Cheap train tickets from San Juan Capistrano to Santa Barbara

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Trip Summary

There are usually 6 daily train trips available from San Juan Capistrano to Santa Barbara. Traveling by train from San Juan Capistrano to Santa Barbara usually takes 4 hours and 27 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train can make the trip in 4 hours and 7 minutes.

Distance: 133 mi (214 km)
Fastest train: 4h 7m
Lowest price: CZK 844.17
Trains per day: 5
Most frequent service: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner
Train lines: 2

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San Juan Capistrano to Santa Barbara Train Schedule

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from San Juan Capistrano to Santa Barbara (Based on 1 ratings and reviews)

5.0

Allison

April 11, 2022 - Visiting friends

Amtrak

Pros: I loved how quick it felt and how informed I always felt as to which stop we were at. Cons: Staff lacks the awareness to keep mask on Tips: Mask on

There are several train options that can take you from San Juan Capistrano to Santa Barbara:

See more details

What is the price of a train ticket from San Juan Capistrano to Santa Barbara?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from San Juan Capistrano to Santa Barbara was CZK 844. 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 7 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around CZK 263.42 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from San Juan Capistrano to Santa Barbara by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from San Juan Capistrano to Santa Barbara will cost between CZK 909 and CZK 1,082. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from San Juan Capistrano to Santa Barbara by month

Taking the train from San Juan Capistrano 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 CZK 931 whenever you decide to travel.

Prices as travel date approaches

The price of train trips from San Juan Capistrano 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 San Juan Capistrano to Santa Barbara?

2 train services operate from San Juan Capistrano to Santa Barbara. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner usually has more trains scheduled, with 5 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

Train	Daily Trips	Avg. Time	Avg. Price
Amtrak	2	5h 1m	CZK 1,492.24
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner	5	4h 13m	CZK 844.17

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 San Juan Capistrano to Santa Barbara every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from CZK 1,147.20.
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 5 train trips from San Juan Capistrano to Santa Barbara every day, and prices for a one-way train ticket start from CZK 844.17.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from San Juan Capistrano to Santa Barbara

Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from San Juan Capistrano to Santa Barbara. However, there are also some trips on this route that require you to board another vehicle, such as a bus or a shuttle, during your journey. This is worth paying attention to as you book your trip, since a direct train may be preferable for its speed and convenience.

There are 6 scheduled trains on most days. 5 of these are direct connections to Santa Barbara. While direct trains may still make stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains at any point. If you're looking to get to your destination faster, a direct train is the convenient and time-efficient choice. You can also take a train for your return trip from Santa Barbara to San Juan Capistrano.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between San Juan Capistrano and Santa Barbara is approximately 133 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 4 hours and 27 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 4 hours and 7 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)

133

Distance (km)

214

The earliest train departs San Juan Capistrano at 5:34 AM while the last train of the day leaves at 5:37 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

5:34am

Last train

5:37pm

Trains from San Juan Capistrano 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

San Juan Capistrano

Located in Orange County, California, San Juan Capistrano is a small city founded by the Spanish in 1776. Although largely destroyed by an earthquake in 1812, this city is a growing destination south of Los Angeles and is often used as a backdrop in major Hollywood movies.

San Juan Capistrano has many historical religious sites to explore, and Mission San Juan Capistrano is one of its most renowned. The “Jewel of California Missions” includes a chapel with regular Mass, stunning gardens, and a museum to learn about the many Native American, Mexican, and Spanish influences in the region. Visit in mid-March to experience the annual Return of the Swallows celebration. Local cliff swallows return from winters in Argentina, and the Mission plans parades, fairs, and other events to welcome them home.

The area around the Mission is a historic downtown with local restaurants, green spaces, and retail services. In the center of this historic core, San Juan Capistrano's Amtrak station welcomes Pacific Surfliner trains that run from Los Angeles to San Diego.

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 Juan Capistrano?

Main departure station: 26701 Verdugo St

There is one train station in San Juan Capistrano.

All train stations in San Juan Capistrano:

26701 Verdugo 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 San Juan Capistrano?

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