Although there is a Train Station in Santa Barbara, I've never had a reason to go inside. I just use this Amtrak Station platform to disembark and/or board my train to or from Los Angeles. This is the second busiest station on my journey outside of Union Station in Los Angeles. The parking lot is very close to the platform. You can literally sit in your car until the train arrives and board. Santa Barbara is the second stop on the Southbound trains going to final destination San Diego. At this stop the train is pretty much empty and you can select the seats you want. I always choose a forward moving ocean view seat. This route is called the Pacific Surfliner. It's approximately a 3-hour one way ride to/from Union Station in Los Angeles. Beautiful journey. read more

This station is great! It's super easy to navigate. There is always someone to help guide you in the correction if you need any assistance. There is a parking lot so there is plenty of parking. Just make sure that you get it validated so you don't pay the hourly rate. read more

Amtrak Station - Public Transportation Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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I recently took the Amtrak from Anaheim to this station at Santa Barbara to catch an Amtrak Thruway Connector Bus. The station itself has some small details of architecture that replicates the old train station feel, but otherwise, a simple station for transfers to your next train or connector bus. The scheduling from the Amtrak train to the bus was impeccably flawless - the connector bus was waiting for us as we boarded off from the train. Worth the train travel if you don't want to drive. read more

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Located right in the funk zone of Santa Barbara make this an excellent station to hop on and off. From here you can walk to the beach, bars and restaurants in Funk Zone or even downtown in about 20 minutes. Or you can grab an uber. The train station is small and quaint- but gets the job down. At the station there is a small building to purchase tickets, sit about and to use the bathroom. The bathroom only has a couple of stalls and they are locked- so get the password. You may also need to hold your nose, as smells like sewage- but at least there is a bathroom on the premises. Very limited seating outside, thus people were siting on the ground. Would be nice to have more cover seating outside. Parking exist onsite- but there is a fee for parking. read more

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The ride itself was relaxing, affordable, and convenient. However, boarding was a bit stressful because there weren't clear signs indicating which doors would open for passengers to board. Once on the train, it was also somewhat difficult to find available seating. Overall, the trip was good, but I think the boarding process and seating organization could be improved. Next time, I would definitely purchase a Business Class seat and hope for a smoother experience. read more

Environment was good. Services was good. Pretty cool place to chill and hang out here read more

Amtrak Station - Public Transportation Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Taking the train from LA to SB has been on our list of things to do for yearrrrs! So glad we decided to jump on this adventure for our first wedding anniversary (NYE). The ride was smooth, seats were spacious with plenty of leg space, staff was friendly, and they provided snackies!!! Snack boxes were provided on both rides to and from. The morning ride from LA to SB offered coffee, pastries, and the snack box. The ride home in the afternoon (4 days later) offered a complimentary beverage (soda, water, beer, or wine) and the snack box. We were also able to bring our own food and drinks on the train. Being able to park at the station and immediately jump on the train made our trip practically seamless and so easy. We are already looking at options for our next trip. read more

Amtrak Station - Amtrak from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara for anniversary week - Public Transportation Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Well, truth be told, not all train stations are created equal but one common theme that this station nails just like most other stations on the Pacific Surfliner line is the way it attracts the homeless population. I wasn't bothered too much until one guy started feeding the seagulls his scraps and that made for quite the show. The "Amtrak Police" that were parked in plain view did absolutely nothing about it, but that being said, I probably wouldn't have either. The inside of the station is unbelievably bare bones and gives no vibe whatsoever to want to sit indoors. It's quiet, it's small, and to be honest, pretty creepy. I chose to sit outside where the seating is very limited so I sat a little further away on some uncomfortable brick bench type thing closer to the Greyhound station. Hey, at the end of the day, it's a train station. The train was on time for both arrival and departure so that counts for something. read more

We took the Amtrack from Oceanside to Santa Barbara. It was our first time traveling up North via train. It was a fun and relaxing experience! Highly recommend for a day one doesn't want to drive and just wants to enjoy a comfortable and relaxing trip. There's clean bathrooms and snack areas. We sat in the business class area. It was quieter and there were placed to sleep. The views of the ocean and mountains were phenomenal! Highly recommend! read more

Absolutely loved Business Class! It's quite peaceful and comfortable. You get to enjoy comp coffee water and pastry in the morning in the afternoon you get a travel box with a choice of sodas wine or beer. Although some seats foot stool didn't work it was still a smooth rides read more

Amtrak Station - Public Transportation Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

A ten minute stop on the way from Los Angeles to Seattle on the Coast Starlight Amtrak, the Santa Barbara Amtrak Station is a quintennial Southern California location: Spanish southwest architecture, palm trees, open air. They allowed us to step off of the train for a few minutes to look around. It was a 10 minute stop, so didn't have much time to look around, but was able to snap a few pictures. Our attendant uses a bright yellow step stool to not only make it easier to step-down, but also to know which car to get back on. Fully intend to revisit this station in the future, hopefully to use it as a destination for our next visit to Santa Barbara. read more

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Santa Barbara has one of the most beautiful train stations I've been in US. The architecture is breath taking. Easy to navigate, outdoors, pretty clean, cutely decorated. Great to use Amtrak and do a day trip or a weekend getaway here, no stress. The station is right in downtown, on State Street, close to Stearns Wharf. It's a great place to start your trip from, great location, as central as possible. Pretty and convenient, clean restrooms. Santa Barbara train station is a landmark! read more

Used this Amtrak station to hop on a train and head South to San Diego. It's such a cute train stop- very Santa Barbara with Spanish elements. They have quite a few places to sit and parking available to leave your car right on site, though you do have to pay. They have bathrooms available for customers to use. All of the staff I encountered were very helpful! read more

Amtrak Station - Train tracks - Public Transportation Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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It was so easy getting into the Amtrak from LA, going to Santa B, then getting back on to go back. I can say this train going back had a special area where you can go see the ocean from the windows! Overall, the train is worth it, especially if you don't wanna drive. We had a good time! The tables really made it fun. We played games! The riders were all family oriented. Everyone was napping on the train and buying snacks and eating and also just sight seeing. I would take the Amtrak again. It was only about $40 for business class and $30-$20 for coach. Which you could go sit other places available. It was packed tho. read more

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We took the Amtrak from LA to Santa Barbara and it was an absolutely stunning ride. The views along the coast were incredible, and the train was clean and comfortable. A huge shout-out to our conductor, Cameron, who went above and beyond to make sure everyone was having a great trip. His helpfulness made the experience even better. If we had more Camerons in this world instead of Karens, the world would be a better place. read more

Highly recommend taking the Amtrak when you plan to visit SB for the day. Plenty of options if you're coming from LA/OC. Breeze past the traffic on the 101. Arrive right on State Street. Great place to begin your adventure. Easy access for families with children or older parents. Sojourner, enjoy! read more

Amtrak Station - Santa Barbara history - Public Transportation Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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Always a good experience when I travel with Amtrak. The station is small but plenty of parking. They have some old passenger cars to can view while you wait. read more

The least creeepy Amtrak station I've been to. Beautiful. I love it here. Currently here at night, and it's well-lit, staffed and full of people. read more

Amtrak Station - Public Transportation Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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It was my first visit to the Santa Barbara Amtrak Station and I was impressed. As you get off the train, there is an open space in between you and the train station itself. It has an elegant old town feel and you would think that you are on a Hollywood Western movie set. All that seemed missing were the cowboys. The main building of the station itself, has Spanish architectural design and an inviting feel to it. The inside is small and cozy. The ticket sellers behind the counter are friendly and the restrooms are clean. The station has easy access and you do not have to walk far to meet your ride. I had called for an Uber and it arrived without having to battle through traffic when it reached the station. I know I will be going back to Santa Barbara soon. read more

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This is for Amtrak 11 from Santa barbara. I'm sitting above the bar car and look at the homemade sign by staff. One traveler asked the conductor? When does it open up? Amtrak dude says I don't know. Passenger. Is he on a lunch break? Conductor ya I think so. Passenger. So it will be about an hour? Conductor. I think less than that. So at 720pm around the montecito area still closed. Let's take 10 people by twenty bucks each in 20 min? Do the math. Ok I'm back on. 732 pm guy came back from dinner. All good with me the attendant was great. Suggestion for Amtrak. Stager breaks with attendants i the dining car. Just looking from the cheap seats. Love Amtrak. read more

Amtrak Station - Just watched passenger number 12 see this sign and walk away. - Public Transportation Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

Went from Santa Barbara to San Diego on business class. It was comfortable but I probably wouldn't do this again. They give you a drink and a snack box (microwaved hamburgers and hot dogs are also available in the food area). Bathrooms are on the first level and are pretty decent. WiFi works half of the time. From Santa Barb to LA/Union Station the ride is backwards and then you ride forwards the rest of the way. They don't collect trash (or clean) so it's cool to just throw your trash wherever apparently. The main issue is how hot and stuffy it is on here. What makes it worse is how every new idi0t that comes on, wants to sit huddled in the middle. There's 2-3 rows in both front and back that are empty. Now we're like caged chickens coughing and sweating. These passengers are gross. read more

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I love traveling from Santa Barbara specially when it's early morning, you get to see so much dolphins throughout the ride, The service is always nice and makes it not so scary traveling. Will for sure be riding through here again read more

Amtrak Station - Santa Barbara - Public Transportation Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

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sadly it smells like pee and feels dirty, both inside and outside the station. and once you get a bathroom code to use the bathroom, you learn it is equally disgusting inside the restroom. place looks and smells like it was built and never updated, since 1960, with the added ingredient of human pee. also people outside living on street, blasting music with bad words for my kids to hear. read more

It's got that homey small town feel for sure. Smell and all! lol It's not the most upkept stop but it's right in the middle of everything. Could walk to hotel if you're staying in general downtown area or easier Uber to get where you need to go. There are two entrances so be aware if you're getting picked up. It's relatively safe but be cautious of your surroundings, people, etc. Note that because it's centrally located, it might be hard to find a seat because these trains already have passengers from start locations. Be prepared for 'standing' or sitting next to random people or breaking up your travel party. read more

A little chilly in the morning and difficult to find at night, but available while waiting for transfers. The restrooms feel quite small, but the chairs and surrounding areas are comfortable for tourists that want to wind down. The walls are dark, and the lighting isn't too strong in the morning - perfect for those who want a quick break / nap at 6am. There is also notice so that travelers don't miss connecting trains / buses. read more

Not to be confused with Santa, which is a dude that brings you presents, and Barbara Ann, which is a girl that the Beach Boys were into and stuff. This station is at 224 Chapala Street and is a cute reddish brownish orange miniature station that serves the beach town really well. It looks kind of beach like, which is awesome, and because of this, it fits in well in Santa Barbara, which is a very sleepy town considering how crazy LA is. It closes for 3 hours a day, which is hilarious, from 11 till 2. Now that's a long lunch break! The Amtrak trains also stop here, and they have those beautiful archways and what not - it's amazing. On the way into the station, you'll be whisked past gorgeous beaches and over an amazing viaduct that literally crosses coves and beaches and rocks. It's an amazing part of the world and one which you should feel very lucky to live in. I always feel lucky to visit. read more

Very strange. Our train was almost 3 hours late. We came in to check our bags about 1 hour before the arrival. The woman said "You have missed the cutoff for the Coast Starlight. It was three hours ago." I asked Are you nuts? The train is 3 hours late! She said she would make an exception for us. WHAT ????? read more

The outside of the building itself looks like the old west missionary style of architecture. It's nice and old fashioned. Plenty of shiny wooden seats. Bright room to wait for the train. Amazing how the smell matches the room environment. Surprisingly the station has stepped up a notch by having a vending machine in the corner with its one and only electrical outlet. Their public service announcement system works well. The customer service representatives are very courteous and pleasant. They were professional and helpful. read more

Small but convenient to the downtown area as well as the State St. entertainment area. We have used Amtrak several times and enjoy the convenience. Seating is available both inside and out. The restroom was clean and welcomed. Recommended. read more

It is really too bad the station is run by some of the worst people on the earth, because it is otherwise a cute station. If you have a bus transfer through Amtrak, it is very confusing which bus is going where and some of the bus drivers are horrid, angry men that spit in your face instead of assist a disable woman find the proper place to wait to transfer. I have also witnessed bus drivers leaving passengers behind for no reason on multiple occasions, just driver off and leave the poor passenger standing there freaking out how to get to their destinations. The employees inside? Forget it. Disgusting, rude, vile humans that seem to only care about collecting their paycheck and going home. They should work elsewhere where customer interaction is not involved. Shockingly, of the many Amtrak stations I have been to nationwide, Santa Barbara is by far the most atrocious station I have ever been to. Amtrak would do better closing it, firing this entire staff and bus company then using Goleta for this entire area. However, Amtrak customer service in general has declined so much over the years, I would be surprised if they even care. If you don't have to deal with employees or buses, this would be 4 stars for sure. It is rare I would recommend Greyhound over Amtrak, however in this case I would. read more

To many smokers here, so posed to be smoke free. Well I guess that means free smoke. Cigarette butts everywhere. Appears no one cares.

So after a pleasant ride from San Diego, this disrespectful, racist gentleman refused to give me the code to the bathroom and insisted that I was not a passenger of Amtrak. Even when I showed my ticket, he gave me the wrong code and then disappeared. His badge says one name but the oddly disturbed man hovering about kept calling him Dominic. Rude, racist behavior is unacceptable at any time and should not be tolerated. Unfortunately, Amtrak wouldn't respond to my chat, email or phone call so I guess this is considered ok. Rest assured I won't let it go. Has anyone else experienced this kind of treatment at the Amtrak station? Curious if it is directed towards people of color. This guy was hostile and antagonistic to a degree that was unnecessary. read more

Amtrak Station - Rude and antagonistic ! - Public Transportation Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

I love riding on the train (as opposed to driving) when traveling. The trains offer comfortable/roomy seating, excellent customer service, bathrooms, air conditioning, snack bar, bus service to help you reach your destination where there's no train service, commuter service, beautiful views, relaxation and a cart to pick you and your luggage up to take you either to the train or the main train station. It's the best way to travel! I would highly recommend Amtrak as your choice of travel. All Aboard! read more

Gayle and I came down to Santa Barbara in the Coast Starlight (#11). It was a very pleasant 10 hour journey (more or less) down from Emeryville and the highlight is when the train runs along the ocean south of San Luis Obispo. We relaxed, we napped, we chatted with ourselves and others, and we had a decent breakfast and lunch in the Dining Car. And it all went by so fast! The train uses Amtrak's double-decker Superliner equipment (with very comfortable seating), including a not-too-crowded Sightseer Lounge car that has floor-to-ceiling windows to watch the passing scenery. There's also a canteen on the lower level for snacks, but watch out for passing traffic on that narrow stairway. The Coast Starlight is also the only train on the Amtrak system that features a first-class Pacific Parlour lounge car for sleeping-car passengers, offering complimentary beverages, a library and games, a no-longer-free afternoon wine tasting, and a movie theater in the lower level. My son and I will be travelling next month to Portland on a Sleeper and we look forward to checking some of this out. Please also note that on the Coast Starlight, outlets for charging your electronics are pretty much limited to one spot in the Observation Car and maybe the Sleepers. But then again, do you really want to have your nose in your laptop or cell phone when all this gorgeous scenery and conversation opportunities around you? The Coast Starlight rolled into Santa Barbara on time at a little past 6 PM. I love coming into this station, with the beautiful architecture of the building and the well maintained inside seating and ticketing areas. I'm also a big fan of the big 1870 (ish) vintage tree just a few steps away. State Street and the water are also close. In fact, it would be very easy to shop, dine, explore, and comfortably spend a weekend from here without without ever needing a car. read more

Amtrak SB is a clean and friendly station. There is also a Greyhound bus station and several available taxi cabs for your travel needs. The trains depart and arrive as scheduled, and when purchasing a ticket there is rarely a line. All Aboard! read more

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Well this was a lot worse for customer service than the train down to santa barbara. People are traveling and it can get hectic. Needless to say the workers should be calm so that everyone stays calm. Not raise their voice in a panic telling you where you need to be. Three stars for the customer service. As for being clean, this one is a lot cleaner than the one coming down and a lot bigger. One thing that is pretty bad is the snack bar. On this train "the coast starline" I guess is what it's called (goes all the way to seattle) is that when the clerk goes on lunch there is nobody to cover for them so we were all waiting to get something to eat for I think it was an hour. They should have somebody cover for them. read more

Though there is no signage in front, once you figure out where the station is, it's not so bad. A working bathroom, too. The FlixBus boards from the corner of Chapala and Montecito (again, no clear signage). Check out the "El Capitan Portola was here" plaque on Montecito, while you're waiting for your bus. read more

The Santa Barbara and Davis trains need to revisit their policy for bikes. They are 20% full for January 18,2022 and cannot accommodate an extra carry on bike or bikes which is ludicrous and is burning extra money from people. There is no baggage either, so I cannot even box my road bike and bring it on after a phone call with a rep. Let me repeat this...20% capacity and AMTRAK cannot find a way to help me and get my bike on the train to go back up to Davis. This is an absolute joke and you are losing customers due to not making exceptions especially when the train is not anywhere near close to capacity. read more

Amtrak Station - Public Transportation Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

There are lots of areas to sit down inside while waiting for the train. There are wheelchair accessible bathrooms that appear to be well maintained. This Amtrak station seems historical and has an artsy architectural vibe: there is parking available, though/ I would not recommend leaving a car unattended for more than 1 day. I enjoy the sb Amtrak station and look forward to my next visit. I find this public form of transportation to be efficient and affordable. Thank you For reading read more

Amtrak Station - East place to cross - Public Transportation Near Me - Santa Barbara, California

This Rating is for the trains of Amtrack. I think the pictures explain itself... I dont need more to explain... Maybe that you pay 5$ for a ugly microwave burger? The service was not friendly and she put very loud music with Bluetooth boxes. No Go. read more

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