The cheapest and fastest trains from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA
Cheapest price
$38
Average price
$38
Fastest journey
3 h 50 m
Average duration
3 h 50 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
120 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, 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 Monica, CA will cost around $38 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $38.
Of the 1 trains that leave Santa Barbara, CA for Santa Monica, CA on Sat, Nov 08, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Nov 08 the direct trains cover the 120 km distance in an average of 3 h 50 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 50 m .
On Sat, Nov 08 the slowest trains will take 3 h 50 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.


Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €14. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 15m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of €14, and a train costs an average of €30.
Distance: 74 miles (120 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€30 Average price | €24 Average price Cheapest |
3h 57m Average total duration 3h 27m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 45m Average total duration Fastest 2h 15m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Compare prices and tickets Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA by bus or train
Compare bus and train 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.
Nov 08
Nov 09
Nov 10
Nov 11
Nov 12
Nov 13
Nov 14
Journey information
Overview: Train from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA
Distance 74 miles (120 km) |
Average train duration 3h 27m |
Cheapest ticket price $36 (€30) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 3h 50m |
First train 05:35 |
Last train 18:19 |
Key Takeaways
Train Ticket Prices
- Budget Options: Train tickets from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA start from as low as $36 (€30) if booked well in advance.
- Standard Fares: Typically, trains cost $37 (€30) depending on the train type and class.
Train companies: Amtrak from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Santa Barbara, CA and Santa Monica, CA from $17 (€14). 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 Monica, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, 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 Monica, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, 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
More options for your journey from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA
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