- Must visit
The Getty Center
Major art museum and hilltop campus known for European paintings, gardens, and architecture, with panoramic city views.
Cheapest price
$35
Average price
$42
Fastest journey
2 h 46 m
Average duration
2 h 52 m
Trains per day
14
Distance
140 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santa Barbara, 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 Barbara, CA to Los Angeles, CA will cost around $42 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $35.
Of the 14 trains that leave Santa Barbara, CA for Los Angeles, CA on Sat, May 30, 13 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, May 30 the direct trains cover the 140 km distance in an average of 2 h 52 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 46 m .
On Sat, May 30 the slowest trains will take 2 h 54 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.
786 Pacific Surfliner
774 Pacific Surfliner
794 Pacific Surfliner
782 Pacific Surfliner
786 Pacific Surfliner
794 Pacific Surfliner
11 Coast Starlight
786 Pacific Surfliner
770 Pacific Surfliner
774 Pacific SurflinerOmio 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 $26.
Distance: 86 miles (140 km)
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$34 Average price | $34 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 $0.67 (€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 $-14.09 (€-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, Friday, May 29. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
14 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 12:21 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 9h25 | 9:46 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1 transfer | |
782 Pacific Surfliner | 12:26 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 3h19 | 3:45 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
782 Pacific Surfliner | 12:40 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 3h05 | 3:45 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
786 Pacific Surfliner | 2:35 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 3h15 | 5:50 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
786 Pacific Surfliner | 2:57 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 2h53 | 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 | |
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 | |
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 $26 (€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 $26 (€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 — 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.
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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.
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Well-known Oaxacan restaurant celebrated for mole, tlayudas, and mezcal. Lively, established dining room with strong local and national recognition.
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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.
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.

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