- Must visit
The Getty Center
Major art museum and hilltop campus known for European paintings, gardens, and architecture, with panoramic city views.
Cheapest price
$19
Average price
$19
Fastest journey
53 m
Average duration
53 m
Trains per day
13
Distance
49 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santa Ana, CA to Los Angeles, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Santa Ana, CA to Los Angeles, CA will cost around $19 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $19.
Of the 13 trains that leave Santa Ana, CA for Los Angeles, CA on Tue, May 26, 13 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Tue, May 26 the direct trains cover the 49 km distance in an average of 53 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 53 m .
On Tue, May 26 the slowest trains will take 53 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.
579 Pacific Surfliner
785 Pacific Surfliner
573 Pacific Surfliner
587 Pacific Surfliner
591 Pacific Surfliner
579 Pacific Surfliner
785 Pacific Surfliner
573 Pacific Surfliner
591 Pacific Surfliner
777 Pacific SurflinerOmio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Ana, CA to Los Angeles, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $7. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 54m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.0 - 0.0kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $7, and a train costs an average of $19.
Distance: 30 miles (49 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$19 Average price | $13 Average price Cheapest | $7 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
1h 24m Average total duration Fastest 54m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 4m Average total duration 1h 34m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 48m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.0 - 0.0kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.0 - 0.1kg 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 Santa Ana, CA to Los Angeles, CA:
A bus is $6 (€5) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santa Ana, CA to Los Angeles, CA costing on average $19 (€15).
Other travel options to Los Angeles, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 1h 34m.
Tickets start at around $19 (€15) compared to roughly $7 (€5) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-12.46 (€-10.05). The journey takes 54m versus 48m 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 Santa Ana, CA to Los Angeles, CA trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, May 26. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
761 Pacific Surfliner | 6:01 AM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 0h56 | 6:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
765 Pacific Surfliner | 8:04 AM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 0h53 | 8:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
567 Pacific Surfliner | 9:04 AM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 0h53 | 9:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
769 Pacific Surfliner | 10:04 AM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 0h53 | 10:57 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
573 Pacific Surfliner | 12:04 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 0h53 | 12:57 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare bus and train 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 Santa Ana, CA to Los Angeles, CA run on average 11 times per day, taking around 54m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $19 (€15) but you can travel from only $7 (€5) by bus.
There are 11 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:01, the last at 23:01. The fastest train covers the 30 miles (49 km) distance in 53m.
Distance 30 miles (49 km) |
Average train duration 54m |
Cheapest ticket price $19 (€15) |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 11 |
Fastest train 53m |
First train 6:01 AM |
Last train 11:01 PM |
Cheapest Month Mar |
Cheapest Day Tue |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sun |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 28 days |
Discover the best of Los Angeles — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Los Angeles trip today.
Major art museum and hilltop campus known for European paintings, gardens, and architecture, with panoramic city views.
The largest art museum in the western United States, famous for broad global collections and the Urban Light installation.
Contemporary art museum with works by Warhol, Kusama, and Koons; one of Downtown Los Angeles's most popular cultural stops.
Classic Southern California waterfront area with ocean views, street performers, and a lively boardwalk atmosphere.
Famous beachfront promenade known for skate culture, murals, performers, and nonstop people-watching.
Large urban park with hiking trails, scenic overlooks, and access to several of Los Angeles's best-known attractions.
A classic Los Angeles sandwich of thin-sliced roast beef on a French roll, often served with savory jus for dipping. It is one of the city’s best-known historic dishes.
Baja-style fish tacos are deeply rooted in Southern California food culture, especially in Los Angeles. They usually feature battered or grilled fish with cabbage, crema, and salsa.
Los Angeles is famous for its taco culture, and al pastor is a local favorite. Marinated pork is shaved from a spit and served on small corn tortillas with onion, cilantro, and pineapple.
Legendary Hollywood restaurant serving classic American fare, steaks, and martinis. Formal, old Los Angeles atmosphere with deep culinary history.
Historic casual eatery best known for the French dip sandwich. Old-school atmosphere and one of Los Angeles’s most famous classic food institutions.
Well-known Oaxacan restaurant celebrated for mole, tlayudas, and mezcal. Lively, established dining room with strong local and national recognition.
Los Angeles is costly for visitors, especially hotels, parking, and dining. Budget eats exist, but transport and attractions add up quickly.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants; 20%+ for great service. Bars: USD 1-2 per drink. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15%. Hotel staff: USD 2-5. Small counter-service tips are optional.
The train connection between Santa Ana, CA and Los Angeles, CA is a convenient option for travelers looking to explore the vibrant culture of Southern California. Operated by Amtrak, this route offers comfortable seating and scenic views along the way. With frequent departures throughout the day, passengers can easily plan their journey to experience all that Los Angeles has to offer while enjoying a relaxing ride from Santa Ana.
The train connection between Santa Ana, CA and Los Angeles, CA takes approximately 0h 51m. There are 8 connections per day available for this route, all of which are direct services with no transfers required. The departure station is Santa Ana Station, CA and the arrival stations include Van Nuys Metrolink Station, CA; Chatsworth Station, CA; and Union Station, CA.
The first daily train journey departs from Santa Ana at 6:01 AM, providing an early start for travelers heading to the vibrant city of Los Angeles. The last departure is scheduled for 11:01 PM, allowing late-night arrivals into LA's bustling nightlife and attractions.
The cheapest ticket price for the train connection between Santa Ana and Los Angeles is $17 (15.3€). This affordable fare makes it easy for travelers to enjoy a quick trip between these two cities in California.
The Hollywood Sign, originally erected in 1923 as an advertisement for a real estate development called "Hollywoodland," has since become an iconic symbol of the entertainment industry and dreams of stardom. Standing at 45 feet tall and spanning over 350 feet long, this landmark not only offers breathtaking views of Los Angeles but also serves as a reminder of the city's rich cinematic history. As we hike up to get closer, you'll appreciate how it captures both the allure and ambition that define Hollywood.
Next on our journey is Griffith Observatory, which opened its doors in 1935 with a mission to make astronomy accessible to everyone. This stunning Art Deco structure features free public telescopes and exhibits that ignite curiosity about space while offering panoramic views of downtown LA and beyond. The observatory's significance lies not just in its educational role but also as a cultural hub where visitors can connect with science under the stars.
Finally, we arrive at The Getty Center, renowned for its impressive collection of European paintings alongside modern architecture designed by Richard Meier. Opened in 1997 atop a hill overlooking Los Angeles, this museum combines art appreciation with beautiful gardens and stunning vistas—making it more than just an art gallery; it's an experience for all senses. Here you’ll discover how J.Paul Getty’s vision transformed into one of America’s most visited cultural destinations while enjoying serene spaces perfect for reflection or inspiration.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Ana, CA to Los Angeles, 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 Los Angeles, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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