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 £29. 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 train 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 77 miles that separates the two cities.

How many daily train 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 £20 | Refundable Tickets

Next train departures

Next departures from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara on 25 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	06:11	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	08:46	Train Station	Cheapest
Train	16:20	AMTRAK Station	2h 34m	18:54	Train Station	Fastest
Train	06:11	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	08:46	Train Station	No tags
Train	15:37	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	18:12	Train Station	No tags
Train	15:37	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	18:12	Train Station	No tags

Next departures from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara on 26 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	06:11	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	08:46	Train Station	Cheapest
Train	16:20	AMTRAK Station	2h 34m	18:54	Train Station	Fastest
Train	06:11	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	08:46	Train Station	No tags
Train	15:37	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	18:12	Train Station	No tags
Train	15:37	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	18:12	Train Station	No tags

Next departures from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara on 27 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	06:11	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	08:46	Train Station	Cheapest
Train	16:20	AMTRAK Station	2h 34m	18:54	Train Station	Fastest
Train	06:11	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	08:46	Train Station	No tags
Train	15:37	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	18:12	Train Station	No tags
Train	15:37	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	18:12	Train Station	No tags

Next departures from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara on 28 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	06:11	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	08:46	Train Station	Cheapest
Train	16:20	AMTRAK Station	2h 34m	18:54	Train Station	Fastest
Train	06:11	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	08:46	Train Station	No tags
Train	15:37	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	18:12	Train Station	No tags
Train	15:37	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	18:12	Train Station	No tags

Next departures from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara on 29 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	06:11	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	08:46	Train Station	Cheapest
Train	16:20	AMTRAK Station	2h 34m	18:54	Train Station	Fastest
Train	06:11	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	08:46	Train Station	No tags
Train	15:37	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	18:12	Train Station	No tags
Train	15:37	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	18:12	Train Station	No tags

Next departures from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara on 30 November
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	06:11	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	08:46	Train Station	Cheapest
Train	16:20	AMTRAK Station	2h 34m	18:54	Train Station	Fastest
Train	06:11	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	08:46	Train Station	No tags
Train	15:37	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	18:12	Train Station	No tags
Train	15:37	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	18:12	Train Station	No tags

Next departures from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara on 1 December
Vehicle type	Departure time	Departure location	Trip duration	Arrival time	Arrival location	Recommended
Train	06:11	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	08:46	Train Station	Cheapest
Train	16:20	AMTRAK Station	2h 34m	18:54	Train Station	Fastest
Train	06:11	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	08:46	Train Station	No tags
Train	15:37	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	18:12	Train Station	No tags
Train	15:37	AMTRAK Station	2h 35m	18:12	Train Station	No tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 22:26 PST.

Compare 2 ways to travel 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 £19, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

5bus per day

2h 25mAverage duration

75 milesDistance

3kgCO₂ emissions

	Average price	Average duration	CO₂ emissions	Actions
Bus	Average price£19 - £42	Average duration2h 25m	CO₂ emissions 3kg CO₂e
Train	Average price£22 - £48	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

4/55,606 reviews

Staff4.7

Timeliness3.8

Cleanliness4.6

WiFi3.6

Based on 5606 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 Wi-Fi. Amtrak ticket prices on this trip start at £22

Amtrak San Luis Obispo Santa Barbara recent customer reviews

Easy journey

Erin M.

10 July 2023

US train 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 £29. 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 train 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 77 miles that separates the two cities.
How many daily train 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

22/11

£27

23/11

£27

Today

£27

25/11

£27

26/11

£27

27/11

£27

28/11

£27

29/11

£27

The cheapest trip from San Luis Obispo to Santa Barbara was searched and found on 22 Nov 2025 with a price of £27

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 £27 to £181 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 £27, which is on 2025-11-25.