Cheap train tickets from San Clemente to Santa Barbara
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San Clemente to Santa Barbara Train Schedule
Trip Summary
You can pick from 2 daily train trips between San Clemente and Santa Barbara. The average train journey from San Clemente to Santa Barbara takes 4 hours and 35 minutes, but some Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train trips are as short as 4 hours and 25 minutes.
| Distance | 138 mi (222 km) |
| Fastest train | 4h 25m |
| Lowest price | $40.00 |
| Trains per day | 2 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak Pacific Surfliner |
| Train lines | 2 |
What is the price of a train ticket from San Clemente to Santa Barbara?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from San Clemente to Santa Barbara was $40.00. At this price, taking the train is the cheap and easy way to go. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Santa Barbara if you book your train tickets at least 15 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $8.75.
Monthly avg. prices
Which train should you take from San Clemente to Santa Barbara?
2 train services operate from San Clemente to Santa Barbara. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner usually has more trains scheduled, with 2 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 4h 54m | $67.75 |
| Amtrak Pacific Surfliner | 2 | 4h 33m | $40.00 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from San Clemente to Santa Barbara every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $52.
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 San Clemente to Santa Barbara every day, and prices for a one-way train ticket start from $40.
Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Clemente to Santa Barbara
The distance between San Clemente and Santa Barbara is approximately 138 miles, or 222 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 35 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 25 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.
Trains from San Clemente 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 Sunday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.
The earliest train departs San Clemente at 7:00am 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 San Clemente 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 San Clemente.
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 San Clemente?
Main departure station: 615 Ave Victoria at San Clemente Pier
There is one train station in San Clemente.
All train stations in San Clemente:
615 Ave Victoria at San Clemente Pier
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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