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Trip Summary
3 trains operate daily from Santa Barbara to Palm Springs. The train trip from Santa Barbara to Palm Springs is usually about 8 hours and 51 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 6 hours and 7 minutes.
| Distance | 185 mi (298 km) |
| Fastest train | 6h 7m |
| Lowest price | $40.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Santa Barbara to Palm Springs
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
Price trends for trains from Santa Barbara to Palm Springs
Monthly average prices
Which train should you take from Santa Barbara to Palm Springs?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Santa Barbara to Palm Springs. However, there are 3 trains per day to choose from.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 3 | 8h 51m | $43.62 |
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 3 Amtrak trains from Santa Barbara to Palm Springs every day, as well as 7 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $40.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Santa Barbara to Palm Springs. 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.
The distance between Santa Barbara and Palm Springs is approximately 185 miles, or 298 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 8 hours and 51 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 6 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.
Friday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Santa Barbara to Palm Springs. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Friday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Thursday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Santa Barbara at 6:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 8:00am. 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 3 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 Palm Springs 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.
Palm Springs
Image credit: Unsplash
Palm Springs is a desert resort city in California defined by its ultra-cool midcentury modern buildings and aesthetics. Travelers seeking relaxation flock to Palm Springs' stylish hotels and resorts like the Caliente Tropic Resort, spas like The Well Spa, hot springs like the Azure Palm Hot Springs, and the city's many palm tree-lined golf courses. History and art buffs can check out the Palm Springs Art Museum, Cabazon Dinosaurs, and Cabot's Pueblo Museum. Trivia break! Can you guess which president had a home in Palm Springs?
Explore the desert environment by meeting some locals at the Living Desert Zoo and Gardens or trot through the Indian Canyons on horseback. Outdoor enthusiasts can discover trails for hiking, walking, and mountain biking in the desert city. Palm Canyon Drive, a cultural strip downtown, offers upscale dining and exciting nightlife, from resort restaurants to taverns and lounges.
Visit this chic resort city by train on the Amtrak Texas Eagle or Amtrak Sunset Limited. You can take a bus to Palm Springs on one of FlixBus' routes from Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Riverside, and more. The Palm Springs International Airport (PSP) is easy to reach, only two miles from downtown.
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 Palm Springs?
Main arrival station: SunLine Transit Stop - 3400 E Tahquitz Canyon Way
There are more train stations and stops in Palm Springs than most cities. Most trains from Santa Barbara will stop at one (or more) of the 3 following stations in Palm Springs:
All train stations in Palm Springs:
SunLine Transit Stop - 3400 E Tahquitz Canyon Way
SunLine Transit Stop - 190 N Indian Canyon Dr
Palm Springs Station Rd
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