Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price take the bus with prices starting from €16. 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 bus costs an average of €16, and a train costs an average of €32.
Distance: 119 miles (192 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus |
|---|---|
€35 Average price | €28 Average price Cheapest |
4h 34m Average total duration 4h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 4h 30m Average total duration Fastest 4h 0m Onboard + 30m Additional time* |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train company | ![]() Most popular bus company |
Direct Options | Direct Options |
Additional time: Average total travel duration to departure point, security checks and transfers.
Travel optionsfrom Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
How to get from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA by train, bus or flight.
Our recommendation
The best way to travel from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is by taking a train because it’s the best combination of price and speed.
769 Pacific SurflinerCheapest
769 Pacific SurflinerFastest
777 Pacific SurflinerOther options
769 Pacific Surfliner
765 Pacific Surfliner
765 Pacific SurflinerFind all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .
Compare prices and tickets Prices for trains, buses and flights
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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FAQs: Travel from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Travel to Santa Barbara, CA easily. Whether you want fast, cheap or something entirely different, our travel experts have collected everything you need to know so you can find the best option from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.

This is compared to other travel options from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
A bus is $19 (€15) less than a train for this route with tickets for a train from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $40 (€32).
Other travel options to Santa Barbara, CA take longer:
Train takes on average 4h 1m.
- Around 14 trains per day.
- Around 4 buses per day.
However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Irvine, CA and Santa Barbara, CA as scheduled services by train and bus can vary by season or day of the week.
- Trains mostly depart from Irvine Transportation Center, Irvine, CA and arrive in Santa Barbara Station, Santa Barbara, CA.
- Buses mostly depart from Santa Ana, E Santa Ana Blvd (Train Station) and arrive in Santa Barbara, Bus station.
- Travel with FlixBus to go to Santa Barbara, CA by bus.
- Travel with Amtrak, Metrolink Trains to go to Santa Barbara, CA by train.
Travelling from Irvine, CA to Santa Barbara, CA: related information
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