Dreaming of a coastal escape to the “American Riviera” without the hassle of traffic or parking? Amtrak offers a scenic and relaxing way to arrive in Santa Barbara, dropping you right in the heart of the action.
While “SBA” is commonly known as the airport code for Santa Barbara Municipal Airport, when it comes to Amtrak, there’s one primary, centrally located station that serves the city. This guide will give you everything you need to know about arriving by train!
Santa Barbara’s Amtrak Station: The Historic Hub
Santa Barbara’s Amtrak station isn’t just a point of arrival; it’s a piece of local history. Housed in a beautifully preserved Spanish Colonial Revival building, it perfectly sets the tone for your visit to this charming city.
- Station Name: Santa Barbara Station (SBA)
- Address: 209 State St, Santa Barbara, CA 93101
- Station Code: SBA (yes, even for the train station!)
Why choose Amtrak to Santa Barbara?
- Scenic Views: Enjoy stunning ocean vistas as the train hugs the coastline.
- Stress-Free Travel: Skip the traffic on Highway 101 and let someone else do the driving.
- Central Location: The station is ideally situated, just steps from the beach, Stearns Wharf, State Street, and the vibrant Funk Zone.
- Eco-Friendly: A greener way to travel compared to driving solo.
Station Features & Amenities:
- Historic Architecture: Admire the iconic design and well-maintained grounds.
- Waiting Area: Comfortable seating while you await your train.
- Restrooms: Available for passengers.
- Staffed Ticket Office: Purchase tickets, check bags, and get assistance.
- Quik-Trak Kiosk: Self-service ticketing.
- Baggage Service: Checked baggage is available for certain routes (e.g., Coast Starlight).
- Accessibility: The station is ADA compliant, with accessible platforms and facilities.
- Parking: A paid parking lot is available adjacent to the station, but it can fill up quickly, especially on weekends.
Getting Around from the Station:
Upon arrival, you’ll find it incredibly easy to explore:
- Walk: Many hotels, restaurants, shops, and attractions (Stearns Wharf, State Street, Funk Zone, West Beach) are within easy walking distance.
- Local Buses (MTD): Santa Barbara Metropolitan Transit District (MTD) buses have stops nearby, offering connections throughout the city. The famous Downtown/Waterfront Shuttle runs along State Street and to the wharf.
- Taxis & Rideshares: Uber and Lyft are readily available.
- Rental Cars: Several rental car agencies have offices a short walk or ride from the station.
Amtrak Routes Serving Santa Barbara
Santa Barbara is a stop on two of Amtrak’s most popular West Coast routes:
- Pacific Surfliner:
- Route: Connects San Luis Obispo with San Diego, passing through Santa Barbara, Ventura, Oxnard, Los Angeles, Orange County.
- Frequency: Multiple daily departures in both directions.
- Experience: A popular commuter and regional service known for its frequent stops and breathtaking coastal scenery.
- Coast Starlight:
- Route: A long-distance, scenic journey connecting Seattle and Los Angeles, with Santa Barbara as a key stop.
- Frequency: One daily departure in each direction.
- Experience: Known for its Observation Car, sleeping accommodations, and a longer, more luxurious train travel experience. It offers a more extensive trip up the California coast and beyond.
Key Distances & Travel Times from Santa Barbara (SBA)
Here’s a breakdown of approximate travel times to major cities and how to reach key airports from Santa Barbara by train and connecting transport.
By Train to Major Cities:
- Los Angeles (Union Station – LAX):
- Distance: Approximately 95 miles
- Travel Time: ~2 hours 30 minutes to 3 hours (on Pacific Surfliner)
- Connecting to LAX: From LA Union Station, take the FlyAway bus directly to LAX (approx. 45-60 minutes, runs frequently). Total travel time from Santa Barbara to LAX via train/bus is roughly 3.5 to 4.5 hours.
- San Diego (Santa Fe Depot – SAN):
- Distance: Approximately 170 miles
- Travel Time: ~5 hours 30 minutes to 6 hours (on Pacific Surfliner, requires a transfer at LAX)
- Connecting to SAN: From San Diego’s Santa Fe Depot, it’s a short taxi/rideshare or public transit ride to San Diego International Airport (SAN).
- San Luis Obispo (SLO):
- Distance: Approximately 100 miles
- Travel Time: ~1 hour 45 minutes to 2 hours 15 minutes (on Pacific Surfliner or Coast Starlight)
- Oakland / Emeryville (for San Francisco):
- Distance: Approximately 350 miles
- Travel Time: ~8 hours 30 minutes to 9 hours 30 minutes (on Coast Starlight)
- Connecting to San Francisco: From Emeryville station, Amtrak provides a connecting bus directly to San Francisco’s Financial District (approx. 30 minutes).
- Sacramento (SAC):
- Distance: Approximately 430 miles
- Travel Time: ~10 hours 30 minutes to 11 hours 30 minutes (on Coast Starlight)
- Portland, Oregon (PDX):
- Distance: Approximately 880 miles
- Travel Time: ~23 to 25 hours (on Coast Starlight)
- Seattle, Washington (SEA):
- Distance: Approximately 1,180 miles
- Travel Time: ~30 to 32 hours (on Coast Starlight)
To Nearby Airports (by car/taxi from the train station):
- Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA):
- Distance: ~9-10 miles from the Amtrak station
- Travel Time: ~15-20 minutes by car/taxi/rideshare. No direct train connection.
- Hollywood Burbank Airport (BUR):
- Distance: ~85-90 miles
- Travel Time: You can take the Pacific Surfliner to the “Burbank Airport – South” station (~2 hours 15 minutes) and then a shuttle to the terminal. Total journey is around 2.5-3 hours.
- John Wayne Airport (SNA) – Orange County:
- Distance: ~130 miles
- Travel Time: Take the Pacific Surfliner to the Santa Ana (SNA) or Irvine (IRV) station (~4 hours), then a short taxi/rideshare to the airport. Total journey around 4.5-5 hours.
Tips for Your Amtrak Journey to Santa Barbara:
- Book in Advance: Especially for the Coast Starlight or during peak season, tickets can sell out.
- Check Train Status: Always check the Amtrak app or website for real-time updates on departures and arrivals.
- Arrive Early: Give yourself ample time to find parking (if driving to the station), check bags, and board.
- Enjoy the Views: Don’t forget your camera! The coastal stretch north and south of Santa Barbara is breathtaking.
- Bring Snacks/Drinks: While some trains have cafés, it’s always good to have your own provisions.
Arriving in Santa Barbara by Amtrak is an experience in itself – a relaxing prelude to your time in this beautiful coastal city. So, sit back, enjoy the scenery, and let the train take you to the heart of the American Riviera!
Leave a Reply