Santa Barbara, CA to El Monte, CA train

Mon, Jun 22
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Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
Italo
2,000+ travel companies
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
iryo
Frecciarossa
Italo
2,000+ travel companies
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Travel Information

Compare bus, train, and flight for Santa Barbara, CA to El Monte, CA

Omio recommends booking the flight as it is the most popular option from Santa Barbara, CA to El Monte, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $28. For those with little time consider booking a flight which can get you there in 1h 3m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $28, and a flight costs an average of $528.

Distance: 98 miles (158 km)

Compare train with

Train
Most popular
Flight
Bus
Driving

$33

Average price

$528

Average price

$28

Average price

Cheapest

$23

Average price

(fuel + tolls)

3h 5m

Average total duration

2h 35m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

4h 3m

Average total duration

Fastest

1h 3m

Onboard

+

3h 0m

Additional time*

4h 19m

Average total duration

3h 49m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 1m

Average total duration

(door-to-door)

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

Direct Options

The cheapest way to travel from Santa Barbara, CA to El Monte, CA is a bus with an average price of $28 (€23).

This is compared to other travel options from Santa Barbara, CA to El Monte, CA:

A bus is $4 (€4) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Santa Barbara, CA to El Monte, CA costing on average $33 (€27).

A bus is $500 (€409) less than a flight for this route with tickets for a flight from Santa Barbara, CA to El Monte, CA costing on average $528 (€432).

The fastest way to travel from Santa Barbara, CA to El Monte, CA is by flight with an average journey time of 1h 3m.

Other travel options to El Monte, CA take longer:

Train takes on average 2h 35m.

Bus takes on average 3h 49m.

It's helpful to compare your options as there are 3 ways to travel between Santa Barbara, CA and El Monte, CA including taking a bus, train, and flight.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Santa Barbara, CA to El Monte, 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 $33 (€27) compared to roughly $23 (€19) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-9.31 (€-7.62). The journey takes 2h 35m versus 2h 1m 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, CA to El Monte, CA train times

The table below shows live departures for Santa Barbara, CA to El Monte, CA trains for today, Sunday, June 21. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
Amtrak1:53 PM Santa Barbara, CA
2h35
4:28 PM El Monte, 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, CA to El Monte, CA by bus, train, or flight

Compare bus, train, and flight 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.

Mon
Jun 22
Tue
Jun 23
Wed
Jun 24
Thu
Jun 25
Fri
Jun 26
Sat
Jun 27
Sun
Jun 28

Journey information

Overview: Train from Santa Barbara, CA to El Monte, CA

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Icon of train

Trains from Santa Barbara, CA to El Monte, CA run on average 13 times per day, taking around 2h 35m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $33 (€27) but you can travel from only $28 (€23) by bus.

There are 11 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:53, the last at 19:26. The fastest train covers the 98 miles (158 km) distance in 2h 35m.

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 $28 (€23)
Distance
98 miles (158 km)
Average train duration
2h 35m
Cheapest ticket price
$33 (€27)
Trains per day
13
Direct trains
11
Fastest train
2h 35m
First train
6:53 AM
Last train
7:26 PM
Cheapest Month
Apr
Cheapest Day
Sun
High Season
Apr - Jun
Low Season
Apr - Jun
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 $28 (€23)

FAQs: Trains from Santa Barbara, CA to El Monte, CA

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

FAQs
Train ticket prices from Santa Barbara, CA to El Monte, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $33 (€27), while the average price is around $33 (€27).
The train from Santa Barbara, CA to El Monte, CA takes 2h 35m and runs 13 per day.
The first train from Santa Barbara, CA to El Monte, CA leaves at 6:53 AM.
The distance by train from Santa Barbara, CA to El Monte, CA is 98 miles (158 km).
The last train from Santa Barbara, CA to El Monte, CA leaves at 7:26 PM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Santa Barbara, CA to El Monte, CA.
The train station in Santa Barbara, CA that goes to El Monte, CA is Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA, which connects to Union Station, Los Angeles, CA.
The cheapest way to get from Santa Barbara, CA to El Monte, CA is by bus, with a cost of around $28 (€23).
Yes, the train journey from Santa Barbara to El Monte offers scenic views, including picturesque coastal landscapes, rolling hills, and glimpses of charming towns along the route.
For a visit to El Monte, CA, a day or two is typically sufficient to explore local attractions such as the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area and the El Monte Historical Museum.
No, you cannot take the train from Santa Barbara, CA to El Monte, CA.
Since neither Santa Barbara, CA nor El Monte, 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 El Monte, CA include Oxnard, CA.
We recommend using the bus as it is the most popular way to get from Santa Barbara, CA to El Monte, 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.
In El Monte, CA, travelers should be aware of petty theft and car break-ins, especially in crowded or poorly lit areas. Avoid leaving valuables visible in vehicles and stay alert in public spaces. Some travelers have reported fare scams with unlicensed taxi drivers, so it's recommended to use reputable transportation services or rideshare apps. Staying informed and cautious can help ensure a safe visit.
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, CA to El Monte, CA

Santa Barbara
El Monte
Amenities at train station
LockersLockers
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Lost and Found OfficeLost and Found Office
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Bike RentalBike Rental
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
phone
Phone Number
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
platformCount
Number of platforms
2
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available at the station
Dining
Dining
  • The Lark
  • Santo Mezcal
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps, restrooms
WC
WC
  • $1
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hotel Californian
  • Harbor View Inn
  • Hotel Milo Santa Barbara
Lost and Found Office
Lost and Found Office
  • Located in the main hall
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located in the main hall
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • The station has a main hall with ticketing and waiting areas.
Public transit options for Santa Barbara Station
  • Bus: Several lines available
  • Trolley: Downtown Waterfront Shuttle

More options for your journey from Santa Barbara, CA to El Monte, CA

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Most popular train connections to El Monte, CA

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