- Must visit
The Getty Center
Hilltop art museum with European paintings, sculpture, gardens, and striking architecture plus sweeping city views.










Cheapest price
$35
Average price
$43
Fastest journey
2h 46m
Average duration
3h 29m
Trains per day
14
Distance
139 km
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, 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 20m. 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 $25.
Distance: 86 miles (140 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$34 Average price | $33 Average price Cheapest | $20 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 31m Average total duration 3h 1m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 50m Average total duration Fastest 2h 20m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 54m 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 Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA:
A bus is $0.66 (€0.54) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA costing on average $34 (€28).
Other travel options to Los Angeles, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 3h 1m.
Tickets start at around $34 (€28) compared to roughly $20 (€16) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-13.81 (€-11.38). The journey takes 3h 1m versus 1h 54m 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 Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA trains for today, Tuesday, July 14. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
770 Pacific Surfliner | 6:39 AM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 3h07 | 9:46 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
770 Pacific Surfliner | 6:53 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 2h53 | 9:46 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
774 Pacific Surfliner | 8:31 AM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 3h12 | 11:43 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
774 Pacific Surfliner | 8:49 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 2h54 | 11:43 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
14 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 12:15 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 9h31 | 9:46 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1 transfer | |
782 Pacific Surfliner | 12:29 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 3h16 | 3:45 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
782 Pacific Surfliner | 12:45 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 3h00 | 3:45 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
786 Pacific Surfliner | 2:47 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 3h03 | 5:50 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
786 Pacific Surfliner | 3:04 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 2h46 | 5:50 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
790 Pacific Surfliner | 4:25 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 3h18 | 7:43 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
790 Pacific Surfliner | 4:40 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 3h03 | 7:43 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
11 Coast Starlight | 6:19 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 2h52 | 9:11 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
794 Pacific Surfliner | 6:38 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 3h08 | 9:46 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
794 Pacific Surfliner | 7:00 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 2h46 | 9:46 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, 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 Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA run on average 12 times per day, taking around 3h 1m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $25 (€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 52m.
Distance 86 miles (140 km) |
Average train duration 3h 1m |
Cheapest ticket price $25 (€21) |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 10 |
Fastest train 2h 52m |
First train 5:13 AM |
Last train 7:59 PM |
Cheapest Month May |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Jan - Mar |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Wed |
Best time to book 35 days |
Discover the best of Los Angeles, CA — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Los Angeles, CA trip today.
Hilltop art museum with European paintings, sculpture, gardens, and striking architecture plus sweeping city views.
Major contemporary art museum in Downtown LA, known for broad collections, special shows, and bold architecture.
World-class encyclopedic museum on Wilshire Boulevard, famous for diverse collections and the Urban Light installation.
Legendary boulevard known for the Walk of Fame, theaters, neon, and classic Hollywood atmosphere mixed with tourist energy.
Lively beachside promenade with street performers, Muscle Beach, and easy access to the Venice Boardwalk scene.
Major urban park with trails, the observatory, picnic areas, and some of the best public views in Los Angeles.
A bacon-wrapped hot dog grilled on a street cart and topped with peppers, onions, mustard, ketchup, and mayo. A late-night Los Angeles street food classic.
A French dip sandwich of thin-sliced roast beef on a roll, often dipped in meat jus. Los Angeles claims the original and locals still debate the best version.
Double corn tortillas filled with stewed beef, birria broth, onions, and cilantro. A beloved Los Angeles Mexican staple, especially popular from trucks and taquerias.
Acclaimed fine-dining restaurant serving a seasonal California tasting menu. Refined, intimate, and one of Los Angeles's most respected special-occasion venues.
Legendary taqueria known for charcoal-grilled carne asada tacos. Casual, fast-paced, and widely considered one of Los Angeles's essential taco stops.
Historic downtown deli linked to the French dip. Old-school counter service and classic sandwiches in a landmark Los Angeles setting.
Los Angeles is pricier than many U.S. cities for hotels, dining, parking, and rides. Budget options exist, but tourist areas and transport costs raise daily spend.
Tip 18-20% in restaurants, 15-20% for taxis or rideshares, and $1-2 at cafes for counter service or coffee.
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara, 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.

Most Santa Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA trains use the Santa Barbara Station to Union Station station pair, with some services arriving at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station. Use this guide to compare Santa Barbara, CA and Los Angeles, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Santa Barbara Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Lark, Santo Mezcal
Ticket office support is available at Santa Barbara Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Santa Barbara Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Santa Barbara Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Santa Barbara Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Barbara Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include Hotel Californian, Harbor View Inn, Hotel Milo Santa Barbara.
Goleta Station is 1 km from Santa Barbara city centre. Public transport options include:
Goleta Station has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: The Habit Burger Grill, Pepe's Mexican Restaurant
Ticket office support is available at Goleta Station. Information desks are located near the platform.
Available at Goleta Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Goleta Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Goleta Station: Ramps.
Nearby hotels include Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta, Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta.
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food options include: Traxx Restaurant, Union Station Cafe, Philippe The Original
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, restrooms.
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles Downtown, Miyako Hotel Los Angeles, Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza.
Van Nuys, Metrolink Station is 25 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Van Nuys, Metrolink Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Ticket office support is available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage storage is available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station: Car Rental.
Accessibility facilities are available at Van Nuys, Metrolink Station.
Chatsworth Station is 39 km from Los Angeles city centre. Public transport options include:
Chatsworth Station has practical services for this route, including Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink options are available at Chatsworth Station.
Ticket office support is available at Chatsworth Station. Information desks are located near the main entrance.
Available at Chatsworth Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Available at Chatsworth Station: Bike Parking.
Accessibility facilities are available at Chatsworth Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need