The cheapest and fastest trains from El Monte, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Cheapest price
$93
Average price
$93
Fastest journey
3 h 8 m
Average duration
3 h 27 m
Trains per day
5
Distance
158 km
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 $93 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $93.
It's difficult to get from El Monte, CA to Santa Barbara, CA without transferring at least once.










Travel Information
Compare train and bus 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 tomorrow, Monday, March 2. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 6:36 AM El Monte, CA | 3h19 | 9:55 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 8:06 AM El Monte, CA | 3h44 | 11:50 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 9:06 AM El Monte, CA | 3h08 | 12:14 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 10:06 AM El Monte, CA | 3h43 | 1:49 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
![]() | 2:06 PM El Monte, CA | 3h40 | 5:46 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets El Monte, CA to Santa Barbara, 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.
Mar 02
Mar 03
Mar 04
Mar 05
Mar 06
Mar 07
Mar 08
Journey information
Overview: Train from El Monte, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
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.
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 06:53 |
Last train 18:50 |
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
Metrolink Trains
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from El Monte, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available at the station.
- The Lark
- Santo Mezcal
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- Hotel Californian
- Harbor View Inn
- Hotel Milo Santa Barbara
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station has a main hall with ticketing and waiting areas.
- 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
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