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Trip Summary
2 trains operate daily from Pismo Beach to Santa Barbara. The train trip from Pismo Beach to Santa Barbara is usually about one hour and 24 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train can get you there in as little as one hour and 19 minutes.
| Distance | 73 mi (118 km) |
| Fastest train | 1h 19m |
| Lowest price | $23.30 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Pacific Surfliner |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Pismo Beach to Santa Barbara?
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner is the one and only train line which connects Pismo Beach to Santa Barbara. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak Pacific Surfliner | 2 | 1h 25m | $23.30 |
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 2 train trips from Pismo Beach to Santa Barbara every day, and prices for a one-way train ticket start from $23.
Frequently Asked Questions
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Pismo Beach to Santa Barbara 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 Pismo Beach at 8:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 5:00pm. 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 Pismo Beach twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. Luckily, both trains will get you to Santa Barbara with direct service. While there might still be stops along the way, you will not need to get off or switch trains.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Santa Barbara to Pismo Beach.
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 Pismo Beach?
Main departure station: Ocean Ave and Park Rd
There is one train station in Pismo Beach.
All train stations in Pismo Beach:
Ocean Ave and Park Rd
Where is the train station in Santa Barbara?
Main arrival station: 209 State Street
Santa Barbara has one train station.
All train stations in Santa Barbara:
209 State Street
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