Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA train with Amtrak

Sun, Jun 21
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Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
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Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
2,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA

Showing times and prices for Jun 21

Cheapest price

$35

Average price

$49

Fastest journey

2 h 46 m

Average duration

2 h 52 m

Trains per day

8

Distance

140 km

Cheap tickets

The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA to Union Station, 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 Station, Santa Barbara, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA will cost around $49 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $35.

Fast trains

Of the 8 trains that leave Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA for Union Station, Los Angeles, CA on Sun, Jun 21, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Sun, Jun 21 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 Sun, Jun 21 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.

  • Amtrak790 Pacific Surfliner
    4:40 PM3h03
    Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
    7:43 PMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA
    $351One-way
    0 transfers
  • Amtrak782 Pacific Surfliner
    12:40 PM3h05
    Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
    3:45 PMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA
    $351One-way
    0 transfers
  • Amtrak770 Pacific Surfliner
    6:53 AM2h53
    Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
    9:46 AMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA
    $351One-way
    0 transfers
  • Amtrak774 Pacific Surfliner
    8:49 AM2h54
    Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
    11:43 AMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA
    $351One-way
    0 transfers
  • Amtrak794 Pacific Surfliner
    7:00 PM2h46
    Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
    9:46 PMUnion Station, Los Angeles, CA
    $351One-way
    0 transfers

Travel Information

Compare train and bus for Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA

Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $29. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 22m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $29, and a bus costs an average of $16.

Distance: 86 miles (140 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus
Driving

$34

Average price

Cheapest

$40

Average price

$2

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 29m

Average total duration

2h 59m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 52m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 22m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 7m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Amtrak

Most popular train company

FlixBus

Most popular bus company

Your own car or car rental

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA is a train with an average price of $34 (€28).

This is compared to other travel options from Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA:

A train is $5 (€4) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA costing on average $40 (€33).

The fastest way to travel from Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA is by bus with an average journey time of 2h 22m.

Other travel options to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA take longer:

Train takes on average 2h 59m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 2 ways to travel between Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA and Union Station, Los Angeles, CA including taking a train and bus.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA among Omio's users.
Take the train. It's the cheaper option, and the extra time on board is usually more relaxing than driving it.

Tickets start at around $34 (€28) compared to roughly $2 (€2) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-32.22 (€-26.37). The journey takes 2h 59m versus 2h 7m 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.

Live departures

Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA train times

The table below shows live departures for Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA trains for today, Saturday, June 20. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Amtrak774 Pacific Surfliner8:49 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
2h54
11:43 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak14 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner12:21 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
9h25
9:46 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA1 transfer
Amtrak782 Pacific Surfliner12:40 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
3h05
3:45 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak786 Pacific Surfliner2:57 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
2h53
5:50 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak790 Pacific Surfliner4:40 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
3h03
7:43 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak11 Coast Starlight6:19 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
2h52
9:11 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 transfersDirect
Amtrak794 Pacific Surfliner7:00 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
2h46
9:46 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 transfersDirect
Sunday, June 21
Amtrak770 Pacific Surfliner6:53 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
2h53
9:46 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA0 transfersDirect

This is the last train of the day.

Find all the dates and times for this journey

Compare prices and tickets Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, 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.

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Journey information

Overview: Train from Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

Trains from Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA run on average 7 times per day, taking around 2h 59m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $29 (€23) but you can travel from only $16 (€13) by bus.

There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 01:50, the last at 15:49. The fastest train covers the 86 miles (140 km) distance in 2h 52m.

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 $16 (€13)
Distance
86 miles (140 km)
Average train duration
2h 59m
Cheapest ticket price
$29 (€23)
Trains per day
7
Direct trains
6
Fastest train
2h 52m
First train
1:50 AM
Last train
3:49 PM
Cheapest Month
Feb
Cheapest Day
Mon
High Season
Oct - Dec
Low Season
Apr - Jun
Busiest Day
Sat
Least Busy Day
Wed
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 $16 (€13)

Train companies: Amtrak from Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA and Union Station, Los Angeles, CA from $16 (€13). 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
2h 52m
Cheapest Price
$29 (€23)
Amtrak frequency
7 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

Complete guide to Union Station

Things to do in Union Station

Discover the best of Union Station — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Union Station trip today.

  • Must visit

Smithsonian American Art Museum

Major collection of American art from colonial works to contemporary pieces, located in the nearby Penn Quarter district.

  • Must visit

National Portrait Gallery

Celebrated museum of portraits of influential Americans, sharing a historic building with the Smithsonian American Art Museum.

  • Must visit

National Gallery of Art

World-class art museum with masterworks from Europe and America, plus sculpture garden and rotating exhibitions.

United States Dollar

Costs are moderate by major U.S. city standards. Fast food is affordable, but sit-down dining and station-area prices are higher.

Average meal costs

Budget
USD 10-18 for fast food or casual takeout.
Mid-range
USD 20-40 per person at a mid-range restaurant.
Fine dining
USD 60-120+ per person at upscale restaurants.
Coffee
USD 3-6 for drip coffee or a latte.

Tipping culture

Restaurants: tip 18-20% before tax for table service. Bars: USD 1-2 per drink. Cafes: optional small tip. Taxis/rideshares: 10-15% or round up. Hotel staff: USD 1-5 depending on service.

FAQs: Trains from Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA

Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA to Union Station, 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 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $29 (€23), while the average price is around $34 (€28).
The train from Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA takes 2h 52m and runs 7 per day.
The distance by train from Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA is 86 miles (140 km).
The first train from Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA leaves at 1:50 AM.
The last train from Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA leaves at 3:49 PM.
There is no high speed train available from Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA.
Yes, there is a direct train from Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA. This service operates 6 times per day, provided by Amtrak.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA.
The cheapest way to get from Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA is by bus, with a cost of around $16 (€13).
Yes, the train journey from Santa Barbara Station to Union Station in Los Angeles is considered scenic as it offers picturesque views of the Pacific Ocean, coastal landscapes, and the rolling hills of Southern California.
A day trip from Santa Barbara Station, CA to Union Station, CA is not feasible as the duration is 2h 52m. However, trains run with a frequency of 7 per day over a distance of 86 miles (140 km).
Yes, you can take the train from Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA.
Since neither Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA nor Union Station, Los Angeles, CA are in the Schengen Area, passport requirements depend on the specific immigration rules of United States and United States. Entry and visa requirements can be subject to change. For the latest information, check with your destination's embassy or consulate.
Popular day trips by train from Union Station, Los Angeles, CA include Anaheim, CA, Oceanside, CA, Irvine, CA, Fullerton, CA, San Juan Capistrano, CA.
We recommend using the train as it is the most popular way to get from Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA among Omio's users.
Items not allowed on trains typically include hazardous materials such as explosives, flammable liquids, corrosive substances, and illegal drugs. Additionally, large or bulky items that may obstruct aisles or emergency exits, as well as pets without proper carriers, may be restricted. Specific prohibited items can vary by train operator and region, so please check the rules for your particular journey.
The currency used in the United States is the US Dollar (USD). For travelers, using cards is generally more convenient and widely accepted, especially credit and debit cards, while cash is useful for small purchases or places that do not accept cards.
Pack lightweight, versatile clothing suitable for the destination's climate, and use secure, lockable luggage to protect belongings. Keep essential items like travel documents, medication, and valuables in a carry-on bag for easy access. Use packing organizers or cubes to maximize space and maintain order. Lastly, include a small first aid kit and personal hygiene items for added comfort during travel.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA

Most Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA to Union Station, 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 Station, Santa Barbara, CA and Union Station, Los Angeles, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.

Departure train stations in Santa Barbara
Arrival train stations in Los Angeles
Santa Barbara Station209 State Street, Santa Barbara, CA 93101, USA+1 800-872-7245LockersParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelLost and Found OfficeTicket OfficeBike ParkingBike RentalInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Santa Barbara Station from Santa Barbara city centre

Bus33 · 5m · $2 · every ~2 min

Santa Barbara Station 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 and drink

Food options include: The Lark, Santo Mezcal

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Santa Barbara Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.

Luggage and lost property

Luggage storage is available at Santa Barbara Station. Lost and found is available at the station.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Santa Barbara Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Santa Barbara Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Barbara Station: Ramps, restrooms.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hotel Californian, Harbor View Inn, Hotel Milo Santa Barbara.

Goleta Station25 South La Patera Lane, Goleta, CA 93117, USAParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation DeskLuggage Carts
City-centre transport

Getting to Goleta Station from Santa Barbara city centre

Goleta Station is 1 km from Santa Barbara city centre. Public transport options include:

TrainPacific Surfliner · 14m · $4
Bus12X, 6 · 53m · $2 · every ~5 min

Goleta Station train station facilities and services

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 and drink

Food options include: The Habit Burger Grill, Pepe's Mexican Restaurant

Tickets and information

Ticket office support is available at Goleta Station. Information desks are located near the platform.

Parking, taxis and toilets

Available at Goleta Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.

Bike and car services

Available at Goleta Station: Bike Parking.

Accessibility

Accessibility facilities are available at Goleta Station: Ramps.

Shops, hotels and contact

Nearby hotels include Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta, Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta.

Santa Barbara, University of California

More options for your journey from Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA

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Most popular trains to and from Union Station, Los Angeles, CA and Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA

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