Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA train with Amtrak

Fri, Nov 07
+ Add return
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
Italo
iryo
1,000+ travel companies
Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
Italo
iryo
1,000+ travel companies
QR-Code
Scan to get our free app
Use our app to get live travel updates and book mobile tickets for trains, buses, flights, and ferries.
App Store
rate4.9
42K ratings
Google Play
rate4.6
136K reviews

The cheapest and fastest trains from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA

Showing times and prices for Nov 08

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

Cheap tickets

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.

Fast trains

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.

Amtrak
08:45PM3h50
Santa Barbara, CA
12:35AMSanta Monica, CA
$381One-way
0 transfers

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*

Amtrak

Most popular train company

FlixBus

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.

Sat
Nov 08
Sun
Nov 09
Mon
Nov 10
Tue
Nov 11
Wed
Nov 12
Thu
Nov 13
Fri
Nov 14

Journey information

Overview: Train from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train
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 $17 (€14)
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.
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 $17 (€14)

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

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
3h 50m
Cheapest Price
$36 (€30)
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

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.

FAQs
A 2 to 3-day visit in Santa Monica, CA is typically sufficient to explore its vibrant beach, iconic pier, local dining, and nearby attractions.
The distance by train from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA is 74 miles (120 km).
Train ticket prices from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $36 (€30), while the average price is around $37 (€30).
The first train from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA leaves at 5:35 AM.
The last train from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA leaves at 6:19 PM.
The cheapest way to get from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA is by bus, with a cost of around $17 (€14).
In Santa Monica, CA, visitors can enjoy Pacific Park on the Santa Monica Pier, which offers family-friendly rides and games. Explore the Santa Monica Farmers Market for fresh produce, local goods, and live music. Discover marine life at the Heal the Bay Aquarium under the pier. For outdoor activities, bike along the scenic Marvin Braude Bike Trail or join a sunset yoga session on Santa Monica Beach. Key sights include the iconic Santa Monica Pier, bustling Third Street Promenade, relaxing Santa Monica State Beach, picturesque Palisades Park, and modern Tongva Park with unique landscaping and art.
The train from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA takes 3h 50m and runs 2 per day.
There is no direct train service currently available from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA.
There is no high speed train available from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA.
Yes, you can take the train from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA.
A day trip from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 50m. There are 2 trains per day covering a distance of 74 miles (120 km).
Yes, the train journey from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA is scenic, offering views of the Pacific Ocean, coastal landscapes, and picturesque California countryside along the route.

popular train stations

Popular train stations from Santa Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA

Santa Barbara
Santa Monica
The major train station for departures in Santa Barbara is Santa Barbara Station. Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Santa Barbara Station for your trip from Santa Barbara to Santa Monica.
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
Goleta StationParkingDiningTaxisAccessibilityWCHotelTicket OfficeBike ParkingInformation DeskLuggage Carts
Amenities at train station
ParkingParking
DiningDining
TaxisTaxis
AccessibilityAccessibility
WCWC
HotelHotel
Ticket OfficeTicket Office
Bike ParkingBike Parking
Information DeskInformation Desk
Luggage CartsLuggage Carts
information
ticketOfficeHours
Ticket Office Hours
  • 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
ticketOfficeHours
Distance to city center
1 km
platformCount
Number of platforms
1
Parking
Parking
  • Parking is available adjacent to the station, with spaces for both short-term and long-term parking.
Dining
Dining
  • The Habit Burger Grill
  • Pepe's Mexican Restaurant
Taxis
Taxis
  • Outside the main entrance.
Accessibility
Accessibility
  • Ramps.
WC
WC
  • Free for passengers
Hotel
Hotel
  • Hampton Inn Santa Barbara/Goleta
  • Courtyard by Marriott Santa Barbara Goleta
Information Desk
Information Desk
  • Located near the platform
Luggage Carts
Luggage Carts
  • Free
Station Plan
  • The station consists of a single platform with a waiting area and parking facilities nearby.
Public transit options for Goleta Station
  • Bus: Santa Barbara MTD Line 6, Line 11
HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Santa Monica, CASanta Barbara, CA to Santa Monica, CA train

The Omio App Makes Travel Planning Easy

We’ll get you where you want to go. From live train updates to mobile tickets, our innovative app is the ideal way to plan and keep track of your travel.

ios-badge
android-badge
Hand With Phone