El Monte, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train with Amtrak

Thu, Apr 16
+ Add return
Amtrak
Metrolink Trains
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
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2,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Metrolink Trains
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from El Monte, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Showing times and prices for Apr 17

Cheapest price

$60

Average price

$60

Fastest journey

3 h 10 m

Average duration

3 h 29 m

Trains per day

5

Distance

158 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from El Monte, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.

The average ticket from El Monte, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $60 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $60.

Fast trains

It's difficult to get from El Monte, CA to Santa Barbara, CA without transferring at least once.

  • Metrolink Trains
    6:34 AM3h21
    El Monte, CA
    9:55 AMSanta Barbara, CA
    $601One-way
    1 transfer
  • Metrolink Trains
    8:04 AM3h46
    El Monte, CA
    11:50 AMSanta Barbara, CA
    $601One-way
    1 transfer
  • Metrolink Trains
    9:04 AM3h10
    El Monte, CA
    12:14 PMSanta Barbara, CA
    $601One-way
    1 transfer
  • Metrolink Trains
    10:04 AM3h45
    El Monte, CA
    1:49 PMSanta Barbara, CA
    $601One-way
    1 transfer
  • Metrolink Trains
    2:04 PM3h42
    El Monte, CA
    5:46 PMSanta Barbara, CA
    $601One-way
    1 transfer

Travel Information

Compare train, bus, and flight for El Monte, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from El Monte, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $60. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 2h 31m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $60, and a train costs an average of $92.

Distance: 98 miles (158 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

$92

Average price

$64

Average price

Cheapest

3h 1m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 31m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 27m

Average total duration

3h 57m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Live departures

El Monte, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train times

The table below shows live departures for El Monte, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trains for today, Thursday, April 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Metrolink Trains6:34 AM El Monte, CA
3h21
9:55 AM Santa Barbara, CA1 transfer
Metrolink Trains8:04 AM El Monte, CA
3h46
11:50 AM Santa Barbara, CA1 transfer
Metrolink Trains9:04 AM El Monte, CA
3h10
12:14 PM Santa Barbara, CA1 transfer
Metrolink Trains10:04 AM El Monte, CA
3h45
1:49 PM Santa Barbara, CA1 transfer
Metrolink Trains2:04 PM El Monte, CA
3h42
5:46 PM Santa Barbara, CA1 transfer

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets El Monte, CA to Santa Barbara, CA by train, bus, or flight

Compare train, bus, 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
Apr 17
Sat
Apr 18
Sun
Apr 19
Mon
Apr 20
Tue
Apr 21
Wed
Apr 22
Thu
Apr 23

Journey information

Overview: Train from El Monte, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from El Monte, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 11 times per day, taking around 2h 31m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $92 (€73) but you can travel from only $60 (€48) by bus.

There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:53, the last at 18:50. The fastest train covers the 98 miles (158 km) distance in 3h 8m.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $60 (€48)
Distance
98 miles (158 km)
Average train duration
2h 31m
Cheapest ticket price
$92 (€73)
Trains per day
11
Direct trains
9
Fastest train
3h 8m
First train
6:53 AM
Last train
6:50 PM
Cheapest Month
Mar
Cheapest Day
Tue
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Oct - Dec
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $60 (€48)

Train companies: Amtrak, Metrolink Trains from El Monte, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trainsAmtrak, Metrolink Trains trains will get you between El Monte, CA and Santa Barbara, CA from $60 (€48). 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
2h 33m
Cheapest Price
$34 (€27)
Amtrak frequency
11 a day
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

Metrolink Trains

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 8m
Cheapest Price
$92 (€73)
Metrolink Trains frequency
5 a day

FAQs: Trains from El Monte, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from El Monte, 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
Train ticket prices from El Monte, CA to Santa Barbara, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $92 (€73), while the average price is around $92 (€73).
The train from El Monte, CA to Santa Barbara, CA takes 3h 8m and runs 11 per day.
The first train from El Monte, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 6:53 AM.
The distance by train from El Monte, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is 98 miles (158 km).
The last train from El Monte, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 6:50 PM.
There is no high speed train available from El Monte, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Yes, there is a direct train from El Monte, CA to Santa Barbara, CA. This service operates 9 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from El Monte, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
The train station in El Monte, CA that goes to Santa Barbara, CA is Union Station, Los Angeles, CA, which connects to Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA.
The cheapest way to get from El Monte, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is by bus, with a cost of around $60 (€48).
The train journey from El Monte, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is considered scenic, offering views of the Pacific coastline, lush landscapes, and picturesque towns along the route.
A day trip from El Monte, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 8m one way. However, there are 13 trains per day for this route.
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.
Typically, spending 2 to 3 days in Santa Barbara, CA is ideal to explore its beautiful beaches, vibrant downtown, and cultural attractions.
Yes, you can take the train from El Monte, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Since neither El Monte, CA nor Santa Barbara, CA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Santa Barbara, CA include Ventura, CA, Camarillo, CA, Oxnard, CA, Simi Valley, CA, Moorpark, CA.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from El Monte, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
In Santa Barbara, CA, travelers should be cautious of pickpocketing and vehicle break-ins, especially in crowded areas and popular tourist spots like State Street and the waterfront. Common scams include overcharging by some taxi or ride-share drivers and unofficial street vendors selling counterfeit goods. It is advisable to use authorized transportation services and keep personal belongings secure to avoid these issues.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from El Monte, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

El Monte
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 El Monte, CA

More options for your journey from El Monte, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Here are some other resources that might have the information you need

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Santa Barbara, CAEl Monte, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train

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