- Must visit
Santa Barbara Museum of Art
Leading regional art museum with American, Asian and European works, plus rotating exhibitions in a downtown setting.
Cheapest price
$41
Average price
$42
Fastest journey
3 h 52 m
Average duration
3 h 52 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 $42 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $41.
Of the 2 trains that leave Santa Ana, CA for Santa Barbara, CA on Wed, Jun 17, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Jun 17 the direct trains cover the 185 km distance in an average of 3 h 52 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 52 m .
On Wed, Jun 17 the slowest trains will take 3 h 52 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.




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 $31. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 3h 51m. 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 $31, and a train costs an average of $40.
Distance: 114 miles (185 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$41 Average price | $31 Average price Cheapest | $27 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 21m Average total duration Fastest 3h 51m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 14h 50m Average total duration 14h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 29m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
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 Santa Barbara, CA:
A bus is $11 (€9) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santa Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $41 (€34).
Other travel options to Santa Barbara, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 14h 20m.
Tickets start at around $41 (€34) compared to roughly $27 (€22) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-14.61 (€-11.82). The journey takes 3h 51m versus 2h 29m 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 Santa Barbara, CA trains for tomorrow, Tuesday, June 16. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 1:04 AM Santa Ana, CA | 3h52 | 4:56 AM Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 2:04 AM Santa Ana, CA | 3h52 | 5:56 AM Santa Barbara, 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 Santa Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 11 times per day, taking around 3h 51m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $40 (€32) but you can travel from only $31 (€25) by bus.
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:00, the last at 19:00. The fastest train covers the 114 miles (185 km) distance in 3h 52m.
Distance 114 miles (185 km) |
Average train duration 3h 51m |
Cheapest ticket price $40 (€32) |
Trains per day 11 |
Direct trains 9 |
Fastest train 3h 52m |
First train 6:00 AM |
Last train 7:00 PM |
Cheapest Month Feb |
Cheapest Day Mon |
High Season Jan - Mar |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Tue |
Best time to book 14 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 American, Asian and European works, plus rotating exhibitions in a downtown setting.
Hands-on science and technology museum popular with families, known for interactive exhibits and a rooftop experience.
Museum on local history with adobe-era collections, archives and exhibits focused on the city and county.
Historic pier with ocean views, strolling, marine exhibits and easy access to the waterfront.
Main downtown corridor lined with shops, historic buildings and public spaces, ideal for walking and people-watching.
Scenic coastal area spanning the harbor and beachfront, popular for walking, biking and sunset views.
Regional Central Coast barbecue, usually tri-tip grilled over red oak and served with salsa, pinquito beans, garlic bread, and salad. It is one of the area’s most iconic local food traditions.
Sea urchin from the Santa Barbara Channel is a local delicacy, prized for its sweet, briny flavor. It often appears in simple pasta dishes that highlight the freshness of the seafood.
Fresh local fish in tacos reflects Santa Barbara’s coastal location and strong California-Mexican food culture. They are commonly served grilled or battered with cabbage, salsa, and lime.
Popular New American restaurant in the Funk Zone, known for seasonal Central Coast ingredients and polished but relaxed dining.
Stylish Spanish restaurant known for tapas, paella, and a lively upscale atmosphere near the waterfront.
Established harbor seafood restaurant popular for clam chowder, oysters, and marina views in a casual setting.
Santa Barbara is pricier than many U.S. cities, especially for hotels and dining near the coast.
Tip 18-20% at restaurants, 20%+ for excellent service, USD 1-2 per drink at bars, round up or tip 10-15% for taxis, and USD 2-5 for hotel staff as appropriate.
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.

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