 Transit connections: Local buses and rideshares are available outside the station.
Final Thoughts
Traveling to Santa Barbara by Amtrak is relaxing, scenic, and affordable. Whether you’re escaping LA for a weekend or traveling the full coast, Amtrak offers a smooth and enjoyable ride. With multiple trains per day, ocean views, and central station access, it’s one of the best ways to reach California’s coastal paradise.