- Must visit
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Leading regional art museum with strong American, Asian, and European collections in a prominent downtown setting.
Cheapest price
$35
Average price
$52
Fastest journey
2 h 23 m
Average duration
2 h 33 m
Trains per day
16
Distance
140 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $52 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $35.
Of the 16 trains that leave Los Angeles, CA for Santa Barbara, CA on Sat, May 30, 13 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, May 30 the direct trains cover the 140 km distance in an average of 2 h 33 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 23 m .
On Sat, May 30 the slowest trains will take 2 h 42 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.
769 Pacific Surfliner
765 Pacific Surfliner
761 Pacific Surfliner
761 Pacific Surfliner
785 Pacific Surfliner
14 Coast Starlight
777 Pacific Surfliner
769 Pacific Surfliner
765 Pacific Surfliner
761 Pacific SurflinerOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $16. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 27m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.1kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $16, and a train costs an average of $26.
Distance: 86 miles (140 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$35 Average price | $30 Average price Cheapest | $20 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 11m Average total duration 2h 41m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 57m Average total duration Fastest 2h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 44m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.1kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.1 - 0.3kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
A bus is $4 (€4) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $35 (€28).
Other travel options to Santa Barbara, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 41m.
Tickets start at around $35 (€28) compared to roughly $20 (€16) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-14.60 (€-11.78). The journey takes 2h 41m versus 1h 44m by car, so you'll arrive a bit later, but you can work, read, or sleep along the way rather than spending the time behind the wheel. You'll also save the hassle of parking at the other end.
Driving is worth it if you're on a tight schedule, travelling as a group, or want to stop somewhere en route.
The table below shows live departures for Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trains for today, Friday, May 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
14 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 9:51 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 9h06 | 6:57 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
14 Coast Starlight | 9:51 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h23 | 12:14 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
14 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 9:51 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 8h45 | 6:36 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 1 transfer | |
769 Pacific Surfliner | 11:13 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h33 | 1:46 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
769 Pacific Surfliner | 11:13 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h49 | 2:02 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
777 Pacific Surfliner | 3:13 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h32 | 5:45 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
777 Pacific Surfliner | 3:13 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h47 | 6:00 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
785 Pacific Surfliner | 7:13 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h59 | 10:12 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
785 Pacific Surfliner | 7:13 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h43 | 9:56 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, May 30 | |||||
757 Pacific Surfliner | 5:13 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h43 | 7:56 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
757 Pacific Surfliner | 5:13 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 3h00 | 8:13 AM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
761 Pacific Surfliner | 7:13 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h42 | 9:55 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
761 Pacific Surfliner | 7:13 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h56 | 10:09 AM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight | 9:13 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 3h01 | 12:14 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
765 Pacific Surfliner | 9:13 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h34 | 11:47 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
765 Pacific Surfliner | 9:13 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h48 | 12:01 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
This is the last train of the day. | |||||
Find all the dates and times for this journey
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.
Trains from Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 13 times per day, taking around 2h 41m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $26 (€21) but you can travel from only $16 (€13) by bus.
There are 10 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 05:13, the last at 19:59. The fastest train covers the 86 miles (140 km) distance in 2h 23m.
Distance 86 miles (140 km) |
Average train duration 2h 41m |
Cheapest ticket price $26 (€21) |
Trains per day 13 |
Direct trains 10 |
Fastest train 2h 23m |
First train 5:13 AM |
Last train 7:59 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Thu |
High Season Jul - Sep |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Thu |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Santa Barbara — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Santa Barbara trip today.
Leading regional art museum with strong American, Asian, and European collections in a prominent downtown setting.
Hands-on science and technology museum popular with families for interactive exhibits and rooftop activities.
Compact waterfront museum covering regional seafaring history, Channel maritime culture, and local ocean exploration.
Classic waterfront promenade with ocean views, harbor access, and one of the city’s most recognizable settings.
Main downtown corridor for walking, shopping, people-watching, and easy access to major attractions.
Celebrated botanical garden estate in Montecito with extraordinary themed gardens; advance reservations are typical.
Central Coast barbecue tradition featuring oak-grilled beef tri-tip, often served with pinquito beans, salsa, and garlic bread. It is one of the region's most iconic local meals.
A beloved local sandwich made with sliced Santa Maria-style tri-tip on bread, commonly found at casual grills and roadside spots across the area.
Seasonal local prawns from the Santa Barbara Channel, prized for their sweetness and delicate texture. They are a standout coastal seafood specialty when available.
Respected waterfront-adjacent restaurant specializing in Italian-inspired coastal cuisine, pasta, and polished service.
Well-known New American restaurant in the Funk Zone with stylish interiors, seasonal ingredients, and strong local wine offerings.
Established Spanish restaurant serving paella, tapas, and cocktails in an elegant but energetic downtown setting.
Santa Barbara is pricey by U.S. standards, especially for hotels and dining. Budget options exist, but most visitors spend more than in many other California cities.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 15-20% for taxis and rideshares, USD 1-2 per bag for hotel staff, and USD 1-2 per drink at bars. Tipping is expected for service.
The train connection between Los Angeles, CA and Santa Barbara, CA is a scenic journey that showcases the beautiful California coastline. Operated by Amtrak, this route offers travelers a comfortable and convenient way to explore these two cities. With multiple departures throughout the day, passengers can enjoy stunning ocean views while traveling approximately 95 miles in just under 2 hours. Whether you're heading for a weekend getaway or simply exploring the region's attractions, taking the train provides an enjoyable experience with ease of access to both destinations.
The train connection from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara takes approximately 2 hours and 23 minutes. There are 4 direct connections available each day. Passengers can board the trains at Union Station, Northridge Station, Van Nuys Metrolink Station, or Chatsworth Station in California and arrive at Santa Barbara Station.
The first daily train journey departs from Los Angeles at 14:13 and the last departure is scheduled for 23:13. This convenient schedule allows travelers to enjoy a full day in either city while providing flexibility for evening travel options.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara is $23 (21€).
Welcome to the Santa Barbara Mission, founded in 1786 as one of California's original 21 missions; it stands as a testament to Spanish colonial history and the spread of Christianity among Native Americans. This stunning structure is not only significant for its historical role but also for its beautiful architecture, featuring intricate tile work and lush gardens that invite reflection on the past. As you explore, take note of the serene atmosphere and panoramic views from atop the hill—an experience that truly captures Santa Barbara’s charm.
Next, we arrive at Stearns Wharf, which dates back to 1872 when it was built by businessman John Stearns as a shipping dock for goods like fish and lumber. Today, this iconic landmark serves as both a bustling hub for tourists seeking fresh seafood restaurants and unique shops while offering breathtaking ocean views perfect for capturing memorable photographs. Don’t miss out on strolling along this historic pier where you can feel the vibrant energy of local fishermen alongside families enjoying their day by the sea.
Finally, let’s visit Courthouse Sunken Gardens—a hidden gem nestled within one of America’s most beautiful courthouses completed in 1929 with stunning Spanish-Moorish architecture reflecting our city’s rich heritage. The sunken gardens are renowned not just for their meticulously landscaped grounds filled with colorful flowers but also because they provide an idyllic setting ideal for relaxation or picnicking amidst towering palm trees against a backdrop of majestic mountains. Be sure to wander through these enchanting gardens before heading up to enjoy sweeping vistas from atop the clock tower!
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Los Angeles, 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.

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