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Santa Cruz - Santa Barbara Train Schedule
- Fri
Trip Summary
2 trains operate daily from Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara. The train trip from Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara is usually about 9 hours and 20 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak train can get you there in as little as 8 hours and 28 minutes.
| Distance | 220 mi (353 km) |
| Fastest train | 8h 28m |
| Lowest price | $66.00 |
| Most frequent service | Amtrak |
| Train lines | 1 |
What is the price of a train ticket from Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara?
In the last 30 days, the average cost of a train ticket from Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara was $69.00. You have the best chances of scoring the cheapest ticket to Santa Barbara if you book your train tickets at least 10 days in advance. Waiting to purchase until the day of your trip could end up costing you an extra $27.60.
Monthly avg. prices
Prices as travel date approaches
If you're looking to save on your train trip from Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara, book online with Wanderu at least 10 days in advance. That way, you’ll save $27.60 compared to booking your ticket last minute.
Which train should you take from Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara?
Amtrak is the one and only train line which connects Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara. The schedule is relatively limited as the train only runs twice a day.
| Train | Daily Trips | Avg. Time | Avg. Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Amtrak | 2 | 9h 21m | $86.70 |
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 2 Amtrak trains from Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara every day, as well as 3 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $66.
Frequently Asked Questions
The distance between Santa Cruz and Santa Barbara is approximately 220 miles, or 353 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 9 hours and 20 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 8 hours and 28 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.
Sunday tends to be the busiest day of the week with travelers taking trains from Santa Cruz to Santa Barbara. Ticket price also tend to be more expensive on Sunday than other days. If you are hoping to have more room on the train and even save some change check out travel options on Tuesday instead, as less people travel then and deals are more likely to be found.
The earliest train departs Santa Cruz at 7:00am 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.
Trains leave the station in Santa Cruz twice a day, so there are a couple of options depending on your preferred travel time. However, there are no direct trains. 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 change 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 Santa Barbara to Santa Cruz.
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.
Station Information
Where is the train station in Santa Cruz?
Main departure station: Santa Cruz, California
There is one train station in Santa Cruz.
All train stations in Santa Cruz:
Santa Cruz, California
Where is the train station in Santa Barbara?
Main arrival station: 209 State Street
Santa Barbara has one train station.
All train stations in Santa Barbara:
209 State Street
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More trains from Santa Cruz
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- Santa Cruz to San Diego Train
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Continue by train from Santa Barbara
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- Train from Santa Barbara to Simi Valley
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