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Cheap train tickets from Riverside to Santa Barbara
Find and compare the best ground travel options in one place.
Trip Summary
There are usually 2 daily train trips available from Riverside to Santa Barbara. Traveling by train from Riverside to Santa Barbara usually takes 5 hours and 37 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 4 hours and 46 minutes.
- Distance
- 135 mi (218 km)
- Fastest train
- 4h 46m
- Lowest price
- $39.00
- Trains per day
- 0
- Most frequent service
- Amtrak
- Train lines
- 1
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Riverside to Santa Barbara Train Schedule
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Riverside to Santa Barbara (Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
4.0
There are several train options that can take you from Riverside to Santa Barbara:
See more detailsWhat is the price of a train ticket from Riverside to Santa Barbara?
In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Riverside to Santa Barbara was $39. 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 2 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $2 more if you wait to book until the last minute.
Average train ticket prices from Riverside to Santa Barbara by travel date
The cost of a one-way train trip from Riverside to Santa Barbara is expected to stay pretty stable over the next four weeks. No matter which day you travel, you can expect to pay about $39 for your ticket.
Average train ticket prices from Riverside to Santa Barbara by month
Taking the train from Riverside to Santa Barbara usually costs about the same throughout the year. In general, train ticket prices for this route are fairly consistent, so expect to pay around $39 whenever you decide to travel.
Prices as travel date approaches
The price of train trips from Riverside to Santa Barbara doesn't fluctuate much throughout the year, so you don’t need to book your tickets super far in advance. However, to avoid last-minute price surges or sold-out tickets, we recommend purchasing your train tickets at least 48 hours before departure.
Which train should you take from Riverside to Santa Barbara?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Riverside 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 | 5h 37m | $39.33 |
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 Riverside to Santa Barbara every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $39.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Riverside to Santa Barbara
While the train is the main method of transportation from Riverside to Santa Barbara, it will only take you part of the way there. Please note that part of your trip will be on a different vehicle, most commonly a bus or express shuttle.
Trains leave the station in Riverside 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. You can also take a train for your return trip from Santa Barbara to Riverside.
Trains per day
2
Direct trains
0
The distance between Riverside and Santa Barbara is approximately 135 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 5 hours and 37 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 46 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)
135
Distance (km)
218
The earliest train departs Riverside at 9:00 AM while the last train of the day leaves at 3:35 PM. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
First train
9:00am
Last train
3:35pm
Trains from Riverside to Santa Barbara are the most crowded on Sunday. 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 Wednesday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
Busiest
Sunday
Least crowded
Wednesday
City Information
Riverside
Riverside is the most populous city in the Inland Empire and the birthplace of the local citrus industry. One of the most popular buildings in the city is the Mission Inn, a historic landmark that is also the largest Mission Revival Style building in the country. The building is now a popular local hotel and spa, offering top-notch hospitality services. While nearby, don't forget to check out the Mission Inn Museum as well. If you are looking to enjoy a great panoramic view of the entire city, take a short hike to the top of Mount Rubidoux, and you will not be disappointed!
Riverside boasts a generally vibrant food scene with plenty of establishments to choose from. The Mission Inn itself offers incredible traditional Spanish dishes and a fabulous open-air patio dining spot. For seasonal produce and local dishes, check out Salted Pig!
Riverside is served by Amtrak trains and several bus companies that operate routes throughout Southern California and beyond. In addition, there are three major airports in Riverside's general area: Ontario International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, and John Wayne Orange County Airport.
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 Riverside?
Main departure station: Downtown Metrolink Station - 4066 Vine St
On June 14, 1993, the Riverside station on Vine Street opened as a transportation facility. It comprises a platform with modest shelters to shield visitors from the sun and adverse weather. On April 29, 2002, the station was added as a stop on the Southwest Chief route, putting an end to Amtrak trains just passing through Riverside without making a scheduled stop. In addition to Amtrak, the station now primarily operates as a Metrolink commuter rail and transit bus terminal.
All train stations in Riverside:
- Downtown Metrolink Station - 4066 Vine St
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
Need a return trip from Santa Barbara to Riverside?
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