Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train with Amtrak

Sat, Mar 07
+ Add return
Amtrak
Metrolink Trains
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Deutsche Bahn
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Amtrak
Metrolink Trains
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
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1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Showing times and prices for Mar 08

Cheapest price

$44

Average price

$44

Fastest journey

4 h 7 m

Average duration

4 h 8 m

Trains per day

2

Distance

192 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Irvine, 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 Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $44 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $44.

Fast trains

Of the 2 trains that leave Irvine, CA for Santa Barbara, CA on Sun, Mar 08, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sun, Mar 08 the direct trains cover the 192 km distance in an average of 4 h 8 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 7 m .

On Sun, Mar 08 the slowest trains will take 4 h 9 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.

Amtrak
10:49PM4h09
Irvine, CA
02:58AMSanta Barbara, CA
$441One-way
0 transfers
Amtrak
01:52AM4h07
Irvine, CA
05:59AMSanta Barbara, CA
$441One-way
0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $42. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 4h 0m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $42, and a bus costs an average of $38.

Distance: 119 miles (192 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

$44

Average price

Cheapest

$50

Average price

4h 35m

Average total duration

4h 5m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 30m

Average total duration

Fastest

4h 0m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

0.1 - 0.2kg

CO2 emissions

Lowest

0.2 - 0.5kg

CO2 emissions

Amtrak

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Direct Options

Direct Options

Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.

Live departures

Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train times

The table below shows live departures for Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trains for today, Saturday, March 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 4:19 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak10:49 PM Irvine, CA
4h09
2:58 AM Santa Barbara, CA0 transfersDirect
Sunday, March 8
amtrak1:52 AM Irvine, CA
4h07
5:59 AM Santa Barbara, CA0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Irvine, 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.

Sun
Mar 08
Mon
Mar 09
Tue
Mar 10
Wed
Mar 11
Thu
Mar 12
Fri
Mar 13
Sat
Mar 14

Journey information

Overview: Train from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 14 times per day, taking around 4h 5m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $42 (€34) but you can travel from only $38 (€31) by bus.

There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:49, the last at 18:57. The fastest train covers the 119 miles (192 km) distance in 4h 4m.

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 $38 (€31)
Distance
119 miles (192 km)
Average train duration
4h 5m
Cheapest ticket price
$42 (€34)
Trains per day
14
Direct trains
9
Fastest train
4h 4m
First train
05:49
Last train
18:57
Cheapest month
Oct
Cheapest day
Mon
High season
Oct - Dec
Low season
Jul - Sep
Busiest day
Mon
Least busy day
Tue
Best day to book ahead
14 days
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 $38 (€31)

Train companies: Amtrak, Metrolink Trains from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trainsAmtrak, Metrolink Trains trains will get you between Irvine, CA and Santa Barbara, CA from $38 (€31). 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
4h 4m
Cheapest Price
$42 (€34)
Amtrak frequency
14 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 54m
Cheapest Price
$95 (€77)
Metrolink Trains frequency
5 a day

FAQs: Trains from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Irvine, 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 Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $42 (€34), while the average price is around $44 (€35).
The train from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA takes 4h 4m and runs 14 per day.
The distance by train from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is 119 miles (192 km).
The first train from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 5:49 AM.
The last train from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 6:57 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Yes, there is a direct train from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA. This service operates 9 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
The train station in Irvine, CA that goes to Santa Barbara, CA is Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA, which connects to Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA.
The cheapest way to get from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is by bus, with a cost of around $38 (€31).
Yes, the train journey from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is considered scenic, offering views of the Pacific Ocean, coastal bluffs, and picturesque landscapes along the California coastline.
A day trip from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is not feasible as the travel time is 4h 4m. However, there are 14 train trips per day available for this journey, covering a distance of 119 miles (192 km).
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 Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Irvine
Santa Barbara
The major train station for departures in Irvine is Irvine Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Irvine Station for your trip from Irvine to Santa Barbara.
Amenities at train station
WifiWifi
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
ATMATM
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Car RentalCar Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
8 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
2
Wifi
Wifi
  • Free
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available 7 days a week with multiple lots around the station.
Dining
Dining
  • Del Frisco's Grille
  • The Cheesecake Factory
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps, restrooms.
WC
WC
  • $1
Hotel
Hotel
  • Marriott Irvine Spectrum
  • Courtyard by Marriott Irvine Spectrum
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Irvine Spectrum
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Bike Parking
Bike Parking
  • 54 places, covered
Car Rental
Car Rental
  • Enterprise
  • Hertz
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • Hall 1: main entrance, ticket office, and waiting area
  • Hall 2: platforms for Metrolink and Amtrak
Public transit options for Irvine Station
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • Shuttle: Local shuttle services

Most popular trains to and from Santa Barbara, CA and Irvine, CA

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Santa Barbara, CAIrvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train

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