train horn

Question

I am looking at hotels in Santa Barbara, possibly south of the 101. How often do trains come through and blow their horns? What time of day or night. Any suggestions for hotels that the train horns aren't heard?

Answer

In Santa Barbara, trains run along the Union Pacific line that parallels the 101 freeway, especially through the southern parts of the city. These tracks are used by both freight trains and Amtrak’s Pacific Surfliner. Trains do sound their horns at road crossings, which is required by federal law, so you will hear them whenever a train approaches a crossing near your hotel.

Frequency and timing:

Freight trains typically pass a few times a day, but schedules can vary.
Amtrak trains are less frequent, generally a few times daily in each direction.
Trains can run early morning, daytime, and into the evening, so horn sounds are not limited to daytime hours.

Hotels south of the 101, particularly closer to the tracks near Goleta or near the Santa Barbara Airport, may be more exposed to train horns. The intensity of noise depends on the distance from the tracks and whether your room faces the tracks.

Hotel suggestions to minimize train noise:

Choose hotels on the north side of the 101 freeway, away from the tracks, such as those closer to downtown Santa Barbara or along the waterfront.
Hotels set further inland, away from State Street and the freeway corridor, tend to be quieter.
Call ahead to request rooms that do not face the tracks or freeway; many hotels can accommodate this request.

Examples of quieter areas include neighborhoods like Montecito or the eastern edge of Santa Barbara, where you are farther from the train line. Staying near the waterfront north of the tracks also provides a more peaceful environment while still being close to attractions.

Overall, if train horn noise is a major concern, prioritizing hotels on the north side of the 101 and requesting rooms away from the tracks will give you the best chance of a quiet stay.

train horn

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