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Cheap train tickets from Santa Barbara to Tucson

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Santa Barbara to Tucson Train Schedule

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Is it better to travel by bus or train from Santa Barbara to Tucson?

There are usually 2 daily bus trips available from Santa Barbara to Tucson.

Bus
Train
Avg. Price
Avg. Price
$110.37
Avg. Price
$83.00
Daily Trips
Daily Trips
2
Daily Trips
1
Duration
Duration
22h 57m
Duration
15h 36m

Trip Summary

4 trains operate daily from Santa Barbara to Tucson. The train trip from Santa Barbara to Tucson is usually about 15 hours and 36 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 13 hours and 19 minutes.

Distance529 mi (851 km)
Fastest train13h 19m
Lowest price$85.00
Most frequent serviceAmtrak
Train lines1

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What is the price of a train ticket from Santa Barbara to Tucson?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Santa Barbara to Tucson was $85.00. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 25 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $56.00 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Monthly avg. prices

$175$140$105$70$35JFMAMJJASOND
Ticket prices for the train from Santa Barbara to Tucson often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in July when the average ticket price is only $83. If you're thinking of traveling from Santa Barbara to Tucson during June, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $153 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in June, is to book your trip well in advance.

Which train should you take from Santa Barbara to Tucson?

Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Santa Barbara to Tucson. However, there are 4 trains per day to choose from.

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak415h 36m$105.36
  • 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 4 Amtrak trains from Santa Barbara to Tucson every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $71.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Santa Barbara to Tucson

The distance between Santa Barbara and Tucson is approximately 529 miles, or 851 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 15 hours and 36 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 13 hours and 19 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.

Saturday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Santa Barbara to Tucson. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Saturday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Monday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.

The earliest train departs Santa Barbara at 1:00pm while the last train of the day leaves at 6:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.

There are 4 scheduled trains on most days. Unfortunately, none of them are direct connections, so you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train during your journey. Don't forget to bring your carry-on luggage when you switch trains. In some instances, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Tucson to Santa Barbara.

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.

Tucson

A bright and sunny city with more than 350 days of sunshine and temperatures that rarely dip below 60, Tucson is undoubtedly one of Arizona's best vacation destinations. Those who don’t shy away from some outdoor activities should go on a hiking trip in the Saguaro National Park, where visitors can enjoy uninterrupted views of southwestern landscapes. Of the park's two areas, the Tucson Mountain District is the more popular one, owing to its amazing sunset views. Architecture fans could also consider visiting Mission San Xavier del Bac, a perfect example of 18th-century architecture. If you wish to learn more about the region and its unique flora and fauna, head over to the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum, which features 230 animal species and 1,200 local plant species.

It should come as no surprise that the most famous dishes in Tucson are Mexican foods, which boast spicy, sweet and smoky flavors. One of the best spots to enjoy these delicacies is at El Charro Café, which has been around since 1922. For a more eclectic menu, Feast is a good option.

The principal Amtrak train station in Tucson is on Toole Ave. The city is served by Amtrak’s Texas Eagle and Sunset Limited lines. The main bus station is the bus terminal located at 801 E 12th St, not too far from the train station. The city’s commercial air services are fulfilled by Tucson International Airport, which is 6 miles south of the city’s center.

Station Information

Where is the train station in Santa Barbara?

Main departure station: 209 State Street

There is one train station in Santa Barbara.

All train stations in Santa Barbara:

  • 209 State Street

Where is the train station in Tucson?

400 N Toole Ave  - TUSAMT-0

Image credit: Bill Morrow

Link to image attribution
400 N Toole Ave  - TUSAMT-1

Image credit: Bill Morrow

Link to image attribution

Main arrival station: 400 N Toole Ave

The Amtrak station in Tucson is located on Toole Street in the Historic Fourth Avenue neighborhood. The station was built in 1907, and the neighboring Southern Arizona Transportation Museum displays railroad artifacts and a vintage locomotive from the station’s early days. Today, Amtrak’s Sunset Limited and Texas Eagle routes run through Tucson, heading towards Los Angeles, New Orleans, or Chicago. The station is comfortably appointed with clean bathrooms, charging ports, and indoor seating. Many top-rated dining options surround the station, but travelers can enjoy the best pre-train cocktail at the Congress Tap Room’s outdoor patio just across the street.

All train stations in Tucson:

  • 400 N Toole Ave

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