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How to get fromSanta Barbara to San Marcosby train (Amtrak), bus (Flixbus), car, plane, bus, or tram

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There are 5 ways to get from Santa Barbara to San Marcos by train (Amtrak), bus (Flixbus), car, plane, bus, or tram

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
    6h 12m
    $61–131

  2. Bus (Flixbus)

    cheapest
    1. Take the bus from Santa Barbara Bus Stop to Los Angeles Union Stationbus bus FlixBus 2005
    2. Take the bus from Los Angeles Downtown to Oceanside Transportation Centerbus bus FlixBus 2017
    7h 29m
    $32–54

  3. Drive 192.3 mi

    1. Drive from Santa Barbara to San Marcoscar car 192.3 mi
    3h 23m
    $36–51

  4. Fly to San Diego International Airport, bus, tram

    1. Fly from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to San Diego International Airport (SAN)plane plane SBA - SAN
    2. Take the bus from Broadway & 1st Av to Escondido Transit Centerbus bus
    3. Take the tram from Escondido Transit Center to San Marcos Civic Center Stationtram tram
    5h 12m
    $166–239

  5. Fly to Mcclellan–Palomar Airport

    1. Fly from Santa Barbara Municipal Airport (SBA) to Mcclellan–Palomar Airport (CLD)plane plane SBA - CLD
    5h 17m
    $70–282

Santa Barbara to San Marcos by train and tram (Amtrak)

Calendar42Weekly Services
Duration6h 12mAverage Duration
Ticket$61Cheapest Price
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Questions & Answers

Map of how to get from Santa Barbara to San Marcos.ExpandLaunch map view
  • Distance: 205.5 mi
  • Duration: 6h 12m

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

Amtrak operates a train from Santa Barbara to Oceanside every 4 hours. Tickets cost $55–130 and the journey takes 5h 10m. Alternatively, you can take a bus from Santa Barbara Bus Stop to Mission Rd & Pico Av via Los Angeles Union Station, Los Angeles Downtown, Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside Transit Center Stall 10, and Vista Transit Center Stall 7 in around 7h 29m.

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