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Trip Summary
4 trains operate daily from Goleta to Santa Barbara. The train trip from Goleta to Santa Barbara is usually about 13 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 11 minutes.
| Distance | 7 mi (12 km) |
| Fastest train | 0h 11m |
| Lowest price | $9.56 |
| Trains per day | 4 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
Price trends for trains from Goleta to Santa Barbara
Monthly average prices
Which train should you take from Goleta to Santa Barbara?
2 train services operate from Goleta to Santa Barbara. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 4 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 4 | 0h 13m | $9.56 |
| Amtrak Pacific Surfliner | 1 | 0h 15m | $9.56 |
Amtrak is the largest passenger railroad service in America, offering daily intercity trains to hundreds of destinations across the contiguous United States, as well as several cities in Canada. Every Amtrak train comes equipped with comfortable seats with extra legroom, as well as several four-seat areas with tables in the middle. In addition, each car has a freshly cleaned restroom, free WiFi and power outlets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there are 4 Amtrak trains from Goleta to Santa Barbara every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $10.
The Pacific Surfliner is Amtrak’s passenger train service that runs along the Pacific coast of Southern California, connecting San Luis Obispo to the north with San Diego to the south. The line is among the most famous Amtrak routes due to the unique scenic views it presents, as the train parallels the coastline for large portions of the 268-mile railroad stretch. The Pacific Surfliner offers first-class amenities like onboard restrooms, free WiFi, seats with extra legroom and power outlets, as well as storage racks for surfboards. On average, the service offers 1 train trips from Goleta to Santa Barbara every day, and prices for a one-way train ticket start from $10.
Frequently Asked Questions
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Goleta to Santa Barbara on Friday. Tickets for Friday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Thursday. Thursday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Goleta at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
There are 4 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Goleta to Santa Barbara.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Santa Barbara to Goleta.
City Information
Goleta
Image credit: Unsplash
Goleta is a city in southern Santa Barbara County, popularly called 'The Good Land.' It comes from the Goleta Valley, a fertile farming region where delicious avocados and citrus grow. The city features family-friendly activities and local fun on picturesque coastal land. The Goleta Beach Park is one of the city's highlights, with a fishing pier. Nature lovers can check out the butterfly preserves in the city or visit Lake Los Carneros. The Sandpiper Gold Club is the best place to enjoy golf at the oceanfront. As for exploring history in Goleta, the South Coast Railroad Museum and Art, Design & Architecture Museum are popular spots in the city.
As a farming city, one of the most popular celebrations in Goleta is the yearly Goleta Lemon Festival, the biggest one in the city. But you don't always have to wait for the festival to come around. Goleta features fun activities and clubs, including The Imperial Lounge. You should visit Goleta between April and November if you want to enjoy the beaches and beach parties.
It is easy to visit Goleta from tens of other cities by train or bus. Amtrak and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner provide train routes to Goleta. Buses are a little rarer, with only a few routes provided by FlixBus US.
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 Goleta?
Main departure station: 25 South La Patera Ln
There is one train station in Goleta.
All train stations in Goleta:
25 South La Patera Ln
Where is the train station in Santa Barbara?
Main arrival station: 209 State Street
Santa Barbara has one train station.
Train stations in Santa Barbara:
209 State Street
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