The cheapest and fastest trains from Santa Maria, CA to Los Angeles, CA
Cheapest price
$74
Average price
$74
Fastest journey
5 h 6 m
Average duration
5 h 6 m
Trains per day
1
Distance
224 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santa Maria, CA to 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 Maria, CA to Los Angeles, CA will cost around $74 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $74.
Of the 1 trains that leave Santa Maria, CA for Los Angeles, CA on Thu, May 07, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Thu, May 07 the direct trains cover the 224 km distance in an average of 5 h 6 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 5 h 6 m .
On Thu, May 07 the slowest trains will take 5 h 6 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.
12:40 PM5h06Santa Maria, CA5:46 PMLos Angeles, CA$741One-way0 transfers
12:40 PM5h06Santa Maria, CA5:46 PMLos Angeles, CA$741One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare bus and train for Santa Maria, CA to Los Angeles, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Maria, CA to Los Angeles, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $49. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 4h 0m. 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 $49, and a bus costs an average of $43.
Distance: 139 miles (224 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$72 Average price Cheapest | $97 Average price | $33 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
5h 26m Average total duration 4h 56m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 30m Average total duration Fastest 4h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 2m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.6kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
This is compared to other travel options from Santa Maria, CA to Los Angeles, CA:
A train is $24 (€20) less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Santa Maria, CA to Los Angeles, CA costing on average $97 (€77).
Other travel options to Los Angeles, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 56m.
Tickets start at around $72 (€58) compared to roughly $33 (€26) in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-39.21 (€-31.23). The journey takes 4h 56m versus 3h 2m 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 Maria, CA to Los Angeles, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Santa Maria, CA to Los Angeles, CA trains for tomorrow, Thursday, May 7. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 12:40 PM Santa Maria, CA | 5h06 | 5:46 PM Los Angeles, 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 Maria, CA to Los Angeles, 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.
May 07
May 08
May 09
May 10
May 11
May 12
May 13
Journey information
Overview: Train from Santa Maria, CA to Los Angeles, CA
Trains from Santa Maria, CA to Los Angeles, CA run on average 4 times per day, taking around 4h 56m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $49 (€39) but you can travel from only $43 (€35) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 04:40, the last at 19:59. The fastest train covers the 139 miles (224 km) distance in 4h 56m.
Distance 139 miles (224 km) |
Average train duration 4h 56m |
Cheapest ticket price $49 (€39) |
Trains per day 4 |
Fastest train 4h 56m |
First train 4:40 AM |
Last train 7:59 PM |
Cheapest Month Jul |
Cheapest Day Sun |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Best time to book 4 days |
Train companies: Amtrak from Santa Maria, CA to Los Angeles, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Santa Maria, CA and Los Angeles, CA from $43 (€35). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Santa Maria, CA to Los Angeles, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Maria, CA to 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 Los Angeles, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

popular train stations
Popular train stations from Santa Maria, CA to Los Angeles, CA
- 4:30 AM - 1:00 AM Monday - Sunday
- Free
- The car park is open 24/7. Access via Vignes Street and Cesar Chavez Avenue.
- Traxx Restaurant
- Union Station Cafe
- Philippe The Original
- Outside the main entrance.
- Elevators, restrooms.
- $1
- DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles Downtown
- Miyako Hotel Los Angeles
- Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza
- Cost $10
- Located in the main hall
- Located in the main hall
- Avis
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Hall 1: Main entrance, platforms for Amtrak and Metrolink
- Hall 2: Metro Rail connections
- Hall 3: Bus terminal
- Metro: Red Line, Purple Line, Gold Line
- Bus: Several lines available including DASH and Metro Bus
- 6:00 AM - 10:00 PM Monday - Sunday
- Parking is available at the station.
- Outside the main entrance.
- $0.50
- Located in the main hall
- Enterprise
- Hertz
- Located in the main hall
- Free
- Bus: Several lines available
- Metro: Orange Line
Most popular train connections from Santa Maria, CA
More options for your journey from Santa Maria, CA to Los Angeles, CA
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