4.0
Pros: Driving through LA is never easy or fun. Amtrack is awesome!! Cons: Better tasting coffee.
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Santa Barbara - Solana Beach Train Timetable
- Sun,
- Mon,
- Tue,
- Thu,
- Fri
6:53 AM
12:22 PM
- Sun,
- Mon,
- Tue,
- Thu,
- Fri
8:49 AM
2:19 PM
- Sun,
- Mon,
- Tue,
- Thu,
- Fri
1:45 PM
7:19 PM
- Sun,
- Mon,
- Tue,
- Thu,
- Fri
4:40 PM
10:19 PM
- Sun,
- Mon,
- Tue,
- Thu,
- Fri
6:19 PM
12:19 AM
Trip Summary
You can pick from 7 daily train trips between Santa Barbara and Solana Beach. The average train journey from Santa Barbara to Solana Beach takes 6 hours and 32 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 5 hours and 29 minutes.
| Distance | 171 mi (275 km) |
| Fastest train | 5h 29m |
| Lowest price | €31.76 |
| Trains per day | 4 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Overall score for trains from Santa Barbara to Solana Beach
(Based on 2 ratings and reviews)
4.0
Price trends for trains from Santa Barbara to Solana Beach
Monthly average prices
Prices as travel date approaches
Which train should you take from Santa Barbara to Solana Beach?
2 train services operate from Santa Barbara to Solana Beach. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 7 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 7 | 6h 40m | €43.43 |
| Amtrak Pacific Surfliner | 1 | 5h 30m | €40.16 |
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 7 Amtrak trains from Santa Barbara to Solana Beach every day, as well as 7 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from €32.
The Pacific Surfliner is Amtrak’s passenger train service that runs along the Pacific coast of Southern California, connecting San Luis Obispo to the north with San Diego to the south. The line is among the most famous Amtrak routes due to the unique scenic views it presents, as the train parallels the coastline for large portions of the 268-mile railroad stretch. The Pacific Surfliner offers first-class amenities like onboard restrooms, free WiFi, seats with extra legroom and power outlets, as well as storage racks for surfboards. On average, the service offers 1 train trips from Santa Barbara to Solana Beach every day, and prices for a one-way train ticket start from €40.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Santa Barbara to Solana Beach. 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 Santa Barbara and Solana Beach is approximately 171 miles, or 275 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 6 hours and 32 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 29 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Santa Barbara to Solana Beach on Monday. Tickets for Monday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Sunday. Sunday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
The earliest train departs Santa Barbara at 06:00 while the last train of the day leaves at 21:00. 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. 4 of these are direct connections to Solana Beach. 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 Solana Beach 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.
Solana Beach
Solana Beach is a small coastal city in San Diego. Its name directly translates to 'warm wind' due to its sunny position by the beach. Some of the best activities in the city involve the sunny coast, like visiting Fletcher Cove Beach Park or going to Seascape Surf Park. You can also enjoy snorkeling, surfing, and fishing trips out on the Pacific. The area is well-known for its classic Californian hiking, with trails such as Annie's Canyon and the Coastal Rails Trail. When you've worked up an appetite, head to the famous Fish Market, which serves fresh-caught Californian seafood.
For air travel, the San Diego Airport is the closest. The city is also on Amtrak's Pacific Surfliner route, which runs from Los Angeles, Fullerton, and Santa Ana to Solana Beach. If you'd prefer to take the bus, the Amtrak Thruway also operates in Solana Beach to connect from nearby cities like Los Angeles, Bakersfield, and Santa Barbara.
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 Solana Beach?
Main arrival station: 105 N Cedros Ave - Solana Beach Transit Ctr
Solana Beach has one train station.
Train stations in Solana Beach:
105 N Cedros Ave - Solana Beach Transit Ctr
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