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Trip Summary
There is usually just one train option from Merced to Santa Barbara per day. The average train journey from Merced to Santa Barbara takes 6 hours and 45 minutes, though some trains might be a few minutes slower or faster.
| Distance | 204 mi (328 km) |
| Fastest train | 6h 45m |
| Lowest price | $67.14 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Merced to Santa Barbara?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Merced to Santa Barbara was $67.14. This is an excellent deal, especially considering the length of the journey. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Santa Barbara if you book your train tickets at least 15 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $8.22.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from Merced to Santa Barbara often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in November when the average ticket price is only $66,
If you're thinking of traveling from Merced to Santa Barbara during March, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $82 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in March, is to book your trip well in advance.
Which train should you take from Merced to Santa Barbara?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Merced to Santa Barbara. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 6h 45m | $72.80 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from Merced to Santa Barbara every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $67.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Merced and Santa Barbara is approximately 204 miles, or 328 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 6 hours and 45 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.
Trains from Merced to Santa Barbara are the most crowded on Saturday. 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 traveling on Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Merced at 12:00pm and arrives in Santa Barbara around 6 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. 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 transfer 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 Merced.
City Information
Merced
Merced is a beautiful city in the Central Valley of California. Nicknamed the Gateway to Yosemite, it’s no shock to learn Merced is only about an hour and a half drive from Yosemite National Park. But if you’d prefer to stay in town, Merced has an abundance of gorgeous parks, winding bike routes, golf courses, hiking, boating, fishing, camping – the list goes on.
For indoor fun, check out the Merced Multicultural Art Centre for art viewing and classes. Or, if you’re on the hunt for a bargain or home decor, visit the Merced Antique Mall with 7500 square feet of antiques and curios. Once you’ve worked up an appetite perusing, head to the Hilmar Cheese Company to tour the factory, watch the packaging process, and, the best part, eat all the free samples. To make it a full charcuterie meal, visit the Merced Fruit Barn. As a sort of farmer’s market, the Fruit Barn has arguably the best fresh and dried fruit in the state and a deli on-site for any and all sandwich needs.
The nearest major airport is Merced Regional Airport. Amtrak has routes through the city to Seattle, Yosemite Valley, and San Francisco, and Greyhound connects LA to Merced.
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 Merced?
Main departure station: 324 W 24th St
There is one train station in Merced.
All train stations in Merced:
324 W 24th St
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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