- Must visit
The Getty Center
Hilltop art museum with European paintings, sculpture, gardens, and striking architecture plus sweeping city views.
Cheapest price
€25
Average price
€26
Fastest journey
2 h
Average duration
2 h
Trains per day
2
Distance
129 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Carlsbad, CA to Los Angeles, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Carlsbad, CA to Los Angeles, CA will cost around €26 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only €25.
Of the 2 trains that leave Carlsbad, CA for Los Angeles, CA on Wed, Aug 05, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct trains cover the 129 km distance in an average of 2 h but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest trains will take 2 h and usually involve a change or two along the way, but you might be able to save a few pennies if you’re on a budget.




Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Carlsbad, CA to Los Angeles, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €13. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 1m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €13, and a train costs an average of €25.
Distance: 80 miles (129 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
€25 Average price | €25 Average price Cheapest | €21 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
2h 31m Average total duration Fastest 2h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 11m Average total duration 2h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 36m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Carlsbad, CA to Los Angeles, CA:
A bus is €0.45 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Carlsbad, CA to Los Angeles, CA costing on average €25.
Other travel options to Los Angeles, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 2h 41m.
Tickets start at around €25 compared to roughly €21 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about €-4.93. The journey takes 2h 1m versus 1h 36m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Carlsbad, CA to Los Angeles, CA trains for today, Monday, August 3. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
761 Pacific Surfliner | 4:57 AM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 2h00 | 6:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
761 Pacific Surfliner | 4:57 AM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 2h28 | 7:25 AM Glendale Transportation Center, Glendale, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
765 Pacific Surfliner | 6:57 AM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 2h00 | 8:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
765 Pacific Surfliner | 6:57 AM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 2h28 | 9:25 AM Glendale Transportation Center, Glendale, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
567 Pacific Surfliner | 7:57 AM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 2h00 | 9:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
769 Pacific Surfliner | 8:57 AM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 2h28 | 11:25 AM Glendale Transportation Center, Glendale, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
769 Pacific Surfliner | 8:57 AM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 2h00 | 10:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
573 Pacific Surfliner | 10:57 AM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 2h00 | 12:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
777 Pacific Surfliner | 12:57 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 2h28 | 3:25 PM Glendale Transportation Center, Glendale, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
777 Pacific Surfliner | 12:57 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 2h00 | 2:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
579 Pacific Surfliner | 1:57 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 2h00 | 3:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
581 Pacific Surfliner | 2:57 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 2h00 | 4:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
785 Pacific Surfliner | 4:57 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 2h28 | 7:25 PM Glendale Transportation Center, Glendale, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
785 Pacific Surfliner | 4:57 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 2h00 | 6:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
587 Pacific Surfliner | 5:57 PM Oceanside Transportation Center, Oceanside, CA | 2h07 | 8:04 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train prices over the next three weeks. See the best deals at a glance, find the lowest fares, and choose the option that fits your budget.
Trains from Carlsbad, CA to Los Angeles, CA run on average 15 times per day, taking around 2h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at €25 but you can travel from only €13 by bus.
There are 14 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:40, the last at 22:57. The fastest train covers the 80 miles (129 km) distance in 2h 0m.
Distance 80 miles (129 km) |
Average train duration 2h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price €25 |
Trains per day 15 |
Direct trains 14 |
Fastest train 2h 0m |
First train 4:40 AM |
Last train 10:57 PM |
Cheapest Month Jan |
Cheapest Day Wed |
High Season Apr - Jun |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 1 day |
Discover the best of Los Angeles, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Los Angeles, CA trip today.
Hilltop art museum with European paintings, sculpture, gardens, and striking architecture plus sweeping city views.
Major contemporary art museum in Downtown LA, known for broad collections, special shows, and bold architecture.
World-class encyclopedic museum on Wilshire Boulevard, famous for diverse collections and the Urban Light installation.
Legendary boulevard known for the Walk of Fame, theaters, neon, and classic Hollywood atmosphere mixed with tourist energy.
Lively beachside promenade with street performers, Muscle Beach, and easy access to the Venice Boardwalk scene.
Major urban park with trails, the observatory, picnic areas, and some of the best public views in Los Angeles.
A bacon-wrapped hot dog grilled on a street cart and topped with peppers, onions, mustard, ketchup, and mayo. A late-night Los Angeles street food classic.
A French dip sandwich of thin-sliced roast beef on a roll, often dipped in meat jus. Los Angeles claims the original and locals still debate the best version.
Double corn tortillas filled with stewed beef, birria broth, onions, and cilantro. A beloved Los Angeles Mexican staple, especially popular from trucks and taquerias.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant serving a seasonal California tasting menu. Refined, intimate, and one of Los Angeles's most respected special-occasion venues.
Legendary taqueria known for charcoal-grilled carne asada tacos. Casual, fast-paced, and widely considered one of Los Angeles's essential taco stops.
Historic downtown deli linked to the French dip. Old-school counter service and classic sandwiches in a landmark Los Angeles setting.
Los Angeles is pricier than many U.S. cities for hotels, dining, parking, and rides. Budget options exist, but tourist areas and transport costs raise daily spend.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 at cafes for counter service or coffee.
The train connection between Carlsbad, CA and Los Angeles, CA is a convenient option for travelers looking to explore the vibrant culture of Southern California. Operated by Amtrak, this route offers scenic views along the coast while providing comfortable seating and amenities onboard. With multiple departures throughout the day, it's an easy way to travel between these two popular destinations without the hassle of driving.
Traveling from Carlsbad, CA to Los Angeles, CA takes approximately 1 hour and 55 minutes. There are a total of 7 connections available each day, all of which are direct services.
The first daily train journey from Carlsbad, CA departs at 4:57 AM, providing an early start for travelers heading to the vibrant city of Los Angeles. The last departure of the day is scheduled for 11:30 PM, allowing late-night arrivals into LA's bustling nightlife and attractions.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Carlsbad and Los Angeles is $19 (17.1€). The average ticket price typically hovers around $27 (24.3€), making it a convenient option for travelers looking to explore these vibrant Californian cities.
The Hollywood Sign, originally erected in 1923 as an advertisement for a real estate development called "Hollywoodland," has become an iconic symbol of the entertainment industry and dreams of stardom. Its towering letters, standing at 45 feet tall and spanning 350 feet long, attract millions of visitors each year who seek to capture that perfect photo against the backdrop of Los Angeles. Beyond its aesthetic appeal, the sign represents a rich history intertwined with film culture and serves as a reminder of how far Hollywood has come since its humble beginnings.
Perched atop Griffith Park, Griffith Observatory opened in 1935 and quickly became one of Southern California's most beloved landmarks for both locals and tourists alike. This stunning facility not only offers breathtaking views of the city skyline but also provides interactive exhibits about space exploration that ignite curiosity about our universe. The observatory is significant because it democratizes astronomy; entry is free to all visitors, making science accessible while inspiring generations to look up at the stars.
The Getty Center stands out not just for its impressive collection of art ranging from medieval times to contemporary works but also for its striking architecture designed by Richard Meier amidst beautifully landscaped gardens overlooking Los Angeles. Opened in 1997, this cultural haven emphasizes education through various programs while showcasing masterpieces like Van Gogh’s “Irises” within serene surroundings that invite contemplation. A visit here isn’t merely about viewing art; it's an immersive experience where you can appreciate creativity alongside nature’s beauty—truly unique among LA attractions.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Carlsbad, CA to Los Angeles, CA by train. From journey times and ticket prices to direct connections, first and last departures, and even whether the route is scenic, our FAQs cover everything you need to plan your trip. Whether you’re looking for the fastest train, the cheapest option, or tips for making the most of your visit at Los Angeles, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

Most Carlsbad, CA to Los Angeles, CA trains use the Oceanside Transportation Center to Union Station station pair, with some services arriving at Glendale Station. Use this guide to compare Carlsbad, CA and Los Angeles, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Traxx Restaurant, Union Station Cafe, Philippe The Original
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles Downtown, Miyako Hotel Los Angeles, Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza.
Chatsworth Station is 39 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Chatsworth Station has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink options are available at Chatsworth Station.
Ticket office support is available at Chatsworth Station. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Available at Chatsworth Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Chatsworth Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chatsworth Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Van Nuys, Metrolink Station is 25 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Van Nuys, Metrolink Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Ticket office support is available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station.
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