- Must visit
Smithsonian American Art Museum
Major collection of American art from colonial works to contemporary pieces, located in the nearby Penn Quarter district.
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
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.
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.
790 Pacific Surfliner
782 Pacific Surfliner
770 Pacific Surfliner
774 Pacific Surfliner
794 Pacific Surfliner
794 Pacific Surfliner
11 Coast Starlight
770 Pacific Surfliner
786 Pacific Surfliner
774 Pacific SurflinerOmio 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)
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) |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
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).
Other travel options to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 59m.
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.
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.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
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 | 12:21 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 9h25 | 9:46 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 1 transfer | |
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 | 2:57 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 2h53 | 5:50 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 | 7:00 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 2h46 | 9:46 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Sunday, June 21 | |||||
770 Pacific Surfliner | 6:53 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 2h53 | 9:46 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 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.
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 |
Discover the best of Union Station — top attractions, local food, transport tips, budget advice, and currency essentials. Plan your perfect Union Station trip today.
Major collection of American art from colonial works to contemporary pieces, located in the nearby Penn Quarter district.
Celebrated museum of portraits of influential Americans, sharing a historic building with the Smithsonian American Art Museum.
World-class art museum with masterworks from Europe and America, plus sculpture garden and rotating exhibitions.
Historic neighborhood of row houses, political institutions, and leafy streets that is ideal for walking near Union Station.
Washington’s monumental park corridor lined with museums and memorials, essential for first-time visitors and long scenic walks.
Central district known for museums, theaters, and lively streets, popular with visitors exploring downtown on foot.
An All-Beef Hot Dog On A Poppy Seed Bun With Mustard, Relish, Onion, Tomato, Sport Peppers, Pickle, And Celery Salt. It Is A Classic Chicago Specialty.
Thin-Sliced Roast Beef Simmered In Jus And Served On A Roll, Often Dipped And Topped With Giardiniera Or Sweet Peppers. A Defining Chicago Sandwich.
A Thick, Pan-Baked Pizza With Layers Of Cheese, Toppings, And Chunky Tomato Sauce. It Is One Of Chicago's Most Famous Comfort Foods.
A Nationally Acclaimed Fine Dining Restaurant In The West Loop Offering A Refined Tasting Menu Experience.
A Celebrated West Loop Restaurant Known For Bold Small Plates, Creative Cooking, And A Lively Atmosphere.
A Historic Diner Near Union Station Known For Breakfast, Classic American Plates, And Old-School Chicago Hospitality.
Costs are moderate by major U.S. city standards. Fast food is affordable, but sit-down dining and station-area prices are higher.
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.
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.

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.
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