Costa Mesa, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train with Amtrak

Fri, Nov 07
+ Add return
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
Italo
iryo
1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
Italo
iryo
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

Travel Information

Compare train and flight for Costa Mesa, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Costa Mesa, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from €34. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 53m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of €34, and a flight costs an average of €358.

Distance: 114 miles (185 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight

€34

Average price

Cheapest

€358

Average price

4h 22m

Average total duration

3h 52m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

3h 53m

Average total duration

Fastest

53m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Compare prices and tickets Costa Mesa, CA to Santa Barbara, CA by train or flight

Compare train and flight 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.

Fri
Nov 07
Sat
Nov 08
Sun
Nov 09
Mon
Nov 10
Tue
Nov 11
Wed
Nov 12
Thu
Nov 13

Journey information

Overview: Train from Costa Mesa, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Costa Mesa, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 17 times per day, taking around 3h 52m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $41 (€34) if you book in advance.

There are 13 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:49, the last at 18:57. The fastest train covers the 114 miles (185 km) distance in 3h 57m.

Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information
Distance
114 miles (185 km)
Average train duration
3h 52m
Cheapest ticket price
$41 (€34)
Trains per day
17
Direct trains
13
Fastest train
3h 57m
First train
05:49
Last train
18:57
Fares are the lowest economy prices found on Omio. Early booking often means lower prices. Prices change daily and are subject to availability. Discount cards, coach trips, and booking fees are not included.
Price information

Train companies: Amtrak from Costa Mesa, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Costa Mesa, CA and Santa Barbara, CA from $41 (€34). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.

Amtrak

About
Amtrak is the main passenger train operator in the United States, providing medium- and long-distance intercity services across 46 states and three Canadian provinces. Operating over 300 trains daily and serving more than 500 destinations, Amtrak connects cities and regions nationwide through routes such as the high-speed Acela in the Northeast Corridor, the scenic Coast Starlight along the West Coast, and the Empire Builder linking Chicago to the Midwest and the Pacific Northwest. Other notable services include the Northeast Regional, Keystone Service, and the unique Auto Train, which allows passengers to bring their cars onboard. Amtrak offers a variety of classes to suit different budgets and travel needs, including Coach, Business, First Class, and Sleeper Class with options like Roomettes, Bedrooms, and Bedroom Suites for overnight journeys. Ticket types include Saver, Value, Flexible, Business, and Premium. Onboard amenities vary by service but may include comfortable seating, Wi-Fi, power outlets, dining options, and lounge access on select trains. Popular routes include Washington, D.C.–Boston, San Diego–San Luis Obispo, San Jose–Sacramento, and Chicago–Seattle.
Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 57m
Cheapest Price
$41 (€34)
Luggage included
2 personal items and 2 carry-on bags included free
Luggage storage
Overhead racks, under seats, and designated luggage areas at end of cars
Cancellation Policy
Cancellation policies depend on ticket type and timing
Refund
Full refund if train is canceled by Amtrak
Amenities on board the train
Wifi
Food sold onboard
Café car with snacks, beverages, and light meals. Long-distance trains have full-service dining cars
Seat reservation
Included in ticket price for Business and First Class. Optional fee for Coach Class
Toilets
USB plugs
Accessibility
Wheelchair spaces, accessible restrooms, Red Cap assistance service, accessible platforms and stations
Pets
Small pets under 20 pounds allowed for $26 fee. Must be in carrier. Service animals travel free
Quiet zone

FAQs: Trains from Costa Mesa, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Costa Mesa, CA to Santa Barbara, 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 Barbara, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
The distance by train from Costa Mesa, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is 114 miles (185 km).
Typically, spending 2 to 3 days in Santa Barbara, CA is ideal to explore its beautiful beaches, vibrant downtown, and cultural attractions.
The first train from Costa Mesa, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 5:49 AM.
In Santa Barbara, CA, visitors can explore State Street for shopping, dining, and entertainment, visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, and take a wine tasting tour in the Santa Ynez Valley. For outdoor activities, enjoy a scenic hike in the Santa Ynez Mountains and visit the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. Best sights include the historic Santa Barbara Mission, Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara Zoo, and the unique Lotusland botanical garden.
The last train from Costa Mesa, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 6:57 PM.
Train ticket prices from Costa Mesa, CA to Santa Barbara, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $41 (€34), while the average price is around $42 (€34).
There is no high speed train available from Costa Mesa, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
There is no direct train service currently available from Costa Mesa, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
The cheapest way to get from Costa Mesa, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is by train, with a cost of around $41 (€34).
Yes, you can take the train from Costa Mesa, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
The train from Costa Mesa, CA to Santa Barbara, CA takes 3h 57m and runs 17 per day.
The train station in Costa Mesa, CA that goes to Santa Barbara, CA is Anaheim Regional Transportation Intermodal Center, Anaheim, CA, which connects to Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Costa Mesa, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
A day trip from Costa Mesa, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is not feasible as the journey duration is 3h 57m. However, there are 17 trains available per day for this route, covering a distance of 114 miles (185 km).
The train journey from Costa Mesa, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is quite scenic, offering views of the Pacific Ocean, coastal bluffs, and rolling hills, especially as the train travels along the coastline near Ventura and Carpinteria.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Costa Mesa, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Costa Mesa
Santa Barbara
Amenities at train station
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
platformCount
Number of platforms
2
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available at the station.
Dining
Dining
  • The Lark
  • Santo Mezcal
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $1
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Californian
  • Harbor View Inn
  • Hotel Milo Santa Barbara
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • The station has a main hall with ticketing and waiting areas.
Public transit options for Santa Barbara Station
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • Trolley: Downtown Waterfront Shuttle

Most popular train connections from Costa Mesa, CA

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Santa Barbara, CACosta Mesa, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone