The cheapest and fastest trains from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
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
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.
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.




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 |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() 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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 10:49 PM Irvine, CA | 4h09 | 2:58 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, March 8 | |||||
![]() | 1:52 AM Irvine, CA | 4h07 | 5:59 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 0 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.
Mar 08
Mar 09
Mar 10
Mar 11
Mar 12
Mar 13
Mar 14
Journey information
Overview: Train from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
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.
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 |
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
Metrolink Trains
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- Parking is available 7 days a week with multiple lots around the station.
- Del Frisco's Grille
- The Cheesecake Factory
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- Marriott Irvine Spectrum
- Courtyard by Marriott Irvine Spectrum
- DoubleTree by Hilton Irvine Spectrum
- Located in the main hall
- 54 places, covered
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, ticket office, and waiting area
- Hall 2: platforms for Metrolink and Amtrak
- Bus: Several lines available
- Shuttle: Local shuttle services
- 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
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available adjacent to the station, with spaces for both short-term and long-term parking.
- The Habit Burger Grill
- Pepe's Mexican Restaurant
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- Free for passengers
- Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta
- Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta
- Located near the platform
- Free
- The station consists of a single platform with a waiting area and parking facilities nearby.
- Bus: Santa Barbara MTD Line 6, Line 11
Most popular train connections from Irvine, CA
More options for your journey from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
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