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Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Gilroy to Santa Barbara. Traveling by train from Gilroy to Santa Barbara usually takes 13 hours, but some trains might arrive slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 207 mi (333 km) |
| Fastest train | 13h 0m |
| Lowest price | $85.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Gilroy to Santa Barbara?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Gilroy to Santa Barbara. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 12h 45m | $86.00 |
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 Gilroy to Santa Barbara every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $85.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Gilroy and Santa Barbara is approximately 207 miles, or 333 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 13 hours,
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 Gilroy to Santa Barbara 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs Gilroy at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00am. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Gilroy twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you change trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
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 Gilroy?
Main departure station: Caltrain Station - 7250 Monterey St
There is one train station in Gilroy.
All train stations in Gilroy:
Caltrain Station - 7250 Monterey St
Where is the train station in Santa Barbara?
Main arrival station: UCSB Bus Loop
Santa Barbara receives travelers from Gilroy at its two active train stations.
All train stations in Santa Barbara:
UCSB Bus Loop
209 State Street
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