Cheap train tickets from Santa Barbara to Emeryville

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Trip Summary

There are usually 7 daily train trips available from Santa Barbara to Emeryville. Traveling by train from Santa Barbara to Emeryville usually takes 9 hours and 35 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 7 hours and 1 minute.

Distance
276 mi (445 km)
Fastest train
7h 1m
Lowest price
$55.00
Trains per day
1
Most frequent service
Amtrak
Train lines
2

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4.8 Rating

5k Reviews

4.5 Rating

4.8k Reviews

Chiku

Santa Barbara to Emeryville Train Schedule

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

There are usually 3 daily bus trips available from Santa Barbara to Emeryville.

Train
Bus
Avg. Price$114.78Avg. Price$32.00Cheaper
Daily Trips7Daily Trips3
Duration9h 35mDuration7h 48mFaster
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Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Santa Barbara to Emeryville (Based on 2 ratings and reviews)

5.0

5.0

Amal

November 23, 2019 - Visiting family

Amtrak
Pros: Our driver was wonderful, while we were waiting to depart he played his guitar. He checked in with us about the temperature, music selection, volume and overall comfort of the vehicle. He even gave me his coat because I was cold. It was truly the best ride I have ever had on a bus and we were even early. Cons: it was fabulous
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What is the price of a train ticket from Santa Barbara to Emeryville?

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Santa Barbara to Emeryville was $102.16. This is somewhat expensive compared to other train fares, but it makes sense given the route’s long distance. Good news! You can find the cheapest tickets if you book your trip at least 29 days prior to the travel date. You’ll likely pay around $29.26 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Santa Barbara to Emeryville by travel date

$135$90$45SepSep

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Santa Barbara to Emeryville will cost between $89 and $132. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Santa Barbara to Emeryville by month

$125$100$75$50$25JFMAMJJASOND

Ticket prices for the train from Santa Barbara to Emeryville often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in October when the average ticket price is only $86. If you're thinking of traveling from Santa Barbara to Emeryville during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $114 during this time of year. The best way to score a cheap deal, even in July, is to book your trip well in advance.

Prices as travel date approaches

$150$120$90$60$3001020

By booking your train trip from Santa Barbara to Emeryville on Wanderu at least 29 days ahead of time, you can save about $29.26 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

Which train should you take from Santa Barbara to Emeryville?

2 train services operate from Santa Barbara to Emeryville. Amtrak usually has more trains scheduled, with 6 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak69h 39m$109.93
Amtrak Coast Starlight19h 16m$141.02
  • 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 6 Amtrak trains from Santa Barbara to Emeryville every day, as well as 5 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $55.

    Amtrak train passing through mountains, offering affordable train tickets for scenic rail travel - WanderuModern Amtrak train at a station, providing cheap train travel and convenient Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak train speeding through scenic fall foliage, featuring cheap train tickets for long-distance trips - WanderuInterior view of a table in the dining car of an Amtrak train - WanderuInterior view of the dining car on an Amtrak train. Find affordable train tickets on - WanderuClean and spacious Amtrak bathroom, offering convenience and comfort for passengers during long train journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuAmtrak power outlet for charging devices, providing convenience for passengers during affordable travel with cheap train tickets - WanderuComfortable Amtrak seats with ample legroom, ideal for relaxing during long journeys with cheap Amtrak tickets - WanderuSpacious Amtrak seats with reclining options, offering comfort and convenience for passengers on affordable train travel - WanderuAmtrak viewing car seats with large windows, offering panoramic views and comfort for passengers enjoying scenic routes with affordable train tickets - Wanderu
  • The Amtrak Coast Starlight is a service provided by Amtrak that connects Seattle, Portland, San Francisco, and Los Angeles on the US Pacific coast. The full journey winds through the Cascade Mountains, perfectly clipped vineyards, and dense coastal forest, allowing passengers to get a glimpse of the US west coast while enjoying air-conditioned cars, power outlets, complimentary onboard WiFi, and snacks.

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

There are 7 scheduled trains on most days. There is one direct train, which you can stay on for the entire journey from Santa Barbara to Emeryville. In contrast, taking a non-direct train would require you to transfer trains during your trip. You can also take a train for your return trip from Emeryville to Santa Barbara. If you're not set on traveling by train, you could always take the bus from Santa Barbara to Emeryville for $32.

Trains per day

7

Direct trains

1

The distance between Santa Barbara and Emeryville is approximately 276 miles, or 445 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 35 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 7 hours and 1 minute. 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)

276

Distance (km)

445

The earliest train departs Santa Barbara at 7:35am while the last train of the day leaves at 12:15pm. 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

7:35am

Last train

12:15pm

Trains from Santa Barbara to Emeryville are the most crowded on Friday. 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 Saturday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

Busiest

Friday

Least crowded

Saturday

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.

Emeryville

Emeryville is the true hometown of Nemo, Buzz, and Mike Wazowski-- or at least the hometown of Pixar, the studio that created them. Located in Alameda County, right next to San Francisco, Emeryville is considered one of California's best residential areas. Locals of Emeryville enjoy a dense urban vibe, with numerous bars, restaurants, coffee shops, and parks.

If you love food, visit one of the most exquisite restaurants in Emeryville. The Old Stamp House is a restaurant where every crew member wants you to have a great time on each food course. They show incredible food knowledge and appreciation, as well as where and how the food was sourced.

There are almost limitless ways of transport, from bikes and buses to taxis, trains, and planes. Amtrak has multiple lines that stop in Emeryville, including the California Zephyr, Coast Starlight, and Capitol Corridor, on the way to cities like San Francisco, Sacramento, and even Chicago. San Francisco International Airport and Oakland International Airport are the two major international airports that serve Emeryville and are only 25 and 10 miles away, respectively.

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 Emeryville?

Main arrival station: 5885 Horton St

Emeryville has one train station.

All train stations in Emeryville:

  • 5885 Horton St

Need a return trip from Emeryville to Santa Barbara?

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