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

Next train departures

Next departures from Santa Barbara to San Diego on 31 January
Operated byVehicle typeDeparture timeDeparture locationTrip durationArrival timeArrival locationRecommendedPrice and booking link
AmtrakTrain
Train Station
Santa Fe DepotCheapest
AmtrakTrain
Train Station
Old Town San DiegoFastest
AmtrakTrain
Train Station
Santa Fe DepotNo tags
AmtrakTrain
Train Station
Santa Fe DepotNo tags
AmtrakTrain
Train Station
Santa Fe DepotNo tags

Last refresh of the prices: Yesterday at 6:08 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 761, it presents an excellent value for a comfortable ride.

14train per day
6h 15mAverage duration
301 kmDistance
27kgCO₂ emissions
Bus
Average priceR 662 - R 1 695Average duration7h 45m
8kg CO₂e
Train
Average priceR 761 - R 2 007Average 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 761. The average price for this train route is around R 761. 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 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 14 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
28/01
R 716
29/01
R 716
Today
R 716
31/01
R 716
01/02
R 716
02/02
R 716
03/02
R 716
04/02
R 716
busbud logoThe cheapest trip from Santa Barbara to San Diego, CA, US was searched and found on 28 Jan 2026 with a price of R 716

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 716 to R 5 777 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 716, which is on 2026-01-31.

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 761 on average. If you're on a budget, you'll find cheap tickets from R 761. 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!

People from around the world trust Busbud

‌