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Trip Summary
On most days, there is one scheduled train that travels from Santa Barbara to Albuquerque. The train trip from Santa Barbara to Albuquerque is usually about 22 hours and 18 minutes long. However, be prepared just in case your train arrives slightly earlier or later than scheduled.
| Distance | 744 mi (1198 km) |
| Fastest train | 22h 18m |
| Lowest price | $149.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
Which train should you take from Santa Barbara to Albuquerque?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Santa Barbara to Albuquerque. Furthermore, there is only one train per day, so you will have to plan your travel around this limited availability. On the other hand, you won't have to spend a ton of time comparing a bunch of possible options.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 1 | 22h 18m | $149.00 |
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 Albuquerque every day, as well as 0 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $149.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Santa Barbara and Albuquerque is approximately 744 miles, or 1198 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 22 hours and 18 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.
On a weekly basis, the greatest number of passengers tend to travel by trains from Santa Barbara to Albuquerque on Tuesday. Tickets for Tuesday tend to also be the most expensive. For savvy travelers looking for cheaper priced tickets search for travel departing on Tuesday. Tuesday also tend to have less passengers which may make boarding faster and let you snag your perfect seat.
Most days, there is only one train which leaves Santa Barbara at 11:00am and arrives in Albuquerque around 22 hours later.
Typically there is only one scheduled train per day. However, it is not a direct train. This means that you will need to disembark from your original train and board a connecting train at some point during your journey. You will need to remember to bring your carry-on luggage with you when you transfer trains. Depending on the carrier's policy, you may also be responsible for transferring your own checked baggage.
You can also take a train for your return trip from Albuquerque 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.
Albuquerque
A city rich in history and culture, Albuquerque offers an exciting mix of Hispanic and Native American cultural elements. The city’s main attraction is the Old Town quarter, which has been around for over 300 years. Featuring quaint cobblestone streets and brightly colored adobe huts, the quarter is a perfect blend of the two cultures, making it a rare sight in the U.S. The quarter also houses the San Felipe de Neri Church, the oldest building in the city. Nature lovers will find the ABQ BioPark a pleasant surprise. Featuring an aquarium, a beach, a zoo, and a botanical garden, the park offers enough fun for the whole day. If you wish to learn more about the local Native American heritage, the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center is the place to visit.
The Albuquerque food scene is among the most vibrant around. The state’s staple dishes are strong and spicy with a very distinctive New Mexican vibe. The best place to check out these dishes is at High Noon Restaurant and Saloon, a local favorite. Don’t forget to try out the city’s unique wine scene as well, and if you wish to sample different varieties, the Albuquerque Wine Festival is a great chance to do so.
The Alvarado Transportation Center is the busiest bus and train station in the city. Bus service by Greyhound and Jefferson Lines will take you from Albuquerque to various cities such as Phoenix, Dallas or even Chicago. For trains, the local Amtrak lines can take you to Denver, Santa Fe, Salt Lake City and beyond. The main airport of the city is the Albuquerque International Airport, 3 miles southeast of the central business district.
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 Albuquerque?
Image credit: Mr.TinDC
Link to image attribution
Image credit: Karen Blaha
Link to image attribution
Image credit: LHOON
Link to image attributionMain arrival station: Alvarado Transportation Center - 314 1st St SW
Located in a busy area in Downtown Albuquerque, Alvarado Transportation Center is a multi-modal transportation center that serves intercity buses and trains. The station is currently situated on the site of the fabled Alvarado Hotel, once a luxury railroad hotel for early 20th century travelers. Maintaining the Mission Revival style of the now-demolished hotel, the Alvarado Transportation Center features arched entryways and a large clocktower that welcomes current passengers. Amtrak’s Southwest Chief line stops in Albuquerque along its Los Angeles to Chicago route, and Jefferson Lines and Greyhound operate bus service through the station as well. From the station’s downtown location, you can connect with local public transit to access the rest of the city.
All train stations in Albuquerque:
Alvarado Transportation Center - 314 1st St SW
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