Cheap train tickets from Palm Springs to Santa Barbara
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Trip Summary
There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Palm Springs to Santa Barbara. Traveling by train from Palm Springs to Santa Barbara usually takes 7 hours and 30 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 5 hours and 56 minutes.
| Distance | 185 mi (298 km) |
| Fastest train | 5h 56m |
| Lowest price | $40.00 |
| Trains per day | 0 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
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Palm Springs to Santa Barbara Train Schedule
There are several train options that can take you from Palm Springs to Santa Barbara:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Palm Springs to Santa Barbara?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Palm Springs to Santa Barbara was $40.00. Compared to most train fares, this is an excellent price. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 21 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $47.91 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Palm Springs to Santa Barbara by travel date
Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Palm Springs to Santa Barbara will cost between $40 and $53. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.
Average train ticket prices from Palm Springs to Santa Barbara by month
Ticket prices for the train from Palm Springs to Santa Barbara often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in April when the average ticket price is only $44. If you're thinking of traveling from Palm Springs to Santa Barbara during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $69 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.
Prices as travel date approaches
By booking your train trip from Palm Springs to Santa Barbara on Wanderu at least 21 days ahead of time, you can save about $47.91 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!
What train companies travel from Palm Springs to Santa Barbara?
There are multiple trains that travel from Palm Springs to Santa Barbara, including Amtrak. Here is what you should know about the 1 most popular train lines:
| TRAIN | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 7h 30m | $62.14 |
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 3 Amtrak trains from Palm Springs to Santa Barbara every day, as well as 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $40.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Palm Springs to Santa Barbara
The distance between Palm Springs and Santa Barbara is approximately 185 miles, or 298 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 7 hours and 30 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 56 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.
DISTANCE (MI)
185
DISTANCE (KM)
298
The earliest train departs Palm Springs at 2:02am while the last train of the day leaves at 2:20pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
EARLIEST TRAIN
2:02am
LATEST TRAIN
2:20pm
Trains from Palm Springs to Santa Barbara are the most crowded on Friday. 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 Tuesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
MOST CROWDED
Friday
LEAST CROWDED
Tuesday
City Information
Palm Springs
Palm Springs is a desert resort city in California defined by its ultra-cool midcentury modern buildings and aesthetics. Travelers seeking relaxation flock to Palm Springs' stylish hotels and resorts like the Caliente Tropic Resort, spas like The Well Spa, hot springs like the Azure Palm Hot Springs, and the city's many palm tree-lined golf courses. History and art buffs can check out the Palm Springs Art Museum, Cabazon Dinosaurs, and Cabot's Pueblo Museum. Trivia break! Can you guess which president had a home in Palm Springs?
Explore the desert environment by meeting some locals at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens or trot through the Indian Canyons on horseback. Outdoor enthusiasts can discover trails for hiking, walking, and mountain biking in the desert city. Palm Canyon Drive, a cultural strip downtown, offers upscale dining and exciting nightlife, from resort restaurants to taverns and lounges.
Visit this chic resort city by train on the Amtrak Texas Eagle or Amtrak Sunset Limited. You can take a bus to Palm Springs on one of FlixBus' routes from Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Riverside, and more. The Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is easy to reach, only two miles from downtown.
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 does the train leave from in Palm Springs?
Main departure station: SunLine Transit Stop - 190 N Indian Canyon Dr
Palm Springs has 3 stations where passengers can board the train to Santa Barbara.
All train stations in Palm Springs:
- SunLine Transit Stop - 190 N Indian Canyon Dr
- SunLine Transit Stop - 3400 E Tahquitz Canyon Way
- Palm Springs Station Rd
Where does the train arrive in Santa Barbara?
Main arrival station: 209 State Street
Santa Barbara has one train station.
All train stations in Santa Barbara:
- 209 State Street
Need a return trip from Santa Barbara to Palm Springs?
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