Cheap train tickets from Seattle to Santa Barbara

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Trip Summary

There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Seattle to Santa Barbara. Travelling by train from Seattle to Santa Barbara usually takes 1 day, 9 hours and 18 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Coast Starlight train can make the trip in 1 day, 8 hours and 17 minutes.

Distance
921 mi (1482 km)
Fastest train
32h 17m
Lowest price
NOK 1,501.52
Trains per day
2
Most frequent service
Amtrak
Train lines
2

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Seattle to Santa Barbara Train Timetable

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What is the price of a train ticket from Seattle to Santa Barbara?

In the last month, train tickets from Seattle to Santa Barbara cost about NOK 1,860 when booked at the cheapest time. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 19 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around NOK 754.16 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Seattle to Santa Barbara by travel date

NOK 2,175NOK 1,450NOK 725NovNov

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Seattle to Santa Barbara will cost between NOK 1,520 and NOK 2,163. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Seattle to Santa Barbara by month

NOK 2,725NOK 2,180NOK 1,635NOK 1,090NOK 545JFMAMJJASOND

Ticket prices for the train from Seattle to Santa Barbara often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only NOK 1,804. If you're thinking of travelling from Seattle to Santa Barbara during December, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of NOK 2,710 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in December, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

NOK 2,625NOK 2,100NOK 1,575NOK 1,050NOK 525010

By booking your train trip from Seattle to Santa Barbara on Wanderu at least 19 days ahead of time, you can save about NOK 754.16 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Seattle to Santa Barbara?

2 train services operate from Seattle to Santa Barbara. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak134h 12mNOK 2,517.64
Amtrak Coast Starlight132h 17mNOK 1,723.96
  • Amtrak is the largest passenger railway 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 toilet, free WiFi and power sockets at every seat. There are also snack bars where you can purchase drinks or food during your journey. On average, there is 1 Amtrak train from Seattle to Santa Barbara every day, as well as 2 trips at the weekends, with prices starting from NOK 2,172.

    Amtrak train passing through mountains, offering affordable train tickets for scenic rail travel - WanderuModern Amtrak train at a station, providing cheap train travel and convenient Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak train speeding through scenic fall foliage, featuring cheap train tickets for long-distance trips - WanderuInterior view of a table in the dining car of an Amtrak train - WanderuInterior view of the dining car on an Amtrak train. Find affordable train tickets on - WanderuClean and spacious Amtrak bathroom, offering convenience and comfort for passengers during long train journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak power outlet for charging devices, providing convenience for passengers during affordable travel with cheap train tickets - WanderuComfortable Amtrak seats with ample legroom, ideal for relaxing during long journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuSpacious Amtrak seats with reclining options, offering comfort and convenience for passengers on affordable train travel - WanderuAmtrak viewing car seats with large windows, offering panoramic views and comfort for passengers enjoying scenic routes with affordable train tickets - Wanderu
  • The Amtrak Coast Starlight is a service provided by Amtrak that connects Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles on the US Pacific coast. The full journey winds through the Cascade Mountains, perfectly clipped vineyards, and dense coastal forest, allowing passengers to get a glimpse of the US west coast while enjoying air-conditioned carriages, power sockets, complimentary onboard WiFi, and snacks.

Frequently asked questions about travelling by train from Seattle to Santa Barbara

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Seattle to Santa Barbara. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a coach 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.

Trains leave the station in Seattle twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to Santa Barbara faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip. You can also take a train for your return trip from Santa Barbara to Seattle.

Trains per day

2

Direct trains

1

The distance between Seattle and Santa Barbara is approximately 921 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 1 day, 9 hours and 18 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 1 day, 8 hours and 17 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 patchy signal, or is among the few without Wi-Fi, we also recommend downloading TV shows and films to your mobile device in advance of your trip. That way the ride will fly by whatever the Wi-Fi situation.

Distance (mi)

921

Distance (km)

1482

The earliest train departs Seattle at 9:55 while the last train of the day leaves at 9:55. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full timetable for your specific travel dates.

First train

9:55am

Last train

9:55am

Trains from Seattle to Santa Barbara are the most crowded on Monday. 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 travelling on Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Monday

Least crowded

Tuesday

City Information

Seattle

SEA-0SEA-1SEA-2

Seattle is a must-see destination on the West Coast of the United States, offering many unique activities for any type of traveller. However, we're confident every visitor will enjoy the view of Mount Rainier from the top of Seattle's iconic Space Needle. Outdoor enthusiasts can bike, hike, boat, and ski in one of the top cities for outdoor activities in the U.S., while soaking in the Pacific Northwest's natural beauty (and yes, some rain as well). Urban explorers will love walking through Pike Place Market and experiencing Seattle's museums and public art, like the scenic Olympic Sculpture Park. These offerings and more make Seattle one of the best holiday destination in Washington.

Known for its coffee culture and as the birthplace of Starbucks, Seattle is also one of the top 5 craft beer cities in the U.S., which is ideal for those who prefer to experience the taste of a city served up in a latte mug or a pint glass.

Seattle is home to the largest airport in the Pacific Northwest, Seattle-Tacoma Airport, but there are plenty of other ways to continue your travels from the Emerald City. A short ferry ride to Bainbridge Island includes the chance to see orca whales in the Puget Sound, or you can catch the Amtrak Cascades train or one of several affordable coach options from the historic King Street Station to other exciting Northwest cities in British Columbia, Oregon and beyond.

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 holidays 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 coaches, 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 Seattle?

Main departure station: King Street Station

Seattle, WA - King Street Station - SEAAMT-0

King Street Station is the main station for Amtrak train service in Seattle. Greyhound coaches use the coach station at 503 S Royal Brougham Way, near Lumen Field. King Street Station has connections to local public transit like the Link Light Rail and King County Metro at the International District/Chinatown station one block away. Located near downtown Seattle in the trendy Pioneer Square neighbourhood, King Street Station opened in 1906 and continues to impress travellers with its restored Italian architecture and Venetian-style clocktower. King Street Station has on-site Amtrak staff, toilets, and vending machines, and while there are no restaurants in the station, several nearby coffee shops and eateries make it easy to fuel up before your trip.

All train stations in Seattle:

  • King St Station - 303 S Jackson 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

Need a return trip from Santa Barbara to Seattle?

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