How much does a cheap train ticket from San Jose to Santa Barbara cost?

The average train ticket price from San Jose to Santa Barbara is $105. The best way to find cheap train tickets from San Jose to Santa Barbara is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!

How long is the trip from San Jose to Santa Barbara?

A train trip between San Jose and Santa Barbara is around 7h 46m, although the fastest train will take about 7h 46m. This is the time it takes to travel the 381 km that separates the two cities.

How many daily trains are there between San Jose and Santa Barbara?

The number of trains from San Jose to Santa Barbara can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there is 1. Some trains are direct while others have layovers. Simplify your train trip from San Jose to Santa Barbara by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

Which train companies travel from San Jose to Santa Barbara?

When taking the train from San Jose to Santa Barbara, you can travel comfortably and safely with Amtrak.

Train San Jose to Santa Barbara from $78 | Refundable Tickets

Next departures

Next departures for San Jose to Santa Barbara on November 21
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
		10:26am	Diridon Station	7h 46m	6:12pm	Train Station	CheapestFastest
		10:26am	Diridon Station	7h 46m	6:12pm	Train Station	No tags

Next departures for San Jose to Santa Barbara on November 22
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
		10:26am	Diridon Station	7h 46m	6:12pm	Train Station	CheapestFastest
		10:26am	Diridon Station	7h 46m	6:12pm	Train Station	No tags

Next departures for San Jose to Santa Barbara on November 23
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
10:26am	Diridon Station	10h 49m	9:15pm	UC Santa Barbara	Cheapest
10:26am	Diridon Station	7h 46m	6:12pm	Train Station	Fastest
10:26am	Diridon Station	7h 46m	6:12pm	Train Station	No tags
10:26am	Diridon Station	10h 49m	9:15pm	UC Santa Barbara	No tags

Next departures for San Jose to Santa Barbara on November 24
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
10:26am	Diridon Station	11h 29m	9:55pm	Train Station	Cheapest
10:26am	Diridon Station	7h 46m	6:12pm	Train Station	Fastest
10:26am	Diridon Station	7h 46m	6:12pm	Train Station	No tags
10:26am	Diridon Station	11h 29m	9:55pm	Train Station	No tags
10:26am	Diridon Station	11h 14m	9:40pm	UC Santa Barbara	No tags

Next departures for San Jose to Santa Barbara on November 25
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
10:26am	Diridon Station	11h 29m	9:55pm	Train Station	Cheapest
10:26am	Diridon Station	7h 46m	6:12pm	Train Station	Fastest
10:26am	Diridon Station	7h 46m	6:12pm	Train Station	No tags
10:26am	Diridon Station	11h 29m	9:55pm	Train Station	No tags
10:26am	Diridon Station	11h 14m	9:40pm	UC Santa Barbara	No tags

Next departures for San Jose to Santa Barbara on November 26
Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
10:26am	Diridon Station	11h 29m	9:55pm	Train Station	Cheapest
10:26am	Diridon Station	7h 46m	6:12pm	Train Station	Fastest
10:26am	Diridon Station	11h 14m	9:40pm	UC Santa Barbara	No tags
10:26am	Diridon Station	11h 14m	9:40pm	UC Santa Barbara	No tags

Next departures for San Jose to Santa Barbara on November 27
Operated by	Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended	Price and booking link
		10:26am	Diridon Station	7h 46m	6:12pm	Train Station	CheapestFastest
		10:26am	Diridon Station	7h 46m	6:12pm	Train Station	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 7:47 PM PST.

Compare 2 ways to go from San Jose to Santa Barbara

We recommend taking the bus

Among the sustainable travel choices, the bus stands out as a good way to reach Santa Barbara. The journey takes about 6 hours 20 minutes, and with fares starting at just $63, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

3bus per day

6h 20mAverage Duration

381 kmDistance

10kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$63 - $277	Average Duration6h 20m	CO₂ emissions 10kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$83 - $189	Average Duration7h 46m	CO₂ emissions 35kg CO₂e

Train companies

Amtrak

4/55,594 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5594 reviews, the company was rated 4.1 stars on Busbud. Travellers were especially satisfied with the seats and the ticket access but often complained with the WiFi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at $83

US train and bus companies:Amtrak, Trenitalia, Renfe, VIA Rail Canada, Amtrak Acela, NS Nederlandse Spoorwegen, Iryo

Where are the popular train stations and stops in San Jose, US and Santa Barbara?

Stops in San Jose, US

A - Diridon Station

Stops in Santa Barbara

A - Train Station

B - Greyhound Station

Frequently asked questions about travelling from San Jose, US to Santa Barbara by train

How much does a cheap train ticket from San Jose to Santa Barbara cost?
The average train ticket price from San Jose to Santa Barbara is $105. The best way to find cheap train tickets from San Jose to Santa Barbara is to book your tickets as early as possible. Prices tend to rise as your travel date approaches, so book in advance to secure the best prices!
How long is the trip from San Jose to Santa Barbara?
A train trip between San Jose and Santa Barbara is around 7h 46m, although the fastest train will take about 7h 46m. This is the time it takes to travel the 381 km that separates the two cities.
How many daily trains are there between San Jose and Santa Barbara?
The number of trains from San Jose to Santa Barbara can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there is 1. Some trains are direct while others have layovers. Simplify your train trip from San Jose to Santa Barbara by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.
Which train companies travel from San Jose to Santa Barbara?
When taking the train from San Jose to Santa Barbara, you can travel comfortably and safely with Amtrak.

Find cheapest prices for trains

Price is for a one-way ticket for one passenger and based on past searches.

Best price found

11-17

$132

11-18

$132

Today

$132

11-20

$137

11-21

$181

11-22

$181

11-23

$160

11-24

$143

The cheapest trip from San Jose, US to Santa Barbara was searched and found on Nov 17, 2025 with a price of $132

To save money and be sure you have the best seat, it's a good idea to buy your train tickets from San Jose, US to Santa Barbara, as early as possible.

You can expect to pay from $132 to $493 for a train ticket from San Jose, US to Santa Barbara based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $137 which is on 2025-11-20.