5.0
Pros: I really enjoyed looking at the outside views. Cons: The prices to be less expensive. Tips: Take your time to purchase your ticket(s) so reserve a good schedule and seat.
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Trip Summary
3 trains operate daily from Paso Robles to Santa Barbara. The train trip from Paso Robles to Santa Barbara is usually about 3 hours and 55 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 3 hours and 10 minutes.
| Distance | 100 mi (161 km) |
| Fastest train | 3h 10m |
| Lowest price | $37.27 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Overall score for trains from Paso Robles to Santa Barbara
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Paso Robles to Santa Barbara?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Paso Robles to Santa Barbara was $53.83. At this price, taking the train is the cheap and easy way to go. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Santa Barbara if you book your train tickets at least 21 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $22.78.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from Paso Robles to Santa Barbara often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only $39,
If you're thinking of traveling from Paso Robles to Santa Barbara during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $63 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
Planning ahead pays off when it comes to booking your train trip from Paso Robles to Santa Barbara. By reserving your ticket on Wanderu at least 21 days before departure, you can save around $22.78. Don't miss out on these savings — book in advance!
Which train should you take from Paso Robles to Santa Barbara?
2 train services operate from Paso Robles to Santa Barbara. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 2 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 3h 45m | $64.83 |
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 4h 15m | $63.49 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Paso Robles to Santa Barbara every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $54.
The Coast Starlight is an Amtrak train that travels the entire length of the West Coast, connecting Los Angeles to Seattle. The route starts hugging the California coastline, treating passengers to swoon-worthy views of the Pacific, before continuing into the verdant forests of the Cascade Mountains. The Coast Starlight indisputably earns its spot among the most scenic Amtrak train routes. Seating options include Coach or Business Class and roomettes or bedrooms for extra space. A trip from Paso Robles to Santa Barbara takes 4 hours and 15 minutes on average, and Coach tickets start at $37.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Paso Robles to Santa Barbara. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.
The distance between Paso Robles and Santa Barbara is approximately 100 miles, or 161 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 3 hours and 55 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 3 hours and 10 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.
Wednesday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Paso Robles to Santa Barbara. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Wednesday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Friday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Paso Robles at 1:00pm 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 3 scheduled trains on most days. 2 of these are direct connections to Santa Barbara. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Santa Barbara to Paso Robles.
City Information
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 Paso Robles?
Main departure station: Intermodal Station - 800 Pine St
There is one train station in Paso Robles.
All train stations in Paso Robles:
Intermodal Station - 800 Pine 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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