5.0
Pros: not driving for 5 + hours. not putting wear and tear on my car. not eating junk food along the highway. Cons: two options daily for travel...leave at 4pm and arrive at 11pm so as not to lose a work day. Tips: the dining car is a must.
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Trip Summary
You can pick from 2 daily train trips between Santa Barbara and San Jose. The average train journey from Santa Barbara to San Jose takes 7 hours and 3 minutes, but some Amtrak train trips are as short as 6 hours and 40 minutes.
| Distance | 236 mi (380 km) |
| Fastest train | 6h 40m |
| Lowest price | CHF 47.41 |
| Trains per day | 1 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 2 |
Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers
Average score for trains from Santa Barbara to San Jose
(Based on 1 ratings and reviews)
5.0
What is the price of a train ticket from Santa Barbara to San Jose?
Over the past month, a train ticket between Santa Barbara and San Jose cost CHF 67.70, on average. Booking your trip at least 15 days in advance can help you secure tickets at the best price. For same-day bookings, you’ll likely have to pay around CHF 12.46 more.
Monthly average prices
Ticket prices for the train from Santa Barbara to San Jose often fluctuate based on the time of year. For the best prices on this route, book in January when the average ticket price is only CHF 49. If you're thinking of traveling from Santa Barbara to San Jose during July, keep in mind that train ticket prices may be higher than usual, with an average price of CHF 69 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
If you're looking to save on your train trip from Santa Barbara to San Jose, book online with Wanderu at least 15 days in advance. That way, you’ll save CHF 12.46 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
Which train should you take from Santa Barbara to San Jose?
2 train services operate from Santa Barbara to San Jose. However, each train line only offers one daily trip.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 6h 49m | CHF 78.01 |
| Amtrak Coast Starlight | 1 | 7h 26m | CHF 79.67 |
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 1 Amtrak trains from Santa Barbara to San Jose every day, as well as 2 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from CHF 62.
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
Yes, there are trains that can take you the entire way from Santa Barbara to San Jose. 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 San Jose is approximately 236 miles, or 380 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 7 hours and 3 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 6 hours and 40 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.
Trains from Santa Barbara to San Jose 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.
The earliest train departs Santa Barbara at 7:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 12:00pm. To see all scheduled departure times, use the search function on this page to get the full schedule for your specific travel dates.
Trains leave the station in Santa Barbara twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. One of these is a direct train, which will typically get you to San Jose faster. While it might still have stops along the way, you will not need to switch trains during your trip.
You can also take a train for your return trip from San Jose 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.
San Jose
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
Image credit: Unsplash
San Jose is located in the heart of the world-famous Silicon Valley in California’s Bay Area. It is the largest city in Northern California and, as such, it is the area’s cultural, political and financial center.
While you’re in San Jose, make sure to check out the city’s various museums. Since you’re in the world’s foremost technology hub, the Tech Museum of Innovation is a must-visit. And since you’re on the West Coast, you should stop by the San Jose Museum of Art that features the largest permanent collection of works from West Coast artists.
Thanks to its mild California climate, San Jose is one of the best cities in the U.S. for outdoor activities, and due to its largely younger-leaning population, it offers quite the vibrant nightlife. In fact, San Jose is among the biggest party hubs in America.
San Jose is served by various bus carriers and has several Amtrak stops within its vicinity. In addition, the city’s airport is located right near the downtown area, which makes travel to and from San Jose a breeze.
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 San Jose?
Image credit: SPUR
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
Diridon Station opened in 1935 with architecture inspired by the Italian Renaissance, and today is a vital part of Silicon Valley’s transportation system. Diridon Station connects Amtrak train service to local commuter service like the Caltrain and VTA Light Rail. The station is also a major hub for bus transit on Amtrak Thruway and Greyhound buses. With paid parking onsite, bicycle racks, and accessible entrances, travelers can easily reach the station from nearby downtown San Jose. As a bonus, food trucks frequently set up outside the station to provide delicious cheap eats for passengers.
All train stations in San Jose:
Diridon Caltrain Station - 65 Cahill St
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