Train from Santa Barbara to San Diego, CA, US: Tickets & Timetables

Next departures

Next departures from Santa Barbara to San Diego on 13 December
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
Amtrak
Train Station
Santa Fe DepotCheapest
Amtrak
Train Station
Old Town San DiegoFastest
Amtrak
Train Station
Santa Fe DepotNo tags
Amtrak
Train Station
Santa Fe DepotNo tags
Amtrak
Train Station
Santa Fe DepotNo tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 9:08 PM PST.

Compare 2 ways to travel from Santa Barbara to San Diego

We recommend taking the train

Among the sustainable travel choices, the train stands out as a good way to reach San Diego. The journey takes about 6 hours 15 minutes and with fares starting at just R 809, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

13train per day
6h 15mAverage duration
301 kmDistance
27kgCO₂ emissions
Bus
Average priceR 677 - R 1 628Average duration7h 30m
8kg CO₂e
Train
Average priceR 809 - R 2 133Average duration6h 15m
27kg CO₂e

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

Please note that timetables, routes, or operator details shown here may be updated or differ at the time of your trip.

  1. How much is the train ticket from Santa Barbara to San Diego?

    The cheapest train tickets from Santa Barbara to San Diego start from R 809. The average price for this train route is around R 809. Busbud recommends booking your tickets in advance for a better chance to secure the lowest possible price.

  2. How long is the train journey from Santa Barbara to San Diego?

    The average train journey time from Santa Barbara to San Diego is 6h 15m, covering a distance of 301 km. The quickest train can get you there in 5h 53m and is operated by Amtrak.

  3. Which train operators serve the Santa Barbara to San Diego route?

    Several major train operators run on this route, with 13 trains available per day.

  4. What are the earliest and latest departure times for the train from Santa Barbara to San Diego?

    The earliest train from Santa Barbara to San Diego departs at 06:53. And the latest train departs at 18:57.

Find cheapest prices for trains

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

Best price found
10/12
R 761
11/12
R 761
Today
R 761
13/12
R 761
14/12
R 761
15/12
R 761
16/12
R 761
17/12
R 761
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Santa Barbara to San Diego, CA, US was searched and found on 10 Dec 2025 with a price of R 761

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

You can expect to pay from R 761 to R 6 138 for a train ticket from Santa Barbara to San Diego, CA, US based on the last 2 days. You can expect to find the cheapest price for the trip at R 761, which is on 2025-12-13.

What's the cheapest way to go from Santa Barbara to San Diego, CA, US?

busbud logoThe train is the cheapest travel choice for this destination

The best way to travel between Santa Barbara and San Diego, CA, US is by train. By choosing the train, you'll get to save some money as you travel to your destination, as ticket prices cost R 809 on average. If you're on a budget, you'll find cheap tickets from R 809. If you're looking for the fastest way to get to San Diego, CA, US, choose the train, as it will take you from Santa Barbara to San Diego, CA, US in about 6h 15m – that's the fastest way to get there!

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