4.9
4.6The cheapest and fastest trains from Union Station, Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
Cheapest price
$35
Average price
$51
Fastest journey
2 h 17 m
Average duration
2 h 31 m
Trains per day
8
Distance
140 km
The best way to find a cheap train ticket from Union Station, Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara Station, 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 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA will cost around $51 if you buy it on the day, but the cheapest tickets can be found for only $35.
Of the 8 trains that leave Union Station, Los Angeles, CA for Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA on Wed, Aug 05, 7 travel direct so it’s quite easy to avoid journeys where you’ll have to change along the way.
On Wed, Aug 05 the direct trains cover the 140 km distance in an average of 2 h 31 m but if you time it right, some trains will get you there in just 2 h 17 m .
On Wed, Aug 05 the slowest trains will take 2 h 42 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.
757 Pacific Surfliner5:13 AM2h43Union Station, Los Angeles, CA7:56 AMSanta Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA$351One-way0 transfers- 761 Pacific Surfliner7:13 AM2h42Union Station, Los Angeles, CA9:55 AMSanta Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA$351One-way0 transfers
- 769 Pacific Surfliner11:13 AM2h33Union Station, Los Angeles, CA1:46 PMSanta Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA$351One-way0 transfers
- 785 Pacific Surfliner7:13 PM2h43Union Station, Los Angeles, CA9:56 PMSanta Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA$351One-way0 transfers
- 777 Pacific Surfliner3:13 PM2h32Union Station, Los Angeles, CA5:45 PMSanta Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA$351One-way0 transfers
- 14 Coast Starlight9:51 AM2h17Union Station, Los Angeles, CA12:08 PMSanta Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA$591One-way0 transfers
- 765 Pacific Surfliner9:13 AM2h31Union Station, Los Angeles, CA11:44 AMSanta Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA$351One-way0 transfers
- 777 Pacific Surfliner3:13 PM2h32Union Station, Los Angeles, CA5:45 PMSanta Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA$351One-way0 transfers
- 769 Pacific Surfliner11:13 AM2h33Union Station, Los Angeles, CA1:46 PMSanta Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA$351One-way0 transfers
- 761 Pacific Surfliner7:13 AM2h42Union Station, Los Angeles, CA9:55 AMSanta Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA$351One-way0 transfers
Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Union Station, Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Union Station, Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from $18. For those with little time consider booking a bus which can get you there in 2h 33m. The ticket price range depends on the travel mode: a bus costs an average of $18, and a train costs an average of $28.
Distance: 86 miles (140 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$35 Average price | $31 Average price Cheapest | $2 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
3h 6m Average total duration 2h 36m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 3h 3m Average total duration Fastest 2h 33m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 1h 58m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
Most popular train company |  Most popular bus company | Your own car or car rental |
Direct Options | Direct Options | Direct Options |
This is compared to other travel options from Union Station, Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA:
A bus is $3 less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Union Station, Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $35.
Other travel options to Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 2h 36m.
Tickets start at around $35 compared to roughly $2 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-32.34. The journey takes 2h 36m versus 1h 58m 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
Union Station, Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA train times
The table below shows live departures for Union Station, Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA trains for today, Tuesday, August 4. You can also manually refresh the results below to see updated train journeys.
| Provider | Departs | Duration | Arrives | Transfers | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 785 Pacific Surfliner | 7:13 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h43 | 9:56 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| Wednesday, August 5 | |||||
| 757 Pacific Surfliner | 5:13 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h43 | 7:56 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 761 Pacific Surfliner | 7:13 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h42 | 9:55 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 765 Pacific Surfliner | 9:13 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h31 | 11:44 AM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 14 Coast Starlight · 794 Pacific Surfliner | 9:51 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 9h06 | 6:57 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 1 transfer | |
| 14 Coast Starlight | 9:51 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h17 | 12:08 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 769 Pacific Surfliner | 11:13 AM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h33 | 1:46 PM Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA | 0 transfersDirect | |
| 777 Pacific Surfliner | 3:13 PM Union Station, Los Angeles, CA | 2h32 | 5:45 PM Santa Barbara Station, 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 Union Station, Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA by train or bus
Compare train and bus 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.
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Journey information
Overview: Train from Union Station, Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
USAUSA
Trains from Union Station, Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA run on average 8 times per day, taking around 2h 36m. Cheap train tickets for this journey start at $28 but you can travel from only $18 by bus.
There are 6 trains per day. The earliest train runs at 02:13, the last at 23:13. The fastest train covers the 86 miles (140 km) distance in 2h 23m.
Distance 86 miles (140 km) |
Average train duration 2h 36m |
Cheapest ticket price $28 |
Trains per day 8 |
Direct trains 6 |
Fastest train 2h 23m |
First train 2:13 AM |
Last train 11:13 PM |
Cheapest Month Oct |
Cheapest Day Sat |
High Season Oct - Dec |
Low Season Apr - Jun |
Busiest Day Sat |
Least Busy Day Sun |
Train companies: Amtrak, Seajets from Union Station, Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA trainsAmtrak, Seajets trains will get you between Union Station, Los Angeles, CA and Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA from $18. With over 1000 travel companies on Omio, you can find the best train times and tickets for your trip.
Amtrak
Seajets
Traveling by train from Union Station, CA to Santa Barbara Station, CA
The train connection between Union Station in Los Angeles, CA, and Santa Barbara Station in Santa Barbara, CA, is a convenient and scenic option for travelers. Operated by Amtrak, this route offers comfortable seating and beautiful views of the California coastline along the way. With multiple departures throughout the day, passengers can easily plan their journey to enjoy all that Santa Barbara has to offer.
Train Connection: Union Station, CA to Santa Barbara Station, CA
The train connection from Union Station in California to Santa Barbara Station takes approximately 2 hours and 15 minutes. There is 1 direct connection available per day, making it a convenient option for travelers looking to explore the beautiful coastal city of Santa Barbara.
Union Station, CA to Santa Barbara Station, CA
The first daily train departs from Union Station at 14:13 and the last journey of the day leaves Santa Barbara Station at 22:13. This schedule allows travelers ample time to explore both cities while enjoying a scenic ride along California's coastline.
Train Tickets Price from Union Station, CA to Santa Barbara Station, CA
The cheapest ticket price for a train journey between Union Station and Santa Barbara is $29 (26.1€). This fare offers an affordable option for travelers looking to explore the beautiful coastal city of Santa Barbara while enjoying scenic views along the way.
Exploring Santa Barbara: A Journey Through History and Beauty
Welcome to the Santa Barbara Mission, founded in 1786 as one of California's original 21 missions. This historic site is significant not only for its beautiful architecture but also for its role in spreading Christianity and agriculture among Native American populations during Spanish colonization. Unique features include the stunning gardens filled with native plants and a museum that showcases artifacts from both indigenous cultures and early missionary life.
Next, we arrive at Stearns Wharf, which dates back to 1872 when it was built by businessman J.C. Stearns as a shipping dock for goods like oil and fish. Its significance lies in being the oldest wharf still standing on the West Coast, serving as a vibrant hub for fishing activities while offering breathtaking views of the coastline. What makes this landmark truly special are its charming shops, restaurants featuring fresh seafood, and an aquarium where you can learn about local marine life.
Finally, let’s explore the Santa Barbara Courthouse—an architectural gem completed in 1929 that reflects Spanish-Moorish design influences prevalent throughout Southern California. The courthouse holds great historical importance as it symbolizes civic pride; it's often regarded as one of America’s most beautiful public buildings due to its intricate tile work and lush gardens surrounding it. Don’t miss climbing up to El Mirador tower—the panoramic view from here captures all of Santa Barbara's coastal beauty!
FAQs: Trains from Union Station, Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
Find answers to the most common questions about traveling from Union Station, Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara Station, 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 Station, Santa Barbara, CA, this guide helps you travel smarter and with confidence.
popular train stations
Popular train stations from Union Station, Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
Most Union Station, Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA trains use the Union Station to Santa Barbara Station station pair. Use this guide to compare Union Station, Los Angeles, CA and Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA train stations on this route, check city-centre transport, alongside checking practicalities like train station facilities and services.
Getting to Union Station from Los Angeles city centre
Union Station train station facilities and services
Union Station has practical services for this route, including Wifi, Lockers, Parking, Dining, ATM, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Shower, Lounge, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: Traxx Restaurant, Union Station Cafe, Philippe The Original
Wi-Fi and ATMs
Free. ATMs are available in the train station.
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Union Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Union Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Union Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Union Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Car Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Union Station: Elevators, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include DoubleTree by Hilton Los Angeles Downtown, Miyako Hotel Los Angeles, Omni Los Angeles Hotel at California Plaza.
Getting to Santa Barbara Station from Santa Barbara city centre
Santa Barbara Station train station facilities and services
Santa Barbara Station has practical services for this route, including Lockers, Parking, Dining, Taxis, Accessibility, WC, Hotel, Lost and Found Office, Ticket Office, Bike Parking, Bike Rental, Information Desk, and Luggage Carts.
Food and drink
Food options include: The Lark, Santo Mezcal
Tickets and information
Ticket office support is available at Santa Barbara Station. Information desks are located in the main hall.
Luggage and lost property
Luggage storage is available at Santa Barbara Station. Lost and found is available at the station.
Parking, taxis and toilets
Available at Santa Barbara Station: Parking, Taxis, WC.
Bike and car services
Available at Santa Barbara Station: Bike Parking, Bike Rental.
Accessibility
Accessibility facilities are available at Santa Barbara Station: Ramps, restrooms.
Shops, hotels and contact
Nearby hotels include Hotel Californian, Harbor View Inn, Hotel Milo Santa Barbara.
Most popular train connections from Union Station, Los Angeles, CA
More options for your journey from Union Station, Los Angeles, CA to Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
Here are some other resources that might have the information you need
Most popular trains to and from Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA and Union Station, Los Angeles, CA
Most popular train connections to Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA
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