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Trip Summary
There are 7 daily trains from Santa Barbara to Martinez. Traveling by train from Santa Barbara to Martinez usually takes around 10 hours and 28 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 9 hours and 12 minutes.
| Distance | 283 mi (456 km) |
| Fastest train | 9h 12m |
| Lowest price | $45.55 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Santa Barbara to Martinez?
The average price for a train ticket from Santa Barbara to Martinez is $53.83, Considering the distance of the route, this is an excellent deal. By booking your trip at least 11 days in advance, you increase your chances of scoring even cheaper tickets. But if you wait until the day of your trip to book tickets, expect to pay $79.13 more.
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
If you want to score the best deal, you should plan to book your train trip online on Wanderu at least 11 days ahead of time. If you do that, your train ticket to Martinez from Santa Barbara will be about C$79.13 cheaper compared to what you would pay if you book at the last minute.
Which train should you take from Santa Barbara to Martinez?
2 train services operate from Santa Barbara to Martinez. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 6 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 6 | 10h 33m | $100.71 |
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 9h 53m | $108.59 |
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 6 Amtrak trains from Santa Barbara to Martinez every day, as well as 7 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $46.
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 Martinez takes 9 hours and 53 minutes on average, and Coach tickets start at $69.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Santa Barbara and Martinez is approximately 283 miles, or 456 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 10 hours and 28 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 9 hours and 12 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 Martinez 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 7:00am 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 7 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Santa Barbara to Martinez. 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 Martinez 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.
Martinez
Martinez is a community in the East Bay of the San Francisco Bay Area located on the southern bank of the Carquinez Strait. It's known for its antique shops and wonderfully preserved historic structures. Martinez, founded in 1849, is one of California's oldest towns, with almost 40,000 residents and a thriving downtown area packed with things to see and do. Martinez is a busy waterfront neighborhood with a diverse range of retail, service, entertainment, and food options.
If you are a museum lover, the Martinez Museum is dedicated to preserving Martinez's history and legacy. If you're not into the museum vibe, you can check out the amazing George Miller Trail, which connects Martinez and Port Costa. The trail is open to walkers, bikers, and equestrians.
Martinez's Amtrak has several train lines that stop in downtown Martinez, making it an ideal mode of transportation to get to Los Angeles, San Francisco, Seattle, and more. Buses from Laytonville, Rohnert Park, Garberville, Eureka, and Ukiah go to Martinez. The closest airport is the Oakland International Airport, which is about 40 miles away.
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 Martinez?
Main arrival station: 601 Marina Vista Ave
Martinez has one train station.
Train stations in Martinez:
601 Marina Vista Ave
Get around town with Moovit
Need a return trip from Martinez to Santa Barbara?
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