The cheapest and fastest trains from Carlsbad, CA to Santa Ana, CA
Cheapest price
$20
Average price
$20
Fastest journey
1 h 5 m
Average duration
1 h 5 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
81 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Carlsbad, CA to Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana, CA will cost around $20 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $20.
Of the 1 trains that leave Carlsbad, CA for Santa Ana, CA on Tue, Jun 23, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, Jun 23 the direct trains cover the 81 km distance in an average of 1 h 5 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 1 h 5 m .
On Tue, Jun 23 the slowest trains will take 1 h 5 m 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.
2:57 AM1h05Carlsbad, CA4:02 AMSanta Ana, CA$201One-way0 transfers
2:57 AM1h05Carlsbad, CA4:02 AMSanta Ana, CA$201One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Carlsbad, CA to Santa Ana, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Carlsbad, CA to Santa Ana, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $15. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 35m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $15, and a train costs an average of $19.
Distance: 50 miles (81 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$20 Average price | $20 Average price Cheapest | $12 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 35m Average total duration 1h 5m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 5m Average total duration Fastest 35m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 58m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Carlsbad, CA to Santa Ana, CA:
A bus is $0.09 (€0.07) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Carlsbad, CA to Santa Ana, CA costing on average $20 (€16).
Other travel options to Santa Ana, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 1h 5m.
Tickets start at around $20 (€16) compared to roughly $12 (€10) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-7.77 (€-6.36). The journey takes 1h 5m versus 58m 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.
Live departures
Carlsbad, CA to Santa Ana, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Carlsbad, CA to Santa Ana, CA trains for tomorrow, Monday, June 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:57 AM Carlsbad, CA | 1h05 | 4:02 AM Santa Ana, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Carlsbad, CA to Santa Ana, CA by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
Jun 22
Jun 23
Jun 24
Jun 25
Jun 26
Jun 27
Jun 28
Journey information
Overview: Train from Carlsbad, CA to Santa Ana, CA
Trains from Carlsbad, CA to Santa Ana, CA run on average 20 times per day, taking around 1h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $19 (€16) but you can travel from only $15 (€13) by bus.
There are 20 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:57, the last at 23:01. The fastest train covers the 50 miles (81 km) distance in 1h 2m.
Distance 50 miles (81 km) |
Average train duration 1h 5m |
Cheapest ticket price $19 (€16) |
Trains per day 20 |
Direct trains 20 |
Fastest train 1h 2m |
First train 4:57 AM |
Last train 11:01 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Fri |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Jul - Sep |
Busiest Day Mon |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 2 days |
Train companies: Amtrak, Metrolink Trains from Carlsbad, CA to Santa Ana, CA trainsAmtrak, Metrolink Trains trains will get you between Carlsbad, CA and Santa Ana, CA from $15 (€13). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
Metrolink Trains
FAQs: Trains from Carlsbad, CA to Santa Ana, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Carlsbad, CA to Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Carlsbad, CA to Santa Ana, CA
Most Carlsbad, CA to Santa Ana, CA trains use the Oceanside Transportation Center to Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center station pair. Use this guide to compare Carlsbad, CA and Santa Ana, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Which Santa Ana, CA station do trains from Carlsbad, CA arrive at?
Getting to Santa Ana Station from Santa Ana city centre
Santa Ana Station is 1 km from Santa Ana city centre. Public transport options include:
Santa Ana Station train station facilities and services
Santa Ana Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Olde Ship British Pub & Restaurant, Chapter One: the modern local
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Santa Ana Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Santa Ana Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Santa Ana Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Santa Ana Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Ana Station: Ramps.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Santa Ana, Courtyard by Marriott Santa Ana, Holiday Inn Santa Ana-Orange County Airport.
Most popular train connections from Carlsbad, CA
More options for your journey from Carlsbad, CA to Santa Ana, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

