Santa Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train with Amtrak

Mon, Dec 15
+ Add return
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Santa Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Showing times and prices for Dec 16

Cheapest price

$42

Average price

$42

Fastest journey

3 h 57 m

Average duration

3 h 57 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

185 km

Cheap tickets

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 $42 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $42.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Santa Ana, CA for Santa Barbara, CA on Tue, Dec 16, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Tue, Dec 16 the direct trains cover the 185 km distance in an average of 3 h 57 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 57 m .

On Tue, Dec 16 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.

Amtrak
10:01PM3h57
Santa Ana, CA
01:58AMSanta Barbara, CA
$421One-way
0 transfers

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, Monday, December 15. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 8:00 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak10:01 PM Santa Ana, CA
3h57
1:58 AM Santa Barbara, CA0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

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.

Tue
Dec 16
Wed
Dec 17
Thu
Dec 18
Fri
Dec 19
Sat
Dec 20
Sun
Dec 21
Mon
Dec 22

Why should you book Santa Ana to Santa Barbara trains with Omio?

Amtrak as well as Metrolink Trains offer trains services from Santa Ana to Santa Barbara. Omio is an official ticket reseller for all your travel options from Santa Ana to Santa Barbara.

Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?

  • Compare with other providers: On Omio, you can not only buy tickets for Amtrak, but also compare tickets for the likes of Metrolink Trains to find the best option for your trip from Santa Ana to Santa Barbara.
  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Amtrak with all available travel options, which are train and bus to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Santa Ana to Santa Barbara.

Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?

Multiple modes of transport
  • Multiple travel company options: While Amtrak tickets can be bought on Amtrak's website or third party sellers, Omio allows you to compare with the likes of Metrolink Trains to help you choose the right option for your journey from Santa Ana to Santa Barbara.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including train and bus to find the ideal travel option from Santa Ana to Santa Barbara.

Journey information

Overview: Train from Santa Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

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 $20 (€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.

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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $20 (€16)
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
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
Cheapest alternative travel mode
Bus from $20 (€16)

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 $20 (€16). 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
3h 45m
Cheapest Price
$42 (€33)
Amtrak frequency
4 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

Metrolink Trains

Luggage & cancellation policy
Average Duration
3h 48m
Cheapest Price
$95 (€76)
Metrolink Trains frequency
1 a day

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.

FAQs
A day trip from Santa Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is not feasible as the journey duration is 3h 57m. However, there are 10 trains available per day for this route. The distance is 114 miles (185 km).
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.
Train ticket prices from Santa Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $42 (€33), while the average price is around $42 (€34).
The train journey from Santa Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is considered scenic, offering views of the Pacific Ocean, coastal landscapes, and picturesque areas along California’s coastline.
The cheapest way to get from Santa Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is by bus, with a cost of around $20 (€16).
The train from Santa Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA takes 3h 57m and runs 10 per day.
The last train from Santa Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 6:57 PM.
The first train from Santa Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 6:00 AM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Santa Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Yes, you can take the train from Santa Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Yes, there is a direct train from Santa Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA. This service operates 8 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
Typically, spending 2 to 3 days in Santa Barbara, CA is ideal to explore its beautiful beaches, vibrant downtown, and cultural attractions.
The distance by train from Santa Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is 114 miles (185 km).
The train station in Santa Ana, CA that goes to Santa Barbara, CA is Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA, which connects to Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA.
There is no high speed train available from Santa Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Santa Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Santa Ana
Santa Barbara
The major train station for departures in Santa Ana is Santa Ana Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Santa Ana Station for your trip from Santa Ana to 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
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
2
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available with several spaces for both short-term and long-term parking.
Dining
Dining
  • The Olde Ship British Pub & Restaurant
  • Chapter One: the modern local
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps.
WC
WC
  • $0.50
Hotel
Hotel
  • DoubleTree by Hilton Santa Ana
  • Courtyard by Marriott Santa Ana
  • Holiday Inn Santa Ana-Orange County Airport
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
  • Hall 1: main entrance, ticket office, and waiting area
  • Hall 2: platforms for Amtrak and Metrolink services
Public transit options for Santa Ana Station
  • Bus: OCTA routes 53, 83, 206
  • Train: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, Metrolink Orange County Line

Most popular trains to and from Santa Barbara, CA and Santa Ana, CA

HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Santa Barbara, CASanta Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train

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