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Ventura to Santa Barbara train

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Ventura - Santa Barbara Train Schedule

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Trip Summary

5 trains operate daily from Ventura to Santa Barbara. The train trip from Ventura to Santa Barbara is usually about 43 minutes long. However, traveling on the fastest Amtrak Pacific Surfliner train can get you there in as little as 40 minutes.

Distance29 mi (46 km)
Fastest train0h 40m
Lowest price$17.00
Trains per day5
Most frequent serviceAmtrak Pacific Surfliner
Train lines2

Train Trip Reviews from Wanderu Customers

Average score for trains from Ventura to Santa Barbara

(Based on 10 ratings and reviews)

4.8

4.0

Suzanne

August 6, 2022- Couples trip

Amtrak Pacific Surfliner

Pros: We didn’t have to drive. Cons: Clean the windows.

5.0

Mayra

May 30, 2022- Vacation

Amtrak

Pros: The whole getting in and off the train was fast, easy and comfortable. Cons: Everything went smooth. Tips: It was all a smooth and fast, easy trip.

5.0

Debra

March 18, 2022- Vacation

Amtrak

Pros: The view. Cons: The bathrooms could be a little cleaner, and smell nicer.

5.0

Gabrielle

February 11, 2022- Couples trip

Amtrak

Train was right on time and the staff was very friendly

5.0

Samuel

January 4, 2022- Solo travel

Amtrak

Pros: Peaceful and very comfortable trip. Cons: Maybe offer free drinks or water or something. Tips: Be patient be calm and be understanding of others traveling with you.

Price trends for trains from Ventura to Santa Barbara

Monthly average prices

$25$20$15$10$5MJJASONDJFMA

Prices as travel date approaches

$25$20$15$10$53020100

Which train should you take from Ventura to Santa Barbara?

2 train services operate from Ventura to Santa Barbara. Amtrak Pacific Surfliner usually has more trains scheduled, with 4 trips per day. That said, it's still worth comparing the prices and trip durations:

TrainDaily TripsAvg. TimeAvg. Price
Amtrak10h 43m$17.00
Amtrak Pacific Surfliner40h 44m$17.00

  • 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 Ventura to Santa Barbara every day, as well as 1 trips on the weekends, with prices starting from $17.

  • The Pacific Surfliner is Amtrak’s passenger train service that runs along the Pacific coast of Southern California, connecting San Luis Obispo to the north with San Diego to the south. The line is among the most famous Amtrak routes due to the unique scenic views it presents, as the train parallels the coastline for large portions of the 268-mile railroad stretch. The Pacific Surfliner offers first-class amenities like onboard restrooms, free WiFi, seats with extra legroom and power outlets, as well as storage racks for surfboards. On average, the service offers 4 train trips from Ventura to Santa Barbara every day, and prices for a one-way train ticket start from $17.

Frequently Asked Questions

The distance between Ventura and Santa Barbara is approximately 29 miles, or 46 kilometers. The average train journey between these two cities takes 43 minutes, although the absolute fastest you could get there is 40 minutes. It's a short and pleasant ride; the train is a perfect way to get to Santa Barbara.

Trains from Ventura to Santa Barbara are the most crowded on Saturday. 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 Thursday instead, as it tends to be the least crowded day of the week.

The earliest train departs Ventura at 9:00am while the last train of the day leaves at 9:00pm. 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 5 daily scheduled trains, all of which are direct trains that take you the entire way from Ventura to Santa Barbara.

You can also take a train for your return trip from Santa Barbara to Ventura.

City Information

Ventura

Ventura, CA, US - VEC-0

Image credit: Unsplash

Ventura is a beach town near LA, located on the Central Coast of California. It is known for its different beaches, like the San Buenaventura State Beach, which features the wooden Ventura Pier. Ventura is known as one of the best surf towns in America, with scenic coasts and impressive waves. Surfer's Point is the town's most popular spot for surfing and windsurfing. One of the popular tourist locations in the city is Channel Islands National Park, which is a habitat for rare island foxes and scrub jays, and can be accessed by boat from the Ventura Harbor. Explore Main Street in Downtown Ventura for more landmarks and historical sites.

Ventura has a lively art scene, with different galleries and museums in the downtown area. Enjoy entertaining theatre at the Rubicon Theatre Company, or go on short-day cruises with friends and family. The city also offers an eclectic food scene with Polynesian and Nepalese restaurants and wineries that will surprise you. Its nightlife consists of bars, lounges, breweries, comedy clubs, and taprooms, like The Tavern, all littered in Downtown Ventura.

Ventura is easily accessible from other cities by train routes provided by Amtrak and Amtrak Pacific Surfliner and bus lines by FlixBus US and Amtrak Thruway. The Ventura County Transportation Commission provides commuter bus routes throughout the city.

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 Ventura?

Main departure station: Ventura Transit Station Bus Stops

There is one train station in Ventura.

All train stations in Ventura:

  • Ventura Transit Station Bus Stops

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

Get around town with Moovit

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