The cheapest and fastest trains from La Jolla, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Cheapest price
$49
Average price
$61
Fastest journey
5 h 5 m
Average duration
5 h 10 m
Trains per day
21
Distance
285 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from La Jolla, 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 La Jolla, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $61 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $49.
Of the 21 trains that leave La Jolla, CA for Santa Barbara, CA on Mon, Mar 23, 15 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Mar 23 the direct trains cover the 285 km distance in an average of 5 h 10 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 5 m .
On Mon, Mar 23 the slowest trains will take 5 h 16 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.
761 Pacific Surfliner
765 Pacific Surfliner
769 Pacific Surfliner
785 Pacific Surfliner
777 Pacific Surfliner
777 Pacific Surfliner
769 Pacific Surfliner
765 Pacific Surfliner
761 Pacific Surfliner
785 Pacific SurflinerTravel Information
Compare bus, 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 $251.
Distance: 177 miles (285 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Flight | Bus |
|---|---|---|
$48 Average price Cheapest | $275 Average price | $78 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 |
Live departures
La Jolla, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for La Jolla, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trains for today, Sunday, March 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
777 Pacific Surfliner | 7:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 5h44 | 12:45 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
777 Pacific Surfliner | 7:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 5h35 | 12:45 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
777 Pacific Surfliner | 7:40 PM Solana Beach Station, Solana Beach, CA | 5h05 | 12:45 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
785 Pacific Surfliner | 11:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 5h55 | 4:56 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
785 Pacific Surfliner | 11:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 5h46 | 4:56 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
785 Pacific Surfliner | 11:40 PM Solana Beach Station, Solana Beach, CA | 5h16 | 4:56 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, March 23 | |||||
761 Pacific Surfliner | 11:01 AM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 5h54 | 4:55 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
761 Pacific Surfliner | 11:10 AM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 5h45 | 4:55 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
761 Pacific Surfliner | 11:40 AM Solana Beach Station, Solana Beach, CA | 5h15 | 4:55 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
765 Pacific Surfliner | 1:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 5h46 | 6:47 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight | 1:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 6h13 | 7:14 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight | 1:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 6h13 | 7:14 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight | 1:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 6h04 | 7:14 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
765 Pacific Surfliner | 1:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 5h37 | 6:47 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight | 1:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 6h04 | 7:14 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight | 1:40 PM Solana Beach Station, Solana Beach, CA | 5h34 | 7:14 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
765 Pacific Surfliner | 1:40 PM Solana Beach Station, Solana Beach, CA | 5h07 | 6:47 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight | 1:40 PM Solana Beach Station, Solana Beach, CA | 5h34 | 7:14 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
769 Pacific Surfliner | 3:01 PM Santa Fe Depot, San Diego, CA | 5h45 | 8:46 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
769 Pacific Surfliner | 3:10 PM Old Town Station, San Diego, CA | 5h36 | 8:46 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
769 Pacific Surfliner | 3:40 PM Solana Beach Station, Solana Beach, CA | 5h06 | 8:46 PM Santa Barbara Station, 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 La Jolla, CA to Santa Barbara, CA by bus, train, or flight
Compare bus, 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from La Jolla, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
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.
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 04:01 |
Last train 18:50 |
Cheapest month Dec |
Cheapest day Sat |
High season Jan - Mar |
Low season Apr - Jun |
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
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.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from La Jolla, 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 La Jolla, CA
More options for your journey from La Jolla, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
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