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How to get fromSanta Barbara to Carlsbadby train (Amtrak), car, plane, train, or bus

Find Transport to Carlsbad

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There are 5 ways to get from Santa Barbara to Carlsbad by train (Amtrak), car, plane, train, or bus

Select an option below to see step-by-step directions and to compare ticket prices and travel times in Rome2Rio's travel planner.

  1. Train (Amtrak)

    best
    1. Take the train from Santa Barbara to Oceansidetrain train Pacific Surfliner
    5h 10m
    $60–130

  2. Drive 181 mi

    cheapest
    1. Drive from Santa Barbara to Carlsbadcar car 181 mi
    3h 11m
    $33–48

  3. Fly to San Diego International Airport, train

    1. Fly from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)plane plane SBA - SAN
    2. Take the train from San Diego - Old Town to Carlsbad Village Stationtrain train
    4h 51m
    $162–229

  4. Fly to Mcclellan–Palomar Airport

    1. Fly from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to Mcclellan–Palomar Airport (CLD)plane plane SBA - CLD
    6h 5m
    $48–257

  5. Fly to Los Angeles International Airport, bus

    1. Fly from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)plane plane SBA - LAX
    2. Take the bus from LAX Terminal 3 Shared Rides Stop to Oceansidebus bus
    5h 42m

Santa Barbara to Carlsbad by train (Amtrak)

Calendar42Weekly Trains
Duration5h 10mAverage Duration
Ticket$60Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Santa Barbara to Carlsbad.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 188.7 mi
  • Duration: 5h 10m

What companies run services between Santa Barbara, CA, USA and Carlsbad, CA, USA?

Amtrak operates a train from Santa Barbara to Oceanside every 4 hours. Tickets cost $60–130 and the journey takes 5h 10m. Alternatively, American Airlines, United Airlines, and two other airlines fly from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to Mcclellan–Palomar Airport (CLD) 4 times a day.

Airlines
Train operators
Bus operators

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