The cheapest and fastest trains from Santa Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Cheapest price
$42
Average price
$43
Fastest journey
3 h 45 m
Average duration
3 h 51 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
185 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $43 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $42.
Of the 2 trains that leave Santa Ana, CA for Santa Barbara, CA on Sat, Jan 31, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Jan 31 the direct trains cover the 185 km distance in an average of 3 h 51 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 45 m .
On Sat, Jan 31 the slowest trains will take 3 h 57 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 Santa Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Ana, 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 train which can get you there in 3h 49m. 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 bus costs an average of €16, and a train costs an average of €33.
Distance: 114 miles (185 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€34 Average price | €28 Average price Cheapest |
4h 19m Average total duration Fastest 3h 49m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 7m Average total duration 4h 37m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Santa Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Santa Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trains for today, Friday, January 30. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight | 4:04 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 4h10 | 8:14 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
765 Pacific Surfliner | 4:04 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 3h57 | 8:01 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
765 Pacific Surfliner · 14 Coast Starlight | 4:04 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 4h10 | 8:14 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
765 Pacific Surfliner | 4:04 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 3h43 | 7:47 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
769 Pacific Surfliner | 6:04 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 3h42 | 9:46 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
769 Pacific Surfliner | 6:04 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 3h58 | 10:02 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
777 Pacific Surfliner | 10:04 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 3h41 | 1:45 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
777 Pacific Surfliner | 10:04 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 4h03 | 2:07 AM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Saturday, January 31 | |||||
785 Pacific Surfliner | 2:04 AM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 3h52 | 5:56 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
785 Pacific Surfliner | 2:04 AM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 4h08 | 6:12 AM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
Find all the dates and times for this journey
Compare prices and tickets Santa Ana, 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.
Jan 31
Feb 01
Feb 02
Feb 03
Feb 04
Feb 05
Feb 06
Journey information
Overview: Train from Santa Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Trains from Santa Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 10 times per day, taking around 3h 49m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $42 (€33) but you can travel from only $21 (€16) by bus.
There are 8 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:00, the last at 18:57. The fastest train covers the 114 miles (185 km) distance in 3h 57m.
Distance 114 miles (185 km) |
Average train duration 3h 49m |
Cheapest ticket price $42 (€33) |
Trains per day 10 |
Direct trains 8 |
Fastest train 3h 57m |
First train 06:00 |
Last train 18:57 |
Train companies: Amtrak, Metrolink Trains from Santa Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trainsAmtrak, Metrolink Trains trains will get you between Santa Ana, CA and Santa Barbara, CA from $21 (€16). 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 Santa Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available with several spaces for both short-term and long-term parking.
- The Olde Ship British Pub & Restaurant
- Chapter One: the modern local
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- $0.50
- DoubleTree by Hilton Santa Ana
- Courtyard by Marriott Santa Ana
- Holiday Inn Santa Ana-Orange County Airport
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, ticket office, and waiting area
- Hall 2: platforms for Amtrak and Metrolink services
- Bus: OCTA routes 53, 83, 206
- Train: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, Metrolink Orange County Line
- 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
More options for your journey from Santa Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
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