Cheap train tickets from Santa Barbara to Davis
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Santa Barbara to Davis Train Schedule
Trip Summary
There are usually 11 daily train trips available from Santa Barbara to Davis. Traveling by train from Santa Barbara to Davis usually takes 11 hours and 33 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 9 hours and 16 minutes.
| Distance | 307 mi (494 km) |
| Fastest train | 9h 16m |
| Lowest price | $68.48 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Santa Barbara to Davis?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Santa Barbara to Davis was $79.67. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 14 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $78.84 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Santa Barbara to Davis by month
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Santa Barbara to Davis on Wanderu at least 14 days ahead of time, you can save about $78.84 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
Which train should you take from Santa Barbara to Davis?
2 train services operate from Santa Barbara to Davis. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 10 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 10 | 11h 37m | $141.71 |
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 10h 57m | $146.39 |
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 10 Amtrak trains from Santa Barbara to Davis every day, as well as 9 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $68.
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 Santa Barbara to Davis takes 10 hours and 57 minutes on average, and Coach tickets start at $108.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Santa Barbara to Davis
The distance between Santa Barbara and Davis is approximately 307 miles, or 494 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 11 hours and 33 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 9 hours and 16 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 Santa Barbara to Davis 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.
The earliest train departs Santa Barbara at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 10:00pm. 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 11 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Santa Barbara to Davis. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Davis to Santa Barbara.
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.
Davis
Davis, located west of Sacramento in California, is famous for its small-town charm, green spaces, and bike-friendliness. Bring your bike to enjoy 50 miles of bicycle paths packed into the city, and pedal just about anywhere – including to the US Bicycling Hall of Fame, complete with antique bikes and trophies. Or, if you’d prefer to stay on your own two feet, talk a walk through any of the 399 acres of park land with picnic spots and sports fields. Swing by Central Park on Wednesdays and Saturdays to bag some fresh fruit and veggies at the Davis Farmers Market.
The event of the year is the annual Cherry Blossom Festival, held in mid-April at Sudwerk Brewery. This hanami-inspired event celebrates Japanese and Asian culture with live music, local artist galleries, seasonal beer, and cultural activities like mochi pounding. The best part? The whole event is a fundraiser, usually supporting one or more charities.
Other unique attractions in Davis include the California Raptor Center, an educational and research facility, and the UC Davis Arboretum, botanical garden and research center. Pick your own boysenberries, blackberries, and cherries at Impossible Acres, just east of town. The Explorit Science Center is an interactive science museum perfect for hands-on kiddos– and adults.
For food and entertainment, visit Roots Of Happiness, a coffee and tea lounge with karaoke and a piano. Check out Putah Creek Winery to learn about (and taste) a variety of different wines. The Artery is the perfect place to find decor, gifts, jewelry and more all while supporting local artists in Davis.
Amtrak Station is the central train station in Davis, and trains connect to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Sacramento, and Seattle. There are three main bus stops across the city with service from Flixbus and Amtrak Thruway, including popular routes from Sacramento – making it easy to get to the nearest airport, the Sacramento International Airport.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Santa Barbara?
Main departure station: 209 State Street
There is one train station in Santa Barbara.
All train stations in Santa Barbara:
209 State Street
Where is the train station in Davis?
Main arrival station: Amtrak Station - 840 Second St
Davis has one train station.
Train stations in Davis:
Amtrak Station - 840 Second St
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Need a return trip from Davis to Santa Barbara?
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