Travel Information
Compare train and bus for Santa Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
Omio recommends booking the train as it is the most popular option from Santa Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA among Omio's users. If you are prioritising price, take the train, with an average ticket price of $42 For those with little time, consider booking a train, which has an average total journey time of 4h 20m. If you are seeking to minimise your carbon footprint, the train is your best option, with estimated CO2 emissions of 0.1 - 0.2kg. Average ticket prices depend on the travel mode: a train costs an average of $42, while a bus costs an average of $57.
Distance: 114 miles (185 km)
Compare train with
Most popular Train | Bus | Driving |
|---|---|---|
$42 Average price Cheapest | $57 Average price | $27 Average price (fuel + tolls) |
4h 20m Average total duration Fastest 3h 50m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 5h 34m Average total duration 5h 4m Onboard + 30m Additional time* | 2h 29m Average total duration (door-to-door) |
0.1 - 0.2kg CO2 emissions Lowest | 0.2 - 0.5kg CO2 emissions | - CO2 emissions |
![]() Most popular train 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 Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
A train is $15 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Santa Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $57.
Other travel options to Santa Barbara, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 34m.
Tickets start at around $42 compared to roughly $27 in fuel and tolls — a saving of about $-14.54. The journey takes 3h 50m versus 2h 29m 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.
Travel optionsfrom Santa Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA
How to get from Santa Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA by train, bus or flight.
Our recommendation
The best way to travel from Santa Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA is by taking a train because it’s the best combination of price and speed.
2:04 AM3h52Santa Ana, CA5:56 AMSanta Barbara, CA$401One-way0 transfers
Cheapest
2:04 AM3h52Santa Ana, CA5:56 AMSanta Barbara, CA$401One-way0 transfers
Fastest
2:04 AM3h52Santa Ana, CA5:56 AMSanta Barbara, CA$401One-way0 transfers
Other options
1:04 AM3h52Santa Ana, CA4:56 AMSanta Barbara, CA$421One-way0 transfers
Find all the dates and times for this journey by train, bus, flight, and ferry .
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FAQs: Travel from Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA.

This is compared to other travel options from Santa Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA:
A train is $15 less than a bus for this route with tickets for a bus from Santa Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA costing on average $57.
Other travel options to Santa Barbara, CA take longer:
Bus takes on average 5h 34m.
- Around 11 trains per day.
- Around 1 buses per day.
However, we recommend checking specific travel dates for your route between Santa Ana, 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 Santa Ana Station, Santa Ana, 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 Greyhound to go to Santa Barbara, CA by bus.
- Travel with Amtrak to go to Santa Barbara, CA by train.
- 9 direct trains per day with Amtrak.
Travelling from Santa Ana, CA to Santa Barbara, CA: related information
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