Cheap train tickets from Tucson to Santa Barbara
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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Tucson to Santa Barbara. Travelling by train from Tucson to Santa Barbara usually takes 16 hours and 53 minutes, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
- Distance
- 529 mi (851 km)
- Fastest train
- 16h 53m
- Lowest price
- $172.18
- Trains per day
- 2
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 1
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Tucson to Santa Barbara Train Schedule
Is it better to travel by bus or train from Tucson to Santa Barbara?
There is usually 1 daily bus trip available from Tucson to Santa Barbara.
Train | Bus | |
|---|---|---|
Avg. Price | Avg. Price$601.94 | Avg. Price$156.46Cheaper |
Daily Trips | Daily Trips2 | Daily Trips1 |
Duration | Duration16h 53mFaster | Duration18h 19m |

There are several train options that can take you from Tucson to Santa Barbara:
See more detailsPrice trends for trains from Tucson to Santa Barbara
Average train ticket prices from Tucson to Santa Barbara by month
Prices as travel date approaches
Which train should you take from Tucson to Santa Barbara?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Tucson to Santa Barbara. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 16h 53m | $601.94 |
Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Tucson to Santa Barbara
Trains leave the station in Tucson twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage. You can also take a train for your return trip from Santa Barbara to Tucson. If you're not set on travelling by train, you could always take the bus from Tucson to Santa Barbara for $102.
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
0
The distance between Tucson and Santa Barbara is approximately 851 kilometres. The average train journey between these two cities takes 16 hours and 53 minutes. Looking for ways to pass the time? Most trains are equipped with Wi-Fi, which means you can stream music, browse social media or get some work done during your ride. That said, in case your train has a spotty signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and movies to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.
Distance (mi)
529
Distance (km)
851
The earliest train departs Tucson at 7:15 p.m. while the last train of the day leaves at 8:15 p.m. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
First train
7:15pm
Last train
8:15pm
Trains from Tucson to Santa Barbara are the most crowded on Tuesday. Tickets also tend to be more expensive then. If you are looking for a great deal on your train tickets or just want extra room to stretch out, consider travelling on Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Tuesday
Least crowded
Tuesday
City Information
Tucson



A bright and sunny city with more than 350 days of sunshine and temperatures that rarely dip below 60, Tucson is undoubtedly one of Arizona's best vacation destinations. Those who don’t shy away from some outdoor activities should go on a hiking trip in the Saguaro National Park, where visitors can enjoy uninterrupted views of southwestern landscapes. Of the park's two areas, the Tucson Mountain District is the more popular one, owing to its amazing sunset views. Architecture fans could also consider visiting Mission San Xavier del Bac, a perfect example of 18th-century architecture. If you wish to learn more about the region and its unique flora and fauna, head over to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, which features 230 animal species and 1,200 local plant species.
It should come as no surprise that the most famous dishes in Tucson are Mexican foods, which boast spicy, sweet and smoky flavours. One of the best spots to enjoy these delicacies is at El Charro Café, which has been around since 1922. For a more eclectic menu, Feast is a good option.
The principal Amtrak train station in Tucson is on Toole Ave. The city is served by Amtrak’s Texas Eagle and Sunset Limited lines. The main bus station is the bus terminal located at 801 E 12th St, not too far from the train station. The city’s commercial air services are fulfilled by Tucson International Airport, which is 6 miles south of the city’s centre.
Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is a major travel destination along the southern coast of California. Dramatically situated between the Pacific Ocean and the Santa Ynez Mountains, Santa Barbara offers incomparable scenery with a comfortably warm climate year-round. White stucco buildings with Mediterranean-style architecture, gorgeous beaches, and upscale local cuisine give Santa Barbara the nickname “The American Riviera.”
There are many kinds of vacations to enjoy in Santa Barbara. You can spend days on the soft sand of Leadbetter Beach, surfing in the swells at Rincon Point, or shopping for trinkets along Stearns Wharf. Or embrace the area's history by visiting the Mission Santa Barbara, a Spanish mission founded in 1786. Highlights from the mission include Spanish architecture, a rose garden, a museum, and even crypts.
Santa Barbara Airport, only a few miles from downtown, serves passengers to the region. Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner stops in Santa Barbara on its way from San Diego to San Luis Obispo, with plenty of connections to other SoCal hotspots. Intercity buses, including FlixBus, offer routes from Santa Barbara to destinations like L.A., San Diego, and Las Vegas.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Tucson?
Main departure station: 400 N Toole Ave


The Amtrak station in Tucson is located on Toole Street in the Historic Fourth Avenue neighbourhood. The station was built in 1907, and the neighbouring Southern Arizona Transportation Museum displays railway artifacts and a vintage locomotive from the station’s early days. Today, Amtrak’s Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle routes run through Tucson, heading towards Los Angeles, New Orleans, or Chicago. The station is comfortably appointed with clean bathrooms, charging ports, and indoor seating. Many top-rated dining options surround the station, but travellers can enjoy the best pre-train cocktail at the Congress Tap Room’s outdoor patio just across the street.
All train stations in Tucson:
- 400 N Toole Ave
Where is the train station in Santa Barbara?
Main arrival station: 209 State Street
Santa Barbara has one train station.
All train stations in Santa Barbara:
- 209 State Street
Need a return trip from Santa Barbara to Tucson?
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