La Jolla, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train with Amtrak

Fri, May 08
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Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
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Travel Information

Compare train and flight for La Jolla, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from La Jolla, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $48. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 5h 46m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $48, and a flight costs an average of $254.

Distance: 177 miles (285 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Flight
Bus

$49

Average price

Cheapest

$278

Average price

$79

Average price

6h 16m

Average total duration

Fastest

5h 46m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

9h 17m

Average total duration

6h 17m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

9h 21m

Average total duration

8h 51m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from La Jolla, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is a train with an average price of $49 (€39).

This is compared to other travel options from La Jolla, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:

A train is $30 (€24) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from La Jolla, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $79 (€63).

A train is $230 (€183) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from La Jolla, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $278 (€222).

The fastest way to travel from La Jolla, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is by train with an average journey time of 5h 46m.

Other travel options to Santa Barbara, CA take longer:

Flight takes on average 6h 17m.

Bus takes on average 8h 51m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between La Jolla, CA and Santa Barbara, CA including taking a train and flight.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from La Jolla, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users.

Compare prices and tickets La Jolla, 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
May 08
Sat
May 09
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May 10
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May 11
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May 12
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May 14

Journey information

Overview: Train from La Jolla, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
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Trains from La Jolla, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 17 times per day, taking around 5h 46m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $48 (€39) if you book in advance.

There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 04:01, the last at 18:50. The fastest train covers the 177 miles (285 km) distance in 5h 15m.

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
177 miles (285 km)
Average train duration
5h 46m
Cheapest ticket price
$48 (€39)
Trains per day
17
Direct trains
10
Fastest train
5h 15m
First train
4:01 AM
Last train
6:50 PM
Cheapest Month
Dec
Cheapest Day
Sat
High Season
Jan - Mar
Low Season
Jul - Sep
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 La Jolla, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between La Jolla, CA and Santa Barbara, CA from $48 (€39). 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
5h 15m
Cheapest Price
$48 (€39)
Amtrak frequency
17 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

FAQs: Trains from La Jolla, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from La Jolla, 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 La Jolla, CA to Santa Barbara, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $48 (€39), while the average price is around $49 (€39).
The train from La Jolla, CA to Santa Barbara, CA takes 5h 15m and runs 17 per day.
The distance by train from La Jolla, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is 177 miles (285 km).
The first train from La Jolla, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 4:01 AM.
The last train from La Jolla, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 6:50 PM.
There is no high speed train available from La Jolla, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Yes, there is a direct train from La Jolla, CA to Santa Barbara, CA. This service operates 10 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from La Jolla, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
The train station in La Jolla, CA that goes to Santa Barbara, CA is Solana Beach Station, Solana Beach, CA, which connects to Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA.
The cheapest way to get from La Jolla, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is by train, with a cost of around $48 (€39).
The train journey from La Jolla, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is considered scenic as it travels along the Pacific coastline, offering passengers views of the ocean, beaches, and picturesque landscapes.
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 La Jolla, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Since neither La Jolla, 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 La Jolla, 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 La Jolla, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

La Jolla
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

More options for your journey from La Jolla, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

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

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Santa Barbara, CALa Jolla, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train

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