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

The average train ticket price from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara is $53. The best way to find cheap train tickets from San Luis Obispo 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 Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara?

A train trip between San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara is around 2h 35m, although the fastest train will take about 2h 34m. This is the time it takes to travel the 124 km that separates the two cities.

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

The number of trains from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 3. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.

Which train companies travel from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara?

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

Train San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara from $37 | Refundable Tickets

Next train departures

Next departures for San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara on November 24
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	4:20pm	AMTRAK Station	2h 34m	6:54pm	Train Station	CheapestFastest
Train	3:37pm	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	6:12pm	Train Station	No tags
Train	3:37pm	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	6:12pm	Train Station	No tags
Train	4:20pm	AMTRAK Station	2h 34m	6:54pm	Train Station	No tags

Next departures for San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara on November 25
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	6:11am	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	8:46am	Train Station	Cheapest
Train	4:20pm	AMTRAK Station	2h 34m	6:54pm	Train Station	Fastest
Train	6:11am	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	8:46am	Train Station	No tags
Train	3:37pm	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	6:12pm	Train Station	No tags
Train	3:37pm	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	6:12pm	Train Station	No tags

Next departures for San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara on November 26
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	6:11am	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	8:46am	Train Station	Cheapest
Train	4:20pm	AMTRAK Station	2h 34m	6:54pm	Train Station	Fastest
Train	6:11am	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	8:46am	Train Station	No tags
Train	3:37pm	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	6:12pm	Train Station	No tags
Train	3:37pm	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	6:12pm	Train Station	No tags

Next departures for San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara on November 27
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	6:11am	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	8:46am	Train Station	Cheapest
Train	4:20pm	AMTRAK Station	2h 34m	6:54pm	Train Station	Fastest
Train	6:11am	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	8:46am	Train Station	No tags
Train	3:37pm	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	6:12pm	Train Station	No tags
Train	3:37pm	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	6:12pm	Train Station	No tags

Next departures for San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara on November 28
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	6:11am	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	8:46am	Train Station	Cheapest
Train	4:20pm	AMTRAK Station	2h 34m	6:54pm	Train Station	Fastest
Train	6:11am	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	8:46am	Train Station	No tags
Train	3:37pm	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	6:12pm	Train Station	No tags
Train	3:37pm	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	6:12pm	Train Station	No tags

Next departures for San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara on November 29
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	6:11am	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	8:46am	Train Station	Cheapest
Train	4:20pm	AMTRAK Station	2h 34m	6:54pm	Train Station	Fastest
Train	6:11am	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	8:46am	Train Station	No tags
Train	3:37pm	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	6:12pm	Train Station	No tags
Train	3:37pm	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	6:12pm	Train Station	No tags

Next departures for San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara on November 30
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	6:11am	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	8:46am	Train Station	Cheapest
Train	4:20pm	AMTRAK Station	2h 34m	6:54pm	Train Station	Fastest
Train	6:11am	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	8:46am	Train Station	No tags
Train	3:37pm	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	6:12pm	Train Station	No tags
Train	3:37pm	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	6:12pm	Train Station	No tags

Next departures for San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara on December 1
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	6:11am	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	8:46am	Train Station	Cheapest
Train	4:20pm	AMTRAK Station	2h 34m	6:54pm	Train Station	Fastest
Train	6:11am	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	8:46am	Train Station	No tags
Train	3:37pm	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	6:12pm	Train Station	No tags
Train	3:37pm	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	6:12pm	Train Station	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Today at 12:09 AM PST.

Compare 2 ways to go from San Luis Obispo 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 2 hours 25 minutes, and with fares starting at just $33, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

6bus per day

2h 25mAverage Duration

132 kmDistance

3kgCO₂ emissions

	Average Price	Average Duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average Price$33 - $85	Average Duration2h 25m	CO₂ emissions 3kg CO₂e
Train	Average Price$40 - $88	Average Duration2h 35m	CO₂ emissions 12kg CO₂e

Where are the popular train stations and stops in San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara?

San Luis Obispo

A
AMTRAK Station
1730 Santa Rosa St, San Luis Obispo, CA 93401, USA
Visit page

Santa Barbara

A
Train Station
224 Chapala St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
Visit page
B
Greyhound Station
224 Chapala St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, USA

Train companies

Amtrak

4/55,604 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

Wifi3.6

Based on 5604 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 $40

Amtrak San Luis Obispo Santa Barbara recent customer reviews

Easy journey

Erin M.

July 10, 2023

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

Frequently asked questions about travelling from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara by train

How much does a cheap train ticket from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara cost?
The average train ticket price from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara is $53. The best way to find cheap train tickets from San Luis Obispo 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 Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara?
A train trip between San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara is around 2h 35m, although the fastest train will take about 2h 34m. This is the time it takes to travel the 124 km that separates the two cities.
How many daily trains are there between San Luis Obispo and Santa Barbara?
The number of trains from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara can differ depending on the day of the week. On average, there are 3. Some trains are direct while others include transferring trains. Simplify your train trip from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara by comparing and selecting the train that fits your travel style and budget on Busbud.
Which train companies travel from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara?
When taking the train from San Luis Obispo 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

11-22

$50

11-23

$50

Today

$50

11-25

$50

11-26

$50

11-27

$50

11-28

$50

11-29

$50

The cheapest trip from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara was searched and found on Nov 22, 2025 with a price of $50

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

You can expect to pay from $50 to $334 for a train ticket from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at $50 which is on 2025-11-25.