The cheapest and fastest trains from Santa Monica, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Cheapest price
$36
Average price
$37
Fastest journey
3 h 45 m
Average duration
4 h 23 m
Trains per day
2
Distance
120 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Santa Monica, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is to book your journey as far in advance as possible and to avoid traveling at rush hour.
The average ticket from Santa Monica, CA to Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $37 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $36.
Of the 2 trains that leave Santa Monica, CA for Santa Barbara, CA on Sat, Mar 14, 2 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Sat, Mar 14 the direct trains cover the 120 km distance in an average of 4 h 23 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 45 m .
On Sat, Mar 14 the slowest trains will take 5 h 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 Monica, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Monica, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the train with prices starting from $36. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 9m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $36, and a bus costs an average of $16.
Distance: 74 miles (120 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
$37 Average price Cheapest | $41 Average price |
3h 41m Average total duration 3h 11m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 39m Average total duration Fastest 2h 9m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Live departures
Santa Monica, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Santa Monica, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trains for tomorrow, Friday, March 13. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
![]() | 2:50 PM Santa Monica, CA | 5h00 | 7:50 PM Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
![]() | 4:05 PM Santa Monica, CA | 3h45 | 7:50 PM Santa Barbara, 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 Monica, CA to Santa Barbara, 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.
Mar 14
Mar 15
Mar 16
Mar 17
Mar 18
Mar 19
Mar 20
Journey information
Overview: Train from Santa Monica, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Trains from Santa Monica, CA to Santa Barbara, CA run on average 2 times per day, taking around 3h 11m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $36 (€30) but you can travel from only $16 (€13) by bus.
The earliest train runs at 05:35, the last at 18:19. The fastest train covers the 74 miles (120 km) distance in 3h 45m.
Distance 74 miles (120 km) |
Average train duration 3h 11m |
Cheapest ticket price $36 (€30) |
Trains per day 2 |
Fastest train 3h 45m |
First train 05:35 |
Last train 18:19 |
Cheapest month Jan |
Cheapest day Wed |
High season Jul - Sep |
Low season Apr - Jun |
Busiest day Mon |
Least busy day Mon |
Best day to book ahead 1 day |
Train companies: Amtrak from Santa Monica, CA to Santa Barbara, CA trainsAmtrak trains will get you between Santa Monica, CA and Santa Barbara, CA from $16 (€13). With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
FAQs: Trains from Santa Monica, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Santa Monica, CA to Santa Barbara, 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 Barbara, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.

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