Cheap train tickets from Santa Barbara to Palm Springs

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Trip Summary

There are usually 3 daily train trips available from Santa Barbara to Palm Springs. Traveling by train from Santa Barbara to Palm Springs usually takes 6 hours and 12 minutes, but the fastest Amtrak train can make the trip in 5 hours and 57 minutes.

Distance: 185 mi (298 km)
Fastest train: 5h 57m
Lowest price: $40.00
Trains per day: 0
Most frequent service: Amtrak
Train lines: 1

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Santa Barbara to Palm Springs Train Schedule

No preview is currently available. Please try another date or search the full schedule.

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Santa Barbara to Palm Springs (Based on 1 ratings and reviews)

5.0

Constance M

March 29, 2023 - Visiting friends

Amtrak

Pros: I up graded to business class it it was so worth it! Tips: Upgrade to business worth the extra money

There are several train options that can take you from Santa Barbara to Palm Springs:

Amtrak tickets: $40 one-way

See more details

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

In the last month, the average price of a train ticket from Santa Barbara to Palm Springs was $40. 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 $66 more if you wait to book until the last minute.

Average train ticket prices from Santa Barbara to Palm Springs by travel date

Over the next 30 days, a one-way train trip from Santa Barbara to Palm Springs will cost between $40 and $52. Book in advance to secure the best price in the next few weeks.

Average train ticket prices from Santa Barbara to Palm Springs by month

Ticket prices for the train from Santa Barbara to Palm Springs often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in February when the average ticket price is only $44. If you're thinking of traveling from Santa Barbara to Palm Springs during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of $55 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

By booking your train trip from Santa Barbara to Palm Springs on Wanderu at least 7 days ahead of time, you can save about $66 on your ticket. Waiting until the last minute means missing out on these savings!

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	6h 12m	$47.94

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 4 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $40.

Frequently asked questions about traveling by train from Santa Barbara to Palm Springs

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.

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.

Trains per day

Direct trains

The distance between Santa Barbara and Palm Springs is approximately 185 miles. The average train journey between these two cities takes 6 hours and 12 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 5 hours and 57 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)

185

Distance (km)

298

The earliest train departs Santa Barbara at 6:53 AM while the last train of the day leaves at 6:19 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

6:53am

Last train

6:19pm

Trains from Santa Barbara to Palm Springs are the most crowded on Thursday. 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

Thursday

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.

Palm Springs

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

Need a return trip from Palm Springs to Santa Barbara?

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