The cheapest and fastest trains from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Ana, CA
Cheapest price
$42
Average price
$53
Fastest journey
4 h 7 m
Average duration
4 h 14 m
Trains per day
13
Distance
185 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana, CA will cost around $53 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $42.
Of the 13 trains that leave Santa Barbara, CA for Santa Ana, CA on Mon, Mar 23, 10 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Mon, Mar 23 the direct trains cover the 185 km distance in an average of 4 h 14 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 4 h 7 m .
On Mon, Mar 23 the slowest trains will take 4 h 20 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.
794 Pacific Surfliner
774 Pacific Surfliner
790 Pacific Surfliner
782 Pacific Surfliner
770 Pacific Surfliner
770 Pacific Surfliner
794 Pacific Surfliner
774 Pacific Surfliner
790 Pacific Surfliner
782 Pacific SurflinerTravel Information
Compare train and bus for Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Ana, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Ana, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $41. For those with little time consider booking a train which can get you there in 4h 18m. In case you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint the train is your best bet as it emits only 0.1 - 0.2kg. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $41, and a bus costs an average of $39.
Distance: 114 miles (185 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
$41 Average price Cheapest | $60 Average price |
4h 48m Average total duration Fastest 4h 18m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 7h 45m Average total duration 7h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Live departures
Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Ana, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Ana, CA trains for today, Sunday, March 22. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
782 Pacific Surfliner | 7:26 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 4h34 | 12:00 AM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
790 Pacific Surfliner | 11:25 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 4h35 | 4:00 AM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Monday, March 23 | |||||
794 Pacific Surfliner | 1:30 AM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 4h30 | 6:00 AM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
770 Pacific Surfliner | 1:39 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 4h21 | 6:00 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
770 Pacific Surfliner | 1:53 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 4h07 | 6:00 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
774 Pacific Surfliner | 3:31 PM Goleta Station, Goleta, CA | 4h29 | 8:00 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
774 Pacific Surfliner | 3:49 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 4h11 | 8:00 PM Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, CA | 0 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 Santa Ana, 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.
Mar 23
Mar 24
Mar 25
Mar 26
Mar 27
Mar 28
Mar 29
Journey information
Overview: Train from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Ana, CA
Trains from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Ana, CA run on average 12 times per day, taking around 4h 18m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $41 (€33) but you can travel from only $39 (€31) by bus.
There are 9 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 06:00, the last at 18:57. The fastest train covers the 114 miles (185 km) distance in 4h 3m.
Distance 114 miles (185 km) |
Average train duration 4h 18m |
Cheapest ticket price $41 (€33) |
Trains per day 12 |
Direct trains 9 |
Fastest train 4h 3m |
First train 06:00 |
Last train 18:57 |
Cheapest month Dec |
Cheapest day Mon |
High season Jul - Sep |
Low season Apr - Jun |
Busiest day Sun |
Least busy day Tue |
Best day to book ahead 14 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Ana, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Santa Barbara, CA and Santa Ana, CA from $39 (€31). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Ana, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Ana, CA
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available at the station.
- The Lark
- Santo Mezcal
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps, restrooms.
- $1
- Hotel Californian
- Harbor View Inn
- Hotel Milo Santa Barbara
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- The station has a main hall with ticketing and waiting areas.
- Bus: Several lines available
- Trolley: Downtown Waterfront Shuttle
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available adjacent to the station, with spaces for both short-term and long-term parking.
- The Habit Burger Grill
- Pepe's Mexican Restaurant
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- Free for passengers
- Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta
- Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta
- Located near the platform
- Free
- The station consists of a single platform with a waiting area and parking facilities nearby.
- Bus: Santa Barbara MTD Line 6, Line 11
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available with several spaces for both short-term and long-term parking.
- The Olde Ship British Pub & Restaurant
- Chapter One: the modern local
- Outside the main entrance.
- Ramps.
- $0.50
- DoubleTree by Hilton Santa Ana
- Courtyard by Marriott Santa Ana
- Holiday Inn Santa Ana-Orange County Airport
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: main entrance, ticket office, and waiting area
- Hall 2: platforms for Amtrak and Metrolink services
- Bus: OCTA routes 53, 83, 206
- Train: Amtrak Pacific Surfliner, Metrolink Orange County Line
More options for your journey from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Ana, CA
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