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

Tue, Dec 09
+ Add return
Amtrak
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Amtrak
Regionale
Deutsche Bahn
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Italo
1,000+ travel companies
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The cheapest and fastest trains from Santa Monica, CA to Santa Barbara, CA

Showing times and prices for Dec 09

Cheapest price

$39

Average price

$39

Fastest journey

3 h 45 m

Average duration

3 h 45 m

Trains per day

1

Distance

120 km

Cheap tickets

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 $39 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $39.

Fast trains

Of the 1 trains that leave Santa Monica, CA for Santa Barbara, CA on Tue, Dec 09, 1 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.

On Tue, Dec 09 the direct trains cover the 120 km distance in an average of 3 h 45 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 3 h 45 m .

On Tue, Dec 09 the slowest trains will take 3 h 45 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
03:05PM3h45
Santa Monica, CA
06:50PMSanta Barbara, CA
$391One-way
0 transfers

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 bus with prices starting from €13. 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 bus costs an average of €13, and a train costs an average of €30.

Distance: 74 miles (120 km)

Compare train with

Most popular
Train
Bus

€30

Average price

€20

Average price

Cheapest

3h 41m

Average total duration

3h 11m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

2h 39m

Average total duration

Fastest

2h 9m

Onboard

+

30m

Additional time*

Amtrak

Most popular train company

FlixBus

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, Tuesday, December 9. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.

Last updated at 3:18 PM
ProviderDepartsDurationArrivesTransfers
Tickets
amtrak3:05 PM Santa Monica, CA
3h45
6:50 PM Santa Barbara, CA0 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.

Tue
Dec 09
Wed
Dec 10
Thu
Dec 11
Fri
Dec 12
Sat
Dec 13
Sun
Dec 14
Mon
Dec 15

Why should you book Santa Monica to Santa Barbara trains with Omio?

Amtrak operates all train services from Santa Monica to Santa Barbara. Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets.

Why book with Omio vs Amtrak?

  • Designed for International Travelers: Omio is in your language including 24/7 customer service and offers multiple payment options, including PayPal, credit cards, and bank transfer, in your preferred currency.
  • Compare all your options: Omio allows you to compare Amtrak with all available travel options, which are bus and train to ensure you get the best deal for traveling from Santa Monica to Santa Barbara.

Why book with Omio over Trainline and Rail Europe?

Multiple modes of transport
  • Official reseller: Amtrak tickets can only be bought on Omio or Amtrak's website as Omio is the only official third party seller for Amtrak tickets. Trainline, RailEurope, and Rail.Ninja do not sell Amtrak tickets as they are not official sellers.
  • Multiple modes of transport: Omio allows you to compare travel options including bus and train to find the ideal travel option from Santa Monica to Santa Barbara.

Journey information

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

USAUSA
USAUSA
Icon of train

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 $37 (€30) but you can travel from only $17 (€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.

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 (€13)
Distance
74 miles (120 km)
Average train duration
3h 11m
Cheapest ticket price
$37 (€30)
Trains per day
2
Fastest train
3h 45m
First train
05:35
Last train
18:19
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 (€13)

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 $17 (€13). 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
2h 0m
Cheapest Price
$37 (€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 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.

FAQs
A day trip from Santa Monica, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is not feasible as the journey takes 3h 45m, and the train frequency is 2 per day over a distance of 74 miles (120 km).
Train ticket prices from Santa Monica, CA to Santa Barbara, CA can vary. The cheapest ticket starts at $37 (€30), while the average price is around $37 (€30).
Yes, the train journey from Santa Monica to Santa Barbara is scenic, offering picturesque views of the Pacific coastline, rolling hills, and charming coastal towns along the way.
The cheapest way to get from Santa Monica, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is by bus, with a cost of around $17 (€13).
The distance by train from Santa Monica, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is 74 miles (120 km).
The first train from Santa Monica, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 5:35 AM.
The train from Santa Monica, CA to Santa Barbara, CA takes 3h 45m and runs 2 per day.
The last train from Santa Monica, CA to Santa Barbara, CA leaves at 6:19 PM.
Unfortunately, there is no night train available from Santa Monica, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
There is no direct train service currently available from Santa Monica, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Typically, spending 2 to 3 days in Santa Barbara, CA is ideal to explore its beautiful beaches, vibrant downtown, and cultural attractions.
In Santa Barbara, CA, visitors can explore State Street for shopping, dining, and entertainment, visit the Santa Barbara Museum of Art, and take a wine tasting tour in the Santa Ynez Valley. For outdoor activities, enjoy a scenic hike in the Santa Ynez Mountains and visit the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum. Best sights include the historic Santa Barbara Mission, Stearns Wharf, Santa Barbara Botanic Garden, Santa Barbara Zoo, and the unique Lotusland botanical garden.
There is no high speed train available from Santa Monica, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.
Yes, you can take the train from Santa Monica, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.

popular train stations

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

Santa Monica
Santa Barbara
The major train station for departures in Santa Monica is Santa Monica, 2nd Street / Broadway (Santa Monica Place). Find all the information you need to know about services, amenities and connections at Santa Monica, 2nd Street / Broadway (Santa Monica Place) for your trip from Santa Monica to Santa Barbara.
Santa Monica, 2nd Street / Broadway (Santa Monica Place)
information
HomeTrainsTrains in USATrain Times to Santa Barbara, CASanta Monica, CA to Santa Barbara, CA train

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